Top 100 -Rising Stars Transforming the Future of Partnerships and Alliances (Part 2)

Continuing our journey through the Top 100: Rising Stars Transforming the Future of Partnerships and Alliances, Part 2 showcases the next wave of visionary leaders who are redefining collaboration, driving innovation, and shaping the future of strategic alliances across industries.”

Partnerships and alliances play a key role in business growth, helping companies expand, innovate, and stay competitive. From startups to large enterprises, businesses collaborate to strengthen their capabilities and explore new opportunities. The leaders behind these partnerships bring vision, strategy, and strong relationship-building skills to create meaningful collaborations. They don’t just negotiate deals—they understand market trends, connect the right partners, and drive long-term success. In this feature, we highlight 50 outstanding professionals in India who are shaping the future of partnerships and alliances, driving business growth and industry transformation.

• Abhijeet Dash (D2C Head, Fixderma): Abhijeet Dash, D2C Head at Fixderma, is a marketing strategist driving growth through performance marketing and data-driven insights. With expertise across transportation, health, and personal care industries, he excels in strategic planning and customer engagement. His leadership in the D2C space has been instrumental in expanding Fixderma’s consumer reach. 

• Jagdish Jhanwar (Founder, Oilcure): Jagdish Jhanwar, the visionary behind Oilcure, is revolutionizing wellness with pure, therapeutic-grade oils. His brand blends ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science to deliver natural health solutions. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, Oilcure is making holistic healing accessible. Under his leadership, the brand is carving a niche in the booming wellness industry.

• Devang Dalal (Director, Bianca Home): A fourth-generation entrepreneur and Chartered Accountant, Devang Dalal has played a pivotal role in transforming Bianca Home into a leading name in India’s home textile industry. With over 15 years of experience, he has driven innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth, reviving the brand’s domestic vertical from heavy losses to market leadership. His journey of resilience, adaptability, and leadership continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs in the space.

• Jehangir Alam (Marketing – Partnership & Affiliate, Klook): Jehangir Alam, a dynamic force in marketing partnerships and affiliate growth at Klook, is shaping the future of travel experiences with strategic collaborations. With a keen eye for innovation, he drives brand visibility and customer engagement across global markets. His expertise in performance marketing and alliances positions him as a rising star in the industry. As travel evolves, Jehangir continues to redefine brand connections, making seamless experiences accessible worldwide.

• Ram Rattan Suthar (Sr. Manager Digital Marketing, Bakingo): A digital marketing specialist with a knack for partnerships, Ram Rattan Suthar blends data-driven strategies with meaningful alliances to accelerate Bakingo’s growth. His campaigns ensure that the brand remains a top choice in India’s competitive online bakery space.

• Bhavesh Sharma (Marketing Manager, Eatsure): At EatSure, Bhavesh Sharma blends marketing innovation with brand partnerships to elevate customer engagement. His strategies revolve around creating meaningful alliances that boost brand recall and loyalty in India’s evolving food delivery ecosystem.

• Manish Modi (Director Office, Chinese Wok): Manish Modi’s leadership in the Food and Beverages industry extends to building strategic alliances that contribute to Chinese Wok’s expansion. His ability to drive impactful brand collaborations has been key in establishing a strong market presence.

• Manish Buttan (Sr. Marketing Manager, Ambrane): With a knack for executing game-changing marketing strategies, Manish Buttan has been a driving force behind Ambrane’s expansion in the Indian market. His expertise in partnership marketing and digital alliances has enabled the brand to scale new heights, ensuring Ambrane stays ahead in the fiercely competitive accessories segment.

• Ravi Sharma (Retention Marketing, Innovist): Ravi Sharma, a rising star in retention marketing at Innovist, is redefining customer loyalty with data-driven strategies. With a keen eye on consumer behavior, he crafts personalized engagement plans that boost brand stickiness. His expertise in lifecycle marketing and retention analytics has significantly elevated Innovist’s customer experience. As a dynamic marketer, Ravi is shaping the future of brand-consumer relationships with innovation at its core.

