Biography of Sujot Malhotra: Founder and CEO of Beardo- Entrepreneur
Story of Sujot Malhotra's Journey
Sujot Malhotra’s professional journey began with a strong
educational foundation. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Information
Technology at Delhi University between 1999 and 2003. This period was marked by
his active engagement in various extracurricular activities, laying the
groundwork for his future leadership roles. Following his undergraduate
studies, Sujot pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM)
with a focus on Marketing and Finance at XLRI Jamshedpur from 2004 to 2006. His
involvement in the Marketing Association of XLRI (MAXI) during this time
highlighted his growing interest in marketing and business strategy.
Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
Before diving into corporate life, Sujot co-founded One
Click Technologies in December 2002. This venture, which focused on the
installation and networking of cyber cafés and providing software modules,
allowed him to gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and business
operations. His role in this startup provided him with valuable insights into running
a business and managing client relationships, setting the stage for his future
successes in larger corporate environments.
Entry into the Corporate World
Sujot’s corporate journey began with a summer internship at
Colgate-Palmolive in 2005. During his internship, he worked on a project
related to the activation of a new product in West Bengal. This experience
provided him with a practical understanding of brand management and marketing
strategies, reinforcing his decision to pursue a career in marketing. After
completing his MBA, Sujot joined Marico Limited in August 2006, marking the
start of a significant phase in his career.
Leadership at Marico Limited
At Marico Limited, Sujot Malhotra took on various leadership
roles over a span of 13 years and 10 months. Notably, from August 2017 to March
2020, he served as the Category Head for Parachute, overseeing a portfolio
worth over $400 million. His responsibilities included developing long-term
strategies and annual marketing plans for Parachute and Parachute Advanced,
managing a large team of marketers, and leading cross-functional
collaborations. His efforts in distilling the master brand’s proposition to
“Love in a Bottle” and managing a substantial advertising budget significantly
impacted the brand’s market presence.
Transition to Beardo
In July 2020, Sujot transitioned to a new challenge as the
Chief Executive Officer at Beardo, India’s largest direct-to-consumer male
grooming company. His role involved leading the company through a period of growth
and transformation. At Beardo, he was instrumental in shaping the company’s
strategic direction and expanding its product offerings in the men’s grooming
sector. His leadership aimed to establish Beardo as a go-to brand for men’s
lifestyle and styling needs.
Biography of Sujot Malhotra: Founder and CEO of Beardo-Indian Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/Wife/Marico Limited/Sujot Malhotra story/Beardo story
A Strategic Career Break
In April 2024, Sujot decided to take a planned career break
to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling around the world. His itinerary
included visiting over 100 cities across 28 countries within a year. This
sabbatical was not just a personal journey but also a break from his
professional responsibilities at Beardo, allowing him to explore new cultures
and experiences while taking time away from his executive role.
Changes at Beardo
During Sujot’s career break, significant changes occurred at
Beardo. Key executives, including the head of marketing and the head of finance
and operations, departed from the company. Their exits led to a shift in the
company’s leadership structure. The responsibilities of the CEO were divided between
the Chief Business Officer, Siddharth Vaya, and the Head of Marico’s Digital
First Businesses, Koteshwar LN. This reorganization was aimed at ensuring
continuity and maintaining the company’s operational efficiency in Sujot’s
absence.
Achievements and Impact
Under Sujot’s leadership, Beardo achieved substantial growth
and recognition in the men’s grooming market. The company became known for its
direct-to-consumer approach and innovative grooming solutions. Beardo’s success
was a testament to Sujot’s ability to steer large-scale operations and his
strategic vision in building a strong brand presence. His tenure at Marico and
Beardo highlighted his expertise in brand management, marketing, and executive
leadership.
Future Uncertainties
As Sujot Malhotra continues his global travels, there is
uncertainty about his return to Beardo. The company’s future strategies and
leadership dynamics are in flux, with new leaders stepping in to fill the void
created by his absence. The direction of Beardo’s growth and development will
likely be influenced by these changes, and the company will need to adapt to
the evolving market conditions.
Legacy and Influence
Sujot Malhotra’s career has been marked by significant
achievements in marketing and brand management. His contributions to Marico’s
flagship Parachute portfolio and his leadership at Beardo underscore his impact
on the industry. His story reflects a successful blend of entrepreneurial
spirit, strategic thinking, and a commitment to personal and professional
growth. Sujot’s journey continues to inspire others in the fields of marketing
and business leadership.
A New Chapter
As Sujot embarks on this new chapter of global exploration,
his career thus far stands as a testament to his achievements and influence in
the corporate world. His dedication to his career and his passion for exploring
the world reflect a balanced approach to personal and professional fulfillment.
The experiences gained during his travels may also shape his future endeavors,
potentially leading to new