Part 1: First 50 Winners
India’s consumer landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by dynamic brand leaders who are redefining marketing, partnerships, and growth strategies. From fast-scaling startups to established industry giants, these rising stars are leveraging data-driven insights, innovative collaborations, and digital-first strategies to build stronger consumer connections and accelerate brand success. Whether it’s driving rapid customer acquisition, enhancing brand storytelling, or forging game-changing alliances, their contributions are shaping the future of industries like beauty, fashion, fintech, mobility, and food-tech. This article spotlights some of the most promising brand leaders making a significant impact, setting new benchmarks for excellence, and steering India’s top brands toward a competitive and consumer-centric future.
Gaurang Purwar (Associate Director, Rapido): Gaurang Purwar, Associate Director at Rapido, is a dynamic force in user acquisition, demand generation, and strategic distribution. With expertise in affiliate business, loyalty catalogs, and PR-driven image building, he crafts impactful brand narratives. His keen market insights and agency relations have fueled Rapido’s growth in a competitive mobility landscape. A rising star in brand strategy, Gaurang continues to shape the future of urban transportation.
Aditya Mahajan (Sr. Category Manager, Jar): An expert in category management and strategic partnerships, Aditya Mahajan has played a crucial role in shaping Jar’s growth trajectory. With his deep understanding of fintech and digital financial solutions, he has successfully aligned the brand with key ecosystem players, ensuring seamless collaborations that drive customer adoption and loyalty.
Rohit Ranawat (Associate Director, Zepto): Rohit Ranawat, Associate Director at Zepto, is a rising star in India’s quick commerce revolution. With a sharp eye for brand strategy and execution, he plays a key role in Zepto’s rapid market expansion. His expertise in growth and operations fuels the company’s competitive edge. Ranawat’s leadership is shaping the future of ultra-fast delivery in India.
Apoorva Bajpai (Brand Partnership Manager, MyGlamm): Apoorva Bajpai has been instrumental in driving collaborations that blend beauty with lifestyle and digital-first experiences. As India’s D2C ecosystem expands, MyGlamm has successfully positioned itself as a brand that thrives on influencer-led commerce and community-driven marketing. Apoorva’s ability to craft partnerships that integrate MyGlamm into the everyday lives of its consumers has made her a force to reckon with in the industry.
Anadi Bajpai (Sr. Manager Strategic Partnership, Giva): In the world of jewelry and fashion, Anadi Bajpai has played a critical role in forging partnerships that elevate Giva’s brand presence. His strategic acumen has enabled the company to scale through innovative collaborations and marketplace expansions.
Shikar Bhandari (Partnership Manager, Pee Safe): A key force in strategic collaborations at Pee Safe, Shikhar Bhandari plays a crucial role in forming alliances that boost the brand’s mission of promoting hygiene and wellness. His partnership initiatives have significantly contributed to Pee Safe’s rapid market penetration and brand visibility.
Shiv Shukla (Manager – Loyalty & CRM, Bikanervala): With a deep understanding of customer retention and engagement, Shiv Shukla has been instrumental in driving Bikanervala’s loyalty programs. His expertise in CRM ensures the brand builds long-term relationships with its customers while leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance consumer experiences.
Abhilash Chintalwar (Sales Manager, Barbeque Nation): A master of sales-driven collaborations, Abhilash Chintalwar leverages partnerships to enhance Barbeque Nation’s reach and customer loyalty. His expertise in strategic tie-ups with brands and corporate clients has strengthened the brand’s position in the Food and Beverages sector.
Hunny Shakya (Digital Marketing manager, Portronics): A trailblazer in digital marketing, Hunny Shakya has played a pivotal role in amplifying Portronics’ brand presence through strategic partnerships and performance-driven campaigns. With a keen eye for digital trends and consumer engagement, he has successfully navigated the competitive consumer electronics space, driving impactful collaborations that enhance brand recall and revenue growth.