• Prakul Dhir (Founder & Director, Infire): Prakul Dhir, Founder & Director of Infire, is a dynamic entrepreneur shaping the future of branding and marketing. With a keen eye for innovation, he crafts compelling brand narratives that drive engagement and impact. Under his leadership, Infire is emerging as a powerhouse in the industry, redefining market strategies. A rising star in the branding space, Prakul continues to push creative boundaries with his visionary approach.

• Arun Gowda (Brand Alliance Manager, Crossbeats): At the forefront of brand collaborations, Arun plays a key role in strengthening Crossbeats’ market positioning through impactful partnerships. His expertise in aligning brand synergies has helped Crossbeats carve a niche in India’s competitive smart wearables and audio tech industry, fostering collaborations that enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement.

• Mit Thakkar (D2C Head, R For Rabbit): Leading the D2C strategy at R For Rabbit, Mit Thakkar is redefining how parenting brands connect with consumers. His expertise in digital strategies, e-commerce, and consumer engagement accelerates the brand’s direct-to-consumer growth. Focused on innovation, he ensures a seamless shopping experience for modern parents while driving business expansion.

• Omar Srivastava (Co-Founder, Wingreens): As a co-founder of Wingreens, Omar Srivastava has been instrumental in revolutionizing India’s packaged food space. His vision for sustainable and innovative food solutions has propelled Wingreens into a leading FMCG brand. With a strong focus on consumer preferences and retail expansion, he continues to drive the brand’s success story.

• Abhinav Srijan (D2C Lead, Ugaoo): At the forefront of Ugaoo’s direct-to-consumer expansion, Abhinav Srijan is making gardening more accessible and aspirational. His focus on e-commerce growth, consumer experience, and digital branding has helped Ugaoo build a strong market presence. With data-driven strategies, he is transforming the brand into a lifestyle movement for plant lovers.

• Karan Bansal (Additional Director, Recode Studios): A rising leader in India’s beauty industry, Karan Bansal is shaping Recode Studios with fresh marketing strategies and trend-driven insights. His deep understanding of consumer behavior and branding has fueled the brand’s expansion. With a keen eye on market trends, he continues to position Recode Studios as a disruptive force in the cosmetics sector.

• Parima Goel (Senior Manager Marketing, Daily Objects): A seasoned marketing strategist, Parima Goel is redefining brand engagement at Daily Objects with compelling campaigns and innovative digital storytelling. Her expertise spans consumer insights, social media dynamics, and performance-driven marketing, helping the brand carve a strong identity in the lifestyle accessories space. With a keen eye for trends, she continues to drive impactful narratives that resonate with modern consumers.

• Mandar Pinjarkar (Head of Business Development, Multia): Mandar Pinjarkar is a growth-focused business leader steering strategic partnerships and revenue expansion at Multia. His deep understanding of market trends, coupled with his ability to forge impactful collaborations, has been instrumental in positioning Multia as a key player in the digital experience sector. With a results-driven approach, he continues to drive business innovation and brand scalability.

• Anubhuti Dubey (Head of growth, Petstrong): Anubhuti Dubey is shaping PetStrong’s brand narrative with a strategic and entrepreneurial mindset. As Head of Growth, she leads content planning and strategy, crafting engaging experiences for pet parents. Her vision aligns with PetStrong’s mission to enhance the quality of life for pets in India. With a dynamic approach, she is driving impactful brand storytelling in the pet care industry.

• Ajinkya Khobragade (Marketing & Alliance’s Manager, Mirraw): As Marketing & Alliances Manager at Mirraw, Ajinkya Khobragade blends strategic marketing with partnerships to enhance brand visibility. His expertise in digital marketing and alliances drives customer engagement and sales growth. Passionate about branding, he plays a crucial role in expanding Mirraw’s market footprint.

• Rahul Maheshwari (Growth Marketer – D2C, Salty): A dynamic growth marketer at Salty, Rahul Maheshwari is reshaping D2C strategies with data-driven insights and precision. His expertise in performance marketing accelerates brand scaling and customer acquisition. Focused on innovation, he continuously refines strategies to drive long-term brand success.

