Biography of Sharavana Raghavan: Founder and CEO of Vitral Brand-Entrepreneur
Biography of Sharavana Raghavan:
From Economics to FMCG Expert
Sharavana Raghavan's career journey began with a solid
academic foundation. Graduating with a degree in Economics from the University
of Madras, he set out to understand the dynamics of consumer behavior and
market trends. His educational path continued with a Postgraduate Diploma in
Business Administration (PGDBA) specializing in Marketing and Business Strategy
from the Great Lakes Institute of Management. This blend of economics and
strategic marketing set the stage for a career aimed at transforming brands and
accelerating growth.
Early FMCG Experiences
Sharavana’s career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)
sector started with Henkel India, where he took on the role of Key Account
Manager. In this position, he managed key accounts in Chandigarh, focusing on
sales management, merchandising, and retail operations. This early experience
provided him with a hands-on understanding of FMCG sales dynamics and account
management, laying the groundwork for his future roles.
Rising Through the Ranks at Mondelez
From Henkel, Sharavana moved to Mondelez International as a
Senior Brand Manager for Biscuits. At Mondelez, he was instrumental in managing
and developing the biscuit brand portfolio, including campaigns like "Play
With Oreo," which featured celebrities and engaging consumer interactions.
His work extended to launching new product lines, such as Tang’s 1-litre bottle
pack, which used innovative marketing strategies to drive consumer engagement
and product adoption.
Biography of Sharavana Raghavan: Founder & CEO of Vitral Brand-Entrepreneur /Age/Net worth/wife/Sharavana Raghavan story/Vitral Brand story/startup
Innovations at Reckitt
Sharavana’s next career leap took him to Reckitt, where he
served as Senior Global Brand Manager for Lav Care Innovations. He led the
global development strategy for Reckitt's £20 million toilet care category,
adapting global strategies to local market needs in the US, India, UK, and
France. His role involved creating and implementing innovative products to
address market challenges and drive brand growth across these diverse regions.
Leadership at Godrej Consumer Products
At Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), Sharavana was
the AVP of Innovations, overseeing a substantial revenue segment of ₹5,000
crores. His focus was on leading innovation pipelines and developing thought
leadership in categories such as air care, hair color, and home insecticides. He
worked across markets in Indonesia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America,
strengthening GCPL's position in these regions through strategic innovation.
Consulting and Brand Strategy
In 2019, Sharavana founded Vitral Brand Expertise, a
consultancy aimed at accelerating the growth of emerging FMCG businesses.
Through Vitral, he helps companies build powerful brands and achieve
significant revenue growth. His consultancy focuses on transforming businesses
into 'Super Brands' by leveraging comprehensive brand-building strategies and
business insights.
Podcasting and Thought Leadership
Alongside his consulting work, Sharavana co-hosts the
podcast CoBB | Conversations on the Business of Brands with Sudeep Chawla. This
platform allows them to dissect and simplify brand-building and marketing
strategies, sharing insights and experiences to help emerging businesses create
and nurture remarkable brands. Their podcast has earned recognition, including
awards at the Anchor Spotlight Podcast Awards.
Brand Strategy with TING
Sharavana also serves as a Brand Strategy Advisor for TING,
a rapidly growing creative agency in India. In this role, he consults with FMCG
clients to craft effective brand strategies and go-to-market plans. His
expertise helps clients navigate the competitive landscape and develop
compelling brand narratives that resonate with their target audiences.
Market Development and Sales Management
Before his consulting and advisory roles, Sharavana honed
his skills in market development and sales management at Mondelez International
and Reckitt. His experience included roles such as Senior Area Sales Manager
and Market Development Manager, where he led efforts to expand market presence
and drive sales growth across various regions.
Continuing the Legacy
Sharavana Raghavan’s career reflects a commitment to
excellence in brand building and market strategy. From his early days in FMCG
sales to his current role as a consultant and podcaster, he continues to
influence the industry by transforming brands and sharing valuable insights
through his various platforms. His journey exemplifies how strategic thinking
and innovation can drive significant growth and create impactful brands.
A timeline of Sharavana Raghavan’s career journey:
University of Madras Graduation: Degree in Economics.
Great Lakes Institute of Management: PGDBA in Marketing and
Business Strategy.
Henkel India: Key Account Manager in Chandigarh.
Mondelez International: Senior Brand Manager for Biscuits.
Reckitt: Senior Global Brand Manager for Lav Care
Innovations.
Godrej Consumer Products Limited: AVP of Innovations.
2019: Founded Vitral Brand Expertise.
Podcasting: Co-hosts CoBB | Conversations on the Business of
Brands.
TING: Brand Strategy Advisor for a creative agency.