Niira Radia shuts down PR business

Niira Radia, who was embroiled in a scandal that involved controversial telephone conversations with politicians, bureaucrats, industrialists and mediapersons, has closed down her public relations company, severing ties with the Tata Group and Mukesh Ambani-led RIL, her biggest clients. HT reports.

Niira Radia, the high profile corporate lobbyist, who was embroiled in a scandal that involved controversial telephone conversations with politicians, bureaucrats, industrialists and mediapersons, has closed down her public relations company, severing ties with the Tata Group and Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), her biggest clients.

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Radia, who allegedly tried to influence jailed communications minister A Raja in the 2G spectrum allocation scam, cited health and personal reasons as she bid a sudden goodbye on Sunday, shutting down her 10-year-old firm, Vaishnavi Corporate Communications Private Limited (VCCPL).

The Tata Group immediately appointed Anil Nanda-led Rediffusion to manage public relations and public affairs of its companies.

"To give precedence to my personal priorities of family and health, I have decided against renewing any client mandates and to exit the business of communications consultancy," said Radia, who was also chairperson of the Vaishnavi Group.

She said her "painful" decision was taken "after much consideration and consultations with my family, doctors, clients and colleagues."

Tata Sons chairman Ratan N Tata, who had moved the Supreme Court, saying the disclosure of her telephonic conversations with him had violated his right to privacy, said VCCPL had "contributed significantly" to the building of the Tata brand.

"Their engagement with the Group has been ethical and satisfactory," Tata said in a statement.

RIL expressed regret about Radia's decision to close down VCCPL.

"We have enjoyed a professional and fulfilling relationship with Radia and her team over the last three years. Radia's commitment has been very impressive and she has always led her team in a manner that tactical developments did not lead to a de-focus on the strategic issues," RIL said in a statement.

Radia did not give out details about the severance package handed out to VCCPL employees. But insiders said that about 30 senior and mid-level executives will be absorbed in various RIL and Tata Group companies.