Raj Khatri (Sr. Brand Alliance Manager, Renee): At the forefront of brand collaborations, Raj Khatri has been instrumental in forging high-impact partnerships for Renee. With expertise in alliance management and influencer marketing, he has curated dynamic strategies that bridge the gap between brands and audiences, positioning Renee as a powerhouse in the beauty and lifestyle sector.
Parth Mehta (Brand Marketing Executive, Spykar): Parth Mehta ensures that Spykar continues to be the brand of choice for India’s trendsetting youth. His role in building partnerships that resonate with Spykar’s core audience is crucial in maintaining the brand’s legacy in a rapidly evolving fashion industry. Whether it’s music, pop culture, or influencer-driven marketing, Parth’s strategic approach to collaborations keeps Spykar fresh, aspirational, and deeply connected with India’s Gen Z consumers.
Kunal Singh (Senior Manager Digital and Media Marketing, PUMA): A digital marketing powerhouse, Kunal Singh has been at the helm of PUMA’s cutting-edge marketing and alliance strategies. His ability to blend data-driven insights with creative storytelling has led to successful brand partnerships, making PUMA a dominant force in India’s sports and lifestyle industry.
Chitendra Thakur (Growth Manager, Kama Ayurveda): Navigating the luxury and wellness segment with precision, Chitendra Thakur has been instrumental in scaling Kama Ayurveda through targeted partnerships and growth strategies. His expertise in digital expansion and brand alliances has ensured Kama Ayurveda’s premium positioning, helping it establish strong collaborations within the beauty and wellness ecosystem.
Akshay Sethi (Performance & Growth Manager, Forest Essentials): Akshay Sethi is a dynamic force in the luxury Ayurveda space, driving performance marketing and growth at Forest Essentials. With a sharp focus on data-driven strategies, he amplifies brand reach and customer engagement. His expertise in digital marketing and e-commerce fuels the brand’s expansion in the competitive beauty and wellness industry. Akshay is shaping the future of premium skincare with innovation and precision.
Yash Wagle (Growth Hacker, Nua): Driving Nua’s growth through strategic affiliate marketing, Yash Wagle excels at forging partnerships that amplify online sales and traction. With expertise in performance marketing, he optimizes digital campaigns, tracks revenue streams, and enhances ROAS with data-driven strategies. His knack for networking and collaboration fuels business expansion, making him a key player in brand scaling.
Yogitha Kankaria (Affiliate Marketing Manager, Snitch): As the Affiliate Marketing Manager at SNITCH, Yogitha Kankaria is redefining brand partnerships with a strategic and data-driven approach. From optimizing affiliate programs to spearheading influencer collaborations, she ensures seamless brand-consumer alignment. Her expertise in PR, CRM, and performance-driven marketing fuels SNITCH’s growth and visibility. With a sharp eye for innovation, she is a rising force in digital brand strategy.
Shreyansh Tanna (Assistant Manager, MCaffeine): Shreyansh is shaping partnerships that drive brand visibility, engagement, and trust. With consumers increasingly prioritizing clean and sustainable beauty products, MCaffeine has emerged as a category leader, and Shreyansh’s work in building meaningful collaborations ensures the brand stays ahead of the curve.
Yajur Sindhwani (Growth Marketing Manager, Biba): As the Growth Marketing Manager at Biba, Yajur Sindhwani is driving innovative strategies to amplify the brand’s digital presence and customer engagement. With a keen eye for performance marketing and data-driven insights, he plays a pivotal role in accelerating Biba’s growth. His expertise in scaling fashion retail through targeted campaigns and brand storytelling sets him apart in the industry.
Arib Shah (Head of Partnerships, Foxtale): Arib Shah, Head of Partnerships at Foxtale, is a dynamic force in forging strategic alliances that drive brand growth. With a keen eye for collaboration, he has played a pivotal role in expanding Foxtale’s reach in the beauty and skincare industry. His expertise lies in building meaningful partnerships that enhance customer engagement and brand credibility.
Parth Saxena (D2C Alliances and Partnerships, Hindustan Unilever): Parth is a driving force behind Hindustan Unilever’s strategic D2C partnerships, forging alliances that enhance the brand’s direct consumer engagement. With a keen eye for innovation and market trends, he is instrumental in expanding the company’s digital-first approach, ensuring seamless brand integration in India’s evolving retail landscape.