• Princy Sharma (Brand Growth Manager, Winston Electronics): With a keen eye for brand growth and a passion for innovation, Princy Sharma is shaping the future of Winston Electronics. As a Brand Growth Manager, she drives impactful strategies that elevate the brand’s market presence. Her expertise in consumer insights and digital trends fuels Winston’s expansion in the competitive electronics space. A rising star in branding, Princy’s dynamic approach sets her apart in the industry.

• Bhavna Singla (Marketing Alliances, Watcho): Bhavna Singla, a dynamic force in marketing alliances at Watcho, is shaping the future of brand collaborations in the OTT space. With a keen eye for strategic partnerships, she drives innovative campaigns that enhance audience engagement. Her expertise in brand storytelling and digital expansion sets her apart in the fast-evolving entertainment landscape. As a rising star, Bhavna continues to push boundaries, making a lasting impact in the industry.

• Sagar Deolekar (Brand Manager, ORRA): As Brand Manager at ORRA, Sagar Deolekar is redefining how luxury jewelry connects with modern consumers. His strategic approach to branding, storytelling, and consumer engagement has strengthened ORRA’s presence in the premium jewelry market. With a focus on innovation and market trends, he ensures that ORRA remains a leader in luxury retail.

• Aditya Khanna (Co-Founder, Assembly Luggage): A visionary entrepreneur, Aditya Khanna is revolutionizing the way people travel with Assembly Luggage. As a co-founder, he has successfully built a brand that combines functionality with aesthetics, offering premium travel gear for modern explorers. His passion for quality and innovation is reshaping the travel accessories space, making Assembly Luggage a sought-after brand.

• Punit Chauhan (Digital Marketing Executive, TNW): In the highly competitive digital space, Punit Chauhan is leading TNW’s online marketing strategies with a results-driven approach. As a digital marketing executive, he specializes in SEO, content strategy, and brand positioning, ensuring TNW’s skincare solutions reach a wider audience. His expertise in performance marketing is helping the brand strengthen its digital footprint and customer loyalty.

• Umang Panchal (Head Marketing & sales, The Great Escape): Umang Panchal is revolutionizing adventure tourism with his strategic marketing and sales expertise at The Great Escape. Passionate about creating immersive travel experiences, he has strengthened the brand’s positioning in the experiential tourism space. His data-driven approach and customer-centric vision have helped drive engagement and brand loyalty. 

• Viraj Verma (Vice President Marketing, Sterling Holidays): An expert in brand storytelling, Viraj Verma is elevating Sterling Holidays’ presence in India’s hospitality sector. His strategic vision and creative campaigns have played a key role in shaping modern vacation experiences. With a deep understanding of consumer trends, he is driving digital transformation and customer engagement. 

• Anantya Rai (Marketing Executive, Crunch box): Anantya Rai is a dynamic marketing professional driving brand visibility and engagement at Crunch Box. With a keen eye for consumer trends and digital storytelling, she crafts compelling campaigns that elevate the brand’s presence. Her strategic approach to marketing blends creativity with data-driven insights, ensuring impactful outreach. As a rising star, Anantya is shaping Crunch Box’s narrative in the competitive F&B space.

• Sujata Adhikari (Assistant Marketing Manager, Bloom): Sujata Adhikari, Assistant Marketing Manager at Bloom, is a rising star in the brand strategy space, driving impactful campaigns with a data-driven approach. Her expertise in consumer insights and digital marketing fuels Bloom’s growing market presence. With a keen eye for trends and storytelling, she crafts compelling brand narratives. Sujata’s dynamic leadership is shaping Bloom into a standout player in the industry.

• Yash Ahuja (Junior Marketing Manager, Flixbus): A rising force in marketing, Yash Ahuja is redefining brand engagement at FlixBus with creative campaigns and digital innovations. His expertise in storytelling and customer-centric strategies enhances the company’s visibility in the mobility space. Passionate about growth, he brings a fresh perspective to brand positioning and outreach.

