Sharif D. Rangnekar

A communications consultant and former journalist, Sharif D. Rangnekar uses every possible platform - talks, writing and music - to advocate change and garner support for the LGBTQ community. He is the frontman of Friends of Linger, a band that is credited with India’s first dedication to the gay community - ‘Head Held High’. He curates the platform ‘Embrace: Music Justice Arts’, which blends art with social justice.

He held senior positions at The Economic Times and The Pioneer, before leading Integral PR as its CEO and later as its chairman. He was named PR Professional of The Year 2013 by IPRCCA. Sharif provides counsel in the area of diversity and inclusion in workplace, specific to the LGBTQ community. He is also associated with Open For Business, a global forum that promotes such policies.