Biography of Kartik Sheth: Founder and CEO of Wynk Ltd & Foxy- Entrepreneur
Biography of Kartik Sheth:
Early Education and Academic Foundation
Kartik Sheth’s professional journey began with a strong
educational foundation. Born and raised in Mumbai, he pursued a Bachelor of
Engineering in Electronics from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute
(VJTI), a prestigious institution known for its rigorous engineering programs.
During his time at VJTI, Sheth immersed himself in the study of electronics and
technology, acquiring the technical skills and knowledge that would become the
cornerstone of his career. The hands-on projects and challenging coursework at
VJTI not only deepened his understanding of electronics but also sparked his
interest in applying technology to solve complex problems.
The Start of a Professional Career
Upon graduating in 1999, Kartik Sheth began his career as a
Software Design Engineer at Tech Mahindra Ltd., a leading IT services company.
His role involved developing and designing software solutions, which provided
him with practical experience in the tech industry. He later moved to Mahindra
British Telecom, where he continued to refine his skills in software
engineering and gain insights into the telecommunications sector. These early
roles were pivotal, as they allowed him to build a solid technical foundation
and understand the intricacies of software and telecom systems.
Strategic Insights at McKinsey & Co.
In 2004, Kartik Sheth transitioned to a strategic role at
McKinsey & Company as an Associate Principal. McKinsey, a global management
consulting firm, provided him with a platform to leverage his technical skills
in a strategic context. His responsibilities included advising clients on
complex business challenges, developing strategies to enhance operational
efficiency, and driving growth initiatives. His work at McKinsey was
characterized by a focus on high-impact strategies and innovative solutions,
which helped shape his approach to problem-solving and strategic planning.
Innovation and Leadership at Airtel
Kartik Sheth’s career took a significant turn when he joined
Airtel in 2013 as the Chief Innovation Officer. In this role, he was tasked
with leading the company’s efforts in product and business development. His key
achievements included overseeing the national rollout of 4G/LTE services, which
represented a major leap in mobile technology in India. Additionally, he was
instrumental in the launch of Wynk Music and Wynk Movies, digital platforms
that offered streaming services for music and movies. These initiatives not
only positioned Airtel as a leader in digital and entertainment services but
also demonstrated Sheth’s ability to drive technological innovation on a large
scale.
Biography of Kartik Sheth: Founder and CEO of Wynk Ltd & Foxy- Entrepreneur/ Bharto Airtel CEO of data & devices/Age/Startup/Success story Kartik Sheth
Executive Leadership at Wynk Limited
Building on his success at Airtel, Kartik Sheth became the
CEO of Wynk Limited in March 2015. Under his leadership, Wynk expanded its
digital entertainment offerings and solidified its position as a key player in
the streaming market. Sheth’s focus was on scaling the platform’s user base and
enhancing its content offerings. His leadership was marked by a strategic
approach to user engagement and market expansion, which helped Wynk thrive in a
competitive landscape.
Transition to Lakme Salons
In January 2011, Kartik Sheth took on a new challenge as the
Chief Operating Officer at Lakme Salons, a leading chain of beauty salons. His
role involved overseeing operations and implementing strategies to improve
service delivery and operational efficiency. During his tenure, he worked on
enhancing the brand’s market presence and ensuring that the salon operations
met high standards of customer service. This role broadened his experience
beyond technology and digital services, providing him with valuable insights
into the consumer services industry.
Founding EkAnek
In October 2018, Kartik Sheth embarked on an entrepreneurial
journey by founding EkAnek. As the Founder and CEO, he envisioned EkAnek as a
platform to address diverse consumer needs through innovative solutions. The
company’s focus is on leveraging technology to create impactful products and
services. Under Sheth’s leadership, EkAnek has aimed to build a strong market
presence and deliver unique value propositions to its customers, reflecting his
commitment to driving innovation and addressing market gaps.
Building Foxy: A New Venture
In addition to EkAnek, Kartik Sheth is the Founder and CEO
of Foxy, an online beauty shopping platform tailored for direct-to-consumer
(DTC) brands. Launched in October 2018, Foxy focuses on providing a curated
selection of beauty products, enhancing the online shopping experience for
consumers. Sheth’s vision for Foxy is to create a seamless and engaging
platform that connects consumers with high-quality beauty products, leveraging
his expertise in digital commerce and product management.
Academic Contributions: BITSoM and Ashoka University
Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, Kartik Sheth has
made significant contributions to academia. Since August 2022, he has served as
a Visiting Professor at BITSoM (BITS School of Management), where he imparts
his industry knowledge to future business leaders. His role involves teaching
and mentoring students, sharing insights from his extensive career in
technology and business. Additionally, he has been a Visiting Faculty member at
Ashoka University since April 2019, where he continues to contribute to the
academic community and support the development of emerging professionals.
Digital Transformation and Innovation Expertise
Kartik Sheth’s career has been marked by his focus on
digital transformation and innovation. His work at Airtel, including the
introduction of 4G/LTE and the launch of Wynk services, showcased his ability
to drive technological advancements and create impactful digital solutions. His
expertise in this area has been a defining feature of his career, influencing
his approach to business and technology.
Investment in Emerging Startups
Beyond his roles as an executive and entrepreneur, Kartik
Sheth is an active investor in various startups. His investment portfolio
includes ventures in clean-tech, energy, and commerce, reflecting his interest
in supporting innovative solutions and sustainable technologies. His
involvement in these startups highlights his commitment to fostering growth and
innovation in emerging sectors.
Team Dynamics and Leadership
At EkAnek and Foxy, Kartik Sheth is supported by a talented
team that includes Chandranshu as Co-Founder and CTO, Nikhil Gilani as
Co-Founder and CBO, and Samir Desai as Chief Content Officer. This diverse team
collaborates to execute Sheth’s vision and drive the success of their ventures.
The team’s expertise spans technology, business operations, and content
management, contributing to the overall growth and impact of their initiatives.
Recognition and Awards
Kartik Sheth’s contributions to the business and technology
sectors have been recognized through various awards and accolades. Notably, he
has been featured in The Economic Times' 40 under Forty list, which highlights
successful professionals under the age of forty. This recognition underscores
his leadership, innovation, and impact in his fields of expertise.
Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors
As Kartik Sheth continues his career, he remains focused on
driving innovation and growth in technology, digital commerce, and education.
His ventures, including EkAnek and Foxy, are poised for continued success, and
his contributions to academia reflect his commitment to shaping the future of
business and technology. With ongoing projects and future plans, Kartik Sheth’s
career is set to evolve and make further significant impacts in the industry.
Timeline for Kartik Sheth's Story:
Early Life: Born and raised in Mumbai.
1999: Graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in
Electronics from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI).
1999: Started as a Software Design Engineer at Tech Mahindra
Ltd.
2004: Joined McKinsey & Company as an Associate
Principal.
2011: Became Chief Operating Officer at Lakme Salons.
2013: Joined Airtel as Chief Innovation Officer.
March 2015: Became CEO of Wynk Limited.
October 2018: Founded EkAnek and Foxy.
April 2019: Became Visiting Faculty member at Ashoka
University.
August 2022: Appointed Visiting Professor at BITSoM (BITS
School of Management).
Recent Years: Active investor in startups and focused on digital
transformation and innovation.