Sarthak Vij (Head of Digital Marketing, Borosil): A digital strategist with a sharp marketing acumen, Sarthak is redefining Borosil’s online presence through performance-driven campaigns and consumer-centric strategies. His expertise in leveraging data-driven insights, content marketing, and e-commerce optimization has helped solidify Borosil’s reputation as a leading home and kitchen brand, connecting with modern consumers across digital platforms.
Amresh Singh (Manager-B2B partnerships & alliances, Ott Play): Amresh Singh is a key player in driving strategic B2B partnerships at Ott Play, ensuring seamless content distribution and monetization. His expertise in forging impactful alliances strengthens the platform’s growth and market reach. With a keen eye for innovation, he navigates the evolving media landscape to build long-term collaborations.
Siddharth Gulati (Senior Associate – D2c Partnerships, The Man Company): Siddharth Gulati is a driving force behind The Man Company’s D2C partnerships, focusing on strategic collaborations that boost brand visibility and sales. His expertise in identifying synergies and executing high-impact partnerships helps strengthen the brand’s presence in the competitive grooming industry. With a consumer-first approach, he ensures seamless integrations that enhance customer engagement.
Hrishita Monga (D2C Growth Head, Swiss Beauty): Hrishita Monga, D2C Growth Head at Swiss Beauty, is driving the brand’s digital expansion. With expertise in e-commerce and marketing, she fuels rapid growth. Her strategic approach enhances consumer engagement and brand presence. A key force behind Swiss Beauty’s success in the beauty industry.
Ankit Verma (Marketing Lead, Colorbar): A marketing innovator, Ankit Verma is redefining Colorbar’s brand presence with trend-driven campaigns and consumer-centric strategies. His expertise in digital storytelling and product positioning has strengthened the brand’s appeal in the competitive beauty industry. Through strategic collaborations and market insights, he continues to push Colorbar toward new heights.
Amit Tilekar (Chief Marketing Officer, Wonderchef): Leading Wonderchef’s marketing efforts, Amit Tilekar blends digital innovation with compelling storytelling to elevate the brand’s premium positioning. His expertise in brand building and consumer engagement has made Wonderchef a household name. By driving strategic campaigns and partnerships, he is shaping the future of India’s kitchenware industry.
Manav Jain (SEO & Brand Partnership Executive, Toothsi): A digital marketing specialist, Manav Jain is playing a key role in boosting Toothsi’s online presence. His expertise in SEO and strategic brand partnerships has significantly enhanced visibility and customer acquisition for the brand. Through innovative digital strategies, he is helping Toothsi cement its place in the growing dental-tech space.
Shubham Mishra (Senior Marketplace Executive, Arata): Shubham Mishra is a rising star in the e-commerce and marketplace domain, ensuring Arata’s strong presence across digital platforms. With a data-driven mindset, he optimizes product listings, enhances visibility, and boosts conversions for the brand in the competitive clean beauty segment. His expertise in online retail dynamics and keen market insights contribute to Arata’s growing digital success.
Mukul Bhargav (Digital Marketing Manager, Denver): A digital marketing strategist in Denver, Mukul Bhargav excels in performance marketing and data-driven brand growth. His expertise in customer acquisition and retention helps brands stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape. With a knack for innovation, he crafts compelling campaigns that drive engagement.
Vishrut Kaushik (Strategic Alliances and Affiliates Partnerships, HealthKart): Leading strategic alliances at HealthKart, Vishrut Kaushik is a powerhouse in affiliate partnerships and brand collaborations. His strategic insights drive business expansion in the health and wellness space. With a strong network and keen negotiation skills, he strengthens brand positioning and customer reach.
Abhishek Sharma (Alliances and Partnerships, BluSmart): Abhishek Sharma, leading Alliances & Partnerships at BluSmart, is shaping the future of sustainable mobility through strategic collaborations. His expertise in forging impactful alliances strengthens BluSmart’s presence in India’s EV ecosystem. With a sharp focus on growth and innovation, he plays a key role in driving the brand’s mission for cleaner, smarter transportation. A rising star in the industry, Abhishek is making a significant impact on urban mobility.
Kanik Vijay (Senior Manager – Corporate & Alliances, Cult fit):A dynamic force in the world of corporate partnerships, Kanik Vijay has been instrumental in establishing strong alliances for Cult.fit. His expertise in brand collaborations helps integrate wellness into the corporate ecosystem, ensuring businesses and fitness enthusiasts connect seamlessly. With a strategic vision, he continues to expand Cult.fit’s reach, making fitness more accessible and engaging.
Anudeep Grandhi (Head of Growth and Planning, Clear Trip): At the helm of Growth & Planning at ClearTrip, Anudeep Grandhi is redefining the way people experience travel. His keen eye for market trends and consumer behavior helps him craft strategies that enhance ClearTrip’s offerings. From optimizing customer journeys to scaling the brand’s presence, he ensures ClearTrip stays ahead in the competitive travel industry.
Jayant Shah (Business Strategy, Founder’s Office, FixMyCurls): As a key strategist at the Founder’s Office, Jayant Shah is helping FixMyCurls carve its niche in the haircare industry. His role in business strategy, planning, and execution ensures that the brand remains a market leader in curly hair care solutions. Through data-driven insights and a consumer-first approach, he is driving FixMyCurls’ rapid growth in the beauty segment.
Gurinder Pal Singh (Head of Digital Marketing, Country Delight): With a sharp focus on digital marketing, Gurinder Pal Singh is ensuring that Country Delight remains a household name for fresh and pure dairy products. His ability to craft impactful digital campaigns has helped strengthen consumer trust in the brand. Through data-driven marketing strategies, he continues to elevate Country Delight’s online presence and customer engagement.
Anirudh Lamba (Director, Zoomcar): Anirudh Lamba is driving the future of urban mobility at Zoomcar, spearheading strategies that make self-drive car rentals more convenient and accessible. With a deep understanding of the mobility landscape, he is focused on scaling Zoomcar’s operations and enhancing user experience. His vision is shaping a more flexible and sustainable transportation ecosystem in India.
Ajita Singh (Assistant General Manager – Brand Partnerships and Alliance, Wonderla): Ajita Singh, Assistant General Manager – Brand Partnerships and Alliances at Wonderla, is a dynamic force in the industry, driving strategic collaborations that enhance brand visibility. With a keen eye for impactful partnerships, she has played a pivotal role in elevating Wonderla’s market presence. Her expertise in brand alliances and innovative marketing initiatives makes her a rising star in the domain. Ajita’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues to shape the future of experiential branding.
Shobit Malhotra (Associate Director Growth, MPL): A data-driven growth strategist, Shobhit Malhotra is redefining user acquisition and engagement at MPL. His expertise in scaling digital platforms has fueled MPL’s rapid expansion in India’s booming gaming industry. Focused on innovation and retention, he is crafting impactful campaigns to drive sustainable growth.
Mrigank Upadhyay (Director- Strategic Alliances & Partnerships, Cars24): A strategic powerhouse, Mrigank Upadhyay spearheads alliances at Cars24, driving impactful partnerships that fuel growth. His expertise in deal-making and relationship management has strengthened Cars24’s market position in the auto resale sector. With a sharp business acumen, he ensures the brand stays ahead in a competitive landscape.
Aadim Meher (Strategic Alliances and Corporate Partnerships, Cinepolis): With a deep understanding of brand partnerships and consumer engagement, Aadim Meher plays a pivotal role in driving strategic alliances at Cinépolis. He bridges the gap between entertainment and businesses, ensuring brands leverage cinema’s vast audience for maximum visibility. His ability to curate meaningful collaborations has positioned Cinépolis as a prime platform for innovative marketing campaigns.
Gaurang Tandon (Deputy Manager- Brand Alliances, Barista): Blending marketing expertise with strategic partnerships, Gaurang Tandon is instrumental in elevating Barista’s brand presence. His keen understanding of collaborations and consumer engagement strengthens the brand’s appeal in India’s coffee culture. Through innovative alliances, he continues to drive Barista’s growth and industry relevance.
Purneet Manva (General Manager – Marketing & Business Development, BBlunt): A marketing maverick, Purneet Manva steers BBlunt’s growth with data-driven strategies and high-impact campaigns. His expertise in business development and customer engagement has helped position BBlunt as a go-to brand in the beauty industry. With a sharp focus on market trends, he continuously crafts compelling brand narratives that captivate consumers.
Aayesha Shaikh (Ecommerce Manager, Nasher Miles): Aayesha Shaikh is driving growth at Nasher Miles, a premium luggage brand, with her sharp e-commerce expertise. Spearheading online sales and digital strategies, she ensures seamless customer experiences across platforms. Her keen market insights and execution prowess make her a rising star in the brand landscape.
Ekta Kumar (Corporate sales Operation Manager, Dr. Lal Path Labs): Ekta Kumar, Corporate Sales Operation Manager at Dr. Lal Path Labs, is a rising star in the healthcare industry, driving operational excellence and strategic growth. With a keen eye for corporate sales dynamics, she streamlines processes to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Her expertise in sales operations and business strategies makes her a key contributor to the brand’s success.
Rahul Baghel (Digital Marketing Manager, Mars Cosmetics): A results-driven digital marketer, Rahul Baghel amplifies Mars Cosmetics’ online presence with data-backed strategies and innovative campaigns. His expertise in performance marketing and brand storytelling ensures a strong digital footprint in the competitive beauty industry.
Kishan Gopal (Assistant Manager- Online Marketing, FirstCry): Specializing in online marketing, Kishan Gopal enhances FirstCry’s digital engagement, optimizing performance campaigns to drive customer acquisition. His deep understanding of consumer behavior helps position FirstCry as a go-to platform for parenting needs.
Daksh Dev (Senior Digital Marketer, RentoMojo): A dynamic force in digital marketing, Daksh Dev is a Senior Digital Marketer at RentoMojo, driving impactful campaigns and growth strategies. With a keen eye for consumer trends, he blends creativity and analytics to elevate brand engagement. His expertise in performance marketing and customer acquisition sets him apart in the competitive digital landscape.
Anil Kumar Mali (Sr Digital Marketing Manager, Soch): A digital marketing maven, Anil Kumar Mali is steering Soch’s online presence with data-driven strategies. His expertise in performance marketing and brand visibility has amplified the fashion brand’s reach. With a knack for consumer insights, he’s redefining digital engagement in the ethnic wear segment.
Puneet Kansal (Founder, Rolls Mania): Puneet Kansal has transformed street food into a thriving QSR brand with Rolls Mania, making kathi rolls a household favorite. His entrepreneurial drive has expanded the brand across India, offering a seamless blend of taste and convenience. With a focus on quality and scalability, he’s redefining the fast-food landscape.
Nishchal Khetarpal (Vice President Product and Marketing, IntrCity): Nishchal Khetarpal is revolutionizing intercity travel with his expertise in product innovation and marketing at IntrCity. His strategic vision is enhancing the smart bus experience, making it more seamless and customer-centric. Backed by deep insights into travel-tech, he’s driving brand growth in India’s mobility sector.
Conclusion
As India’s consumer market continues to expand and evolve, the role of innovative brand leaders becomes even more critical. These trailblazers are not only shaping the future of their industries but also redefining how brands engage with customers, build loyalty, and drive sustainable growth. Through strategic marketing, impactful partnerships, and bold storytelling, they are setting new standards for excellence and resilience in an ever-changing landscape. Their journeys serve as inspiration for the next generation of brand leaders, proving that creativity, adaptability, and a consumer-first mindset are the key drivers of success in today’s competitive business world.
–Authored and edited by Sandhya Bharti, Deputy Editor, Indian Startup Times.
-The Part 2 of the article is set to be published soon. Stay tuned!
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.
