In-house internal communications specialists working in the insurance and banking sectors are among the latest new fellows announced by the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC).

Four individuals have been awarded fellowships by the Institute, in recognition of “their exemplary achievements and contributions to internal communication”.

Bhanu Prakash Allamsetty, vice president and head of internal communications, First Abu Dhabi Bank; Amy Devlin, head of internal communication, Canada Life UK; Emma Turner, internal communications consultant; and Paul Santamaria, director, pH Communication, have all become IoIC fellows.

The four individuals have demonstrated “innovation, influence, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of internal communication”.

They join more than 80 existing fellows, which include in-house practitioners at organisations ranging from Currys and Santander to Shell and Amnesty International.

Fellowships are granted to those whose “expertise, leadership and dedication have advanced excellence within the profession” according to the Institute. 

Commenting on the latest fellowships, which were awarded late last month, Suzanne Peck, president emeritus and chair of the IoIC Fellowship Board, said: “It’s been a pleasure to recognise such exceptional Fellows in this round of assessment. Each has demonstrated great impact, exceptional comms leadership and a sustained commitment and contribution to our profession.”

She added: “We’re looking forward to collaborating with them, and our prestigious community of Fellows, to contributing together, to shaping our industry.”

One of the new fellows, Allamsetty, told In.Comms: “I feel honoured to receive this recognition. It also reminds me of my responsibilities to drive the industry in the right direction; always insist on the highest standards and help shape the future of internal communication." 

The new fellows in more detail

Bhanu Prakash Allamsetty, vice president and head of internal communications, First Abu Dhabi Bank

Allamsetty has more than 15 years’ experience in internal communications, in a career that has encompassed roles at Amazon, HSBC, and AXA Business Services. As head of MENA operations internal communications at Amazon he was responsible for keeping tens of thousands of employees informed and engaged across the Middle East and North Africa region.

His career has “spanned different continents and challenges” according to an IoIC spokesperson. “His active contribution to building an IC community, and positivity and expertise in shaping IC to be a catalyst for cultural transformation and employee engagement in the organisations where he has worked was impressive,” they said.

Amy Devlin, head of internal communication, Canada Life UK

Her LinkedIn profile describes her passion for “enabling people to thrive at work through human-centric communications and employee experience”. Prior to joining Canada Life, Devlin was global IC lead at global tech consultancy Thoughtworks. She has also held IC roles at organisations such as Wandle Housing Association and TotalEnergies.

“I am delighted to be joining the Fellowship community at the IoIC," she said. "I have been involved with the IoIC at every level of my career, so it is a privilege to hold this position, and I look forward to working together to help shape the future of our industry.”

An IoIC spokesperson said: “Amy's proven 20-year+ track record as a trusted comms adviser in the senior roles she has held in global organisations is testament to her expertise in people-centred communications.” They added: “She has created the conditions for success by building confidence, trust and in leading comms with purpose.”

Emma Turner, internal communications and engagement consultant

Turner has worked in comms for more than 20 years. She is “passionate about helping leaders and employees connect through creative internal comms that bring strategies and values to life and deliver positive outcomes for businesses and their people.” Past roles include head of internal communication at Lloyd's Register and communications manager at Centrica Energy.

An IoIC spokesperson commented: “Emma has led communications to support global organisational change for over 20 years and demonstrated to the panel how she works collaboratively to help leaders to better connect with employees.” They added: “Her commitment and work brings strategies and values to life, and delivers positive outcomes.”

Paul Santamaria, director, pH Communication

Santamaria describes himself as an “experienced internal communication and change communication specialist”, on his LinkedIn profile. He has worked in comms for more than 25 years, in consultancy, interim positions and in-house as head of internal communication at Thames Water. His past clients range from Barclays, BP and EE to WHSmith and the Environment Agency.
He said: "I am deeply honoured to have been awarded a Fellowship by the Institute. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also highlights the significance of effective communication in contributing to organisational success. To be acknowledged inspires me to continue championing the work of the Institute and the importance of continuing to set standards, and work with my fellow professionals to deliver excellence, transparency and engagement in everything I do.”

Santamaria has an “impressive blend” of experience and has “demonstrated the ways that he is actively shaping comms strategy to deliver real business impact”, an IoIC spokesperson said. “He's an IC advocate and trusted advisor with evidence of how he is contributing to organisational success.”