Bhalla was previously senior business director at Ogilvy Advertising's Mumbai office.
The appointment follows the exit of Ajay Kakar, the previous country head of Ogilvy PR. Kakar joined Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Enterprises Group.
John Goodman, chief executive officer, Ogilvy India and South Asia, said: "Our business model is different from other PR firms in India, which focus more on media relations. Ours is more of a creative approach. (Meenakshi) comes from an advertising background, so we feel this role exchange will enable our team to have hands-on experience in various disciplines and enable them to deliver 360 degree communication solutions."
On her agenda, Bhalla said, "The clear way forward is to grow the Ogilvy PR discipline and to get the right talent on board. Key to this will be nurturing talent and ensuring that people grow within."
Ogilvy PR earlier announced the hire of ex-Ipan GM Meenu Handa for the country head role, but Handa instead joined Microsoft India as director of corporate communications.
Ogilvy veteran Bhalla moves to PR
Ogilvy Advertising veteran Meenakshi Bhalla, who has been with the agency for 14 years, has been named country head for Ogilvy Public Relations' Indian operations.