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Rajesh Kumar
ET Tech CMO of the Year 2021 - Forrester SiriusDecisions Asia Pacific ROI Honours winner 2020 - B2B GTM Strategist - Start-ups - Non-Profit Board Advisor
Professional Background
Rajesh Kumar is a seasoned professional in the technology industry, specializing in B2B marketing and channel ecosystem strategies. His extensive career has spanned various roles across brand management, demand generation, communication, and media, with valuable experience gained at both field and regional headquarters levels in large multinationals as well as mid-sized local organizations and startups. Over the years, Rajesh has demonstrated remarkable innovation and adaptability, especially in emerging market entry, incubation, and early growth scenarios, alongside his experience in bootstrapped environments.
Most notably, in his recent assignment, Rajesh successfully built a regional marketing function from the ground up for a hyper-growth startup. This has been a transformative journey that has provided him with profound learning experiences, both individually and organizationally. Furthermore, prior to this role, he has led significant digital marketing transformations at the Asia Pacific level, further solidifying his expertise in driving digital initiatives in fast-paced environments.
Throughout his career, Rajesh has shown a strong passion for leadership and management. He actively drives change and focuses on achieving profitable sales and marketing outcomes, skillfully managing complexity with cross-functional teams from diverse cultural backgrounds. His approach to leadership emphasizes the importance of hiring the right talent and nurturing their growth, a commitment that continues even after they transition to new challenges.
Education and Achievements
Rajesh's academic foundation is grounded in a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Kurukshetra, complemented by an MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta. Recognizing the imperative to stay ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape, Rajesh has pursued additional executive programs on Leadership, Change, and Digital from renowned institutions including Wharton, Harvard, and the Indian School of Business. This ongoing commitment to professional development reflects his dedication to leveraging innovative strategies to drive business success.
In addition to his educational background, Rajesh actively engages in marketing communities and industry bodies. He frequently contributes his thoughts as a speaker, blogger, and visiting faculty member at various business schools, sharing insights from his wealth of experience. Currently, he serves on the India Board for The Marketing Society (UK), where he collaborates with other industry leaders to promote excellence in marketing practices.
Additionally, Rajesh holds a position on the Governing Body for the Digital Marketing Association (DMA) Asia, where he contributes to shaping the future of digital marketing in the region. His involvement in these organizations underscores his authority in the field and exemplifies his commitment to the advancement of marketing excellence.
Community Involvement and Personal Interests
Outside of his professional obligations, Rajesh is deeply committed to social causes, particularly women empowerment and care for the elderly. He devotes his time to serve on the Board of Advisors for the BD Foundation and provides pro bono advisory support to social entrepreneurs, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact in society.
Rajesh's interests extend beyond the business realm. When not at work, he enjoys culinary experiences, mixology, photography, reading, painting, and traveling. He is also known for his inquisitive nature and enjoys tinkering with various projects, continually exploring new ideas and passions.
Currently residing in New Delhi, Rajesh is always keen to connect with fellow professionals and like-minded individuals, and the best way to reach him for networking opportunities or collaborations is through LinkedIn.
Achievements
- Successfully built regional marketing functions from scratch for a hyper-growth startup
- Led digital marketing transformation initiatives at an Asia Pacific level
- Engaged speaker and blogger sharing insights in B2B marketing and digital strategies
- Actively contributes to marketing communities and industry bodies, serving on important boards such as The Marketing Society (UK) and DMA Asia
- Ongoing commitment to mentoring colleagues and fostering professional growth
- Advocates for women empowerment and elderly care, contributing his time for pro bono opportunities.
