CIPR International Celebrates Samantha Seewoosurrun’s Sir Stephen Tallents’ Medal
CIPR International is proud to celebrate Samantha Seewoosurrun Chart.PR, FCIPR, who has received the 2026 Sir Stephen Tallents’ Medal, one of the Institute’s highest honours. The CIPR has also awarded its 2026 President’s Medal to Rupert Younger, Director of the Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation. The two honours recognise different but equally valuable contributions to the profession.
For CIPR International, Samantha’s medal is especially meaningful. It celebrates seven years of dedicated service to the International Committee and a lasting contribution to building a stronger, more connected global CIPR community.
Founder and Managing Director of the PR and publishing agency Perpetual Motion, Samantha served for three years as Chair of CIPR International, from 2021 to 2024. She founded the CIPR International Network in Mauritius in 2019, establishing an important bridge between the Institute and practitioners in the country. Through this work, and her wider leadership of CIPR International, she has helped international members feel more visible, valued and connected within the CIPR.
Across her seven years of service to the Committee, Samantha has championed greater connection, representation and professional development for practitioners working beyond the UK. Her leadership has reinforced the principle at the heart of CIPR International: that geography should never limit a practitioner’s access to professional standards, lifelong learning, Chartership or an engaged global community.
Samantha’s thoughtful and sustained leadership has created stronger connections between practitioners across markets and demonstrated the value of ensuring that international voices are represented throughout the Institute. The network she founded in Mauritius remains an important part of that legacy, as does her instrumental advocacy for more inclusive membership payment options for international members.
Her contribution extends well beyond CIPR International. Samantha has served on the CIPR’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, acted as a judge for the CIPR Excellence Awards and represented members on the CIPR Council. She currently sits on the Institute’s Audit & Risk Committee and co-chairs the Council Working Group on Making the Case for Public Relations. She also received the CIPR Volunteer Recognition Award for Outstanding Long Service in both 2024 and 2026.
CIPR President Farzana Baduel Chart.PR, Hon FCIPR said Samantha had demonstrated sustained commitment to the Institute and played an important role in developing and upholding its presence in Mauritius.
“Samantha has continued to support the Institute and uphold its standing in an overseas market to ensure international members feel connected to the community.”
Reflecting on the honour, Samantha said:
“It is an incredible honour and a true privilege to receive the Sir Stephen Tallents’ Medal for exceptional achievement in PR practice. As PR professionals, we carry the pioneering spirit of Sir Stephen, as our founding President, and his career path led him to navigate challenges at both national and international levels. I believe that CIPR’s global community is one of its greatest strengths, where I am proud to be recognised for my contribution. At a time of transformational change for our industry, CIPR presents a unique opportunity for international professionals to update their knowledge, sharpen their skills and achieve Chartered Practitioner status to demonstrate their expertise, ethics and value in their local markets, while also bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to enrich the Institute and its discussions. I would like to dedicate this medal to the outstanding professionals from CIPR International and sincerely thank all my CIPR colleagues who have supported me on my journey.”
Taazima Kala Chart.PR, FCIPR, Chair of CIPR International, said:
“This is an incredibly proud moment for CIPR International. Samantha has given seven years of dedicated service to the CIPR International Committee, including three years at the helm as Chair. Her leadership created stronger connections between practitioners across markets and helped international members feel more visible, valued and engaged within the CIPR. Personally, she has shown tremendous guidance to me in this profession. Samantha continues to show what thoughtful, sustained international leadership can achieve, while continuing to contribute generously across the wider Institute. We are thrilled to see her service recognised with one of the CIPR’s highest honours.”
CIPR International warmly congratulates Samantha on this richly deserved honour.
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