IOCL Ties Up with MICA to Train Managers in Strategic Communication and Brand Leadership

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has partnered with MICA, Ahmedabad, to roll out a specialised management development programme aimed at strengthening strategic communication and brand leadership among its managerial workforce. The programme, titled Brand Masters, is being conducted at MICA’s Ahmedabad campus and targets the changing communication demands of large energy organisations operating in a highly scrutinised public environment.

The first batch of the five-day residential programme began this week, with a second batch scheduled over the coming weeks. Designed specifically for IOCL managers, the initiative responds to growing expectations around transparency, stakeholder engagement and reputation management in the energy sector, particularly in the context of digital platforms and regulatory oversight.

Unlike conventional marketing-focused courses, Brand Masters places emphasis on corporate communication, crisis preparedness, digital storytelling and purpose-driven branding. The curriculum also addresses sector-specific concerns such as ESG communication, regulatory sensitivity, digital transformation and managing trust in high-impact operational settings.

The programme draws on MICA’s academic expertise in strategic communication while integrating IOCL’s operational realities and public-sector responsibilities. Faculty-led sessions explore campaign design, media relations, internal branding and communication evaluation, supported by hands-on workshops in public speaking, video storytelling and marketing brief development.

A significant component of the programme focuses on internal communication and employee engagement, recognising the role of employees as key brand representatives. Sessions on internal storytelling, safety communication and organisational alignment aim to ensure consistency between IOCL’s stated values and everyday practices.

The programme concludes with dedicated sessions led by IOCL’s in-house communication experts, providing participants with insights into the organisation’s corporate communication policies and standards. This industry integration is intended to translate learning outcomes into actionable strategies aligned with IOCL’s institutional framework.

As India’s energy landscape continues to evolve, the initiative underscores IOCL’s effort to build communication leadership capacity within the organisation, equipping managers to engage credibly with diverse stakeholders and navigate increasingly complex public narratives.