Sheeraz Gulsher cut his teeth at Kallaway, Hope&Glory and Rewired before joining his current employer, PrettyGreen.
Take me back to the PRWeek 2020 winners page
The usual measures of success stack up. As a young PR professional, Gulsher has worked with global and domestic clients including Airbnb, American Express, Argos, LinkedIn, Pokémon and Snapchat; and on campaigns including the launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo, which beat video games sales records, and Snapchat’s partnership with the Bank of England, which secured 500 pieces of coverage and significantly increased downloads and usage of the app.
However, it is perhaps Gulsher's passion to make a difference in diversity and inclusion areas that make him stand out further from the other contenders here. With his brother, Gulsher launched People Like Us, an initiative that champions BAME media and marcomms professionals. He also spearheads PrettyGreen’s diversity initiative, overseeing partnerships with the Taylor Bennett Foundation, Brixton Finishing School and Making the Leap. His stated mission is to give those from an underrepresented background an opportunity to work in our industry.
So, while standout business successes like helping to convert five clients at Hope&Glory and contributing a third of PrettyGreen’s new business target by personally securing Snapchat on a retained basis highlight Gulsher's prowess in business terms, it is perhaps his commitment not only to his employer, but to improving the industry, that has clinched this award.
Judge's comment
Extraordinary commitment to driving up diversity in the sector, coupled with hugely impressive results in the day job.
Highly commended
Shiryn Sayani The Bar Council
According to her employer of just over a year, Sayani has exceeded all expectations and been quickly promoted. She is a top adviser to the Chair of the Bar Council, as well as the senior management team; the brains behind the organisation’s most successful campaigns; and has taken a small professional body and made it visible across its membership, the press and the public. Sayani 'takes a strategic, revolutionary approach to the organisation’s communications which go beyond her role and her years'.
Shortlisted
Indigo Le Fèvre The Romans
Naomi Kombe Direct Line Group
Niamh Griffin WE Communications