• Mamta Dubey (Senior Business Development Manager, Udyan Tea): Mamta Dubey, Senior Business Development Manager at Udyan Tea, is a rising force in the premium tea industry. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for brand growth, she has played a pivotal role in expanding Udyan Tea’s reach. Her strategic acumen and deep understanding of consumer preferences make her a standout leader in the D2C space.

• Janhavi Jaltare (Manager D2C Category, True Elements): Janhavi Jaltare, Manager D2C Category at True Elements, is a dynamic force driving the brand’s digital growth. With expertise in e-commerce strategies, she plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer experience and business performance. Her innovative approach to category management is shaping True Elements’ D2C journey. 

• Soumen Roy (IT & Sales Manager, Chowman): Soumen Roy, the dynamic IT & Sales Manager at Chowman, is a rising star in the brand’s growth story. With expertise in sales strategy and technology integration, he plays a crucial role in enhancing customer engagement. His innovative approach to digital solutions and operational efficiency drives Chowman’s expansion. A visionary in the F&B space, Soumen is shaping the future of brand-driven excellence.

• Kunaal Kumar (Managing Director, Modern Baazar): At the forefront of India’s premium grocery retail, Kunaal Kumar modernizes Modern Bazaar with digital expansion and innovative customer-centric strategies. His vision bridges the gap between traditional retail and evolving e-commerce trends.

• Amogh Kate (Marketing Lead, Truefitt & Hill): A brand storyteller in luxury grooming, Amogh Kate elevates Truefitt & Hill’s presence with refined marketing campaigns. His strategic insights and premium positioning reinforce the brand’s legacy in men’s grooming.

• Pratap Jain (Director & CEO, V Hunt Digital Media): A dynamic leader in digital marketing, Pratap Jain spearheads V Hunt Digital Media, delivering high-impact branding and performance-driven campaigns. His expertise helps businesses navigate the fast-changing digital landscape.

• Anurag Sharma (Head of Ecommerce, Care Smith): A growth-focused e-commerce strategist, Anurag Sharma strengthens Care Smith’s digital presence through innovative product positioning and seamless customer experience. His expertise in scaling online brands enhances market reach.

• Ashish Chouksey (Head of Strategic Partnership & Banking Alliances, Melorra): A strategic alliance expert, Ashish Chouksey bridges fintech and fashion at Melorra, making fine jewelry more accessible. His collaborations with banking partners drive affordability and brand expansion.

• Vicky Vishwas (Product Marketing Manager, Amkette): A tech-driven marketing professional, Vicky Vishwas plays a crucial role in Amkette’s product positioning. His innovative approach to product launches and digital engagement keeps the brand ahead in the competitive consumer tech space.

• Manish Anand (Head of E-commerce & Marketing, Happily Unmarried Marketing Pvt Ltd): A creative marketer, Manish Anand fuels Happily Unmarried E-commerce growth with quirky yet impactful campaigns. His ability to blend humor with branding makes the company’s marketing stand out in the lifestyle segment.

• Aparna Bhatnagar (Founder and CEO, Wise Mama): Aparna Bhatnagar is the visionary behind Wise Mama, a brand committed to providing healthy and nutritious food solutions for families. With a keen focus on natural ingredients and sustainability, she is redefining the way mothers choose food for their children. Under her leadership, Wise Mama has emerged as a trusted name in the wellness space. Aparna’s dedication to quality and innovation makes her a rising star in the industry.

• Bharat V. (Director – Strategic Partnerships, ISOMEDS): Bharat V., Director of Strategic Partnerships at ISOMEDS, is a rising star in the world of brand alliances. With a sharp eye for growth opportunities, he excels in forging impactful collaborations that drive business success. His expertise spans strategic networking, market expansion, and innovative partnerships. A dynamic leader, Bharat is redefining brand synergy in the healthcare and wellness space.

• Hoshima Batra (Social Media Marketing, Comic Con India): Hoshima Batra, a dynamic force in social media marketing at Comic Con India, is redefining fan engagement with innovative digital strategies. With a keen eye for trends and audience insights, she crafts compelling narratives that amplify brand presence. Her expertise in community-building and viral content has made her a standout in the pop culture space. A rising star in brand storytelling, she continues to push creative boundaries in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

• Ganesh Kamath (Co Founder/ CEO, Earthraga): As the Co-Founder and CEO of Earthraga, Ganesh Kamath is redefining sustainable beauty with a focus on natural, eco-friendly products. His vision blends traditional wisdom with modern innovation, making Earthraga a brand to watch. Passionate about conscious consumerism, he is building a legacy of authenticity and sustainability in the personal care industry.

• Yasmin Ikrami (Founder & CEO, JourneyLabel): Yasmin Ikrami is reshaping the way modern travelers experience style and comfort with JourneyLabel. Her brand blends elegance with practicality, offering thoughtfully designed apparel that caters to jet-setters and wanderers alike. With a passion for innovation and an eye for detail, she is carving a niche in the premium travel wear industry, making JourneyLabel a go-to brand for those who seek sophistication on the go.

• Nilesh Ahire (Founder, The Carriall Co.): Nilesh Ahire is redefining the concept of travel with The Carriall Co., India’s first smart luggage brand. By integrating cutting-edge technology with sleek, functional design, he is offering travelers an unparalleled experience in convenience and security. His vision goes beyond just luggage—Carriall is a statement of innovation, catering to the evolving needs of modern explorers.

• Vikas Diwaker (Deputy Manager, McDonald’s): At McDonald’s, Vikas Diwaker has been a key player in managing strategic alliances that enhance consumer convenience, including digital payment integrations, loyalty collaborations, and tech-driven customer engagement programs.

• Ashish Gupta (Senior Marketing Manager, Jubliant Foodworks Ltd.): With over nine years of expertise in growth marketing, Ashish Gupta has been instrumental in scaling D2C brands through a 360-degree digital strategy. Currently driving growth at Jubilant Foodworks, he has previously played a key role in expanding Chaayos and HealthKart. His proficiency spans organic and performance marketing, making him a rising star in the brand-building ecosystem.
• Sonakshi Verma (Senior Program Manager- Growth, Vedantu): Sonakshi Verma, Senior Program Manager – Growth at Vedantu, is a dynamic force in India’s edtech landscape. With a keen eye for scaling brands, she drives strategic growth initiatives, enhancing student engagement and market reach. Her expertise in digital transformation and performance marketing makes her a key player in shaping Vedantu’s success. A rising star in brand strategy, she exemplifies innovation in the ever-evolving education sector.
• Pratibha Pandey (Senior Marketing Manager, BeYoung): Pratibha Pandey, Senior Marketing Manager at BeYoung, is a dynamic force in brand building and digital strategy. With a keen eye for consumer trends, she has been instrumental in shaping BeYoung’s market presence. Her expertise spans performance marketing, campaign execution, and audience engagement. A rising star in the branding space, she continues to drive impactful growth for the brand.
• Biplav Das (Media & Performance Marketing Manager, Dot & Key): At the helm of Dot & Key’s media and performance marketing, Biplav Das orchestrates strategic ad campaigns across Meta, Google, and Amazon to fuel brand growth. With a sharp eye on consumer insights, he optimizes digital touchpoints, driving revenue and engagement. His expertise in CRM, CLM, and cross-platform collaborations cements his role as a rising star in brand acceleration.

Conclusion

The success of any business today depends not just on internal strengths but also on the right partnerships and alliances. The leaders we’ve highlighted have played a crucial role in driving collaboration, fostering innovation, and unlocking new opportunities for growth. Their expertise in building strong relationships and strategic partnerships continues to shape industries and redefine market dynamics. As businesses evolve, the role of partnership leaders will only become more significant, making them key drivers of sustainable success in the ever-changing business landscape.

 –Authored and edited by Sandhya Bharti, Deputy Editor, Indian Startup Times.

 Disclaimer

The selection process involves rigorous evaluation but is based on subjective criteria, which may lead to variations. Parameters include industry influence, reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. While comprehensive, assessments may not capture every aspect of a candidate’s profile. Selection does not imply endorsement or guaranteeing future performance. Feedback is welcomed for improvement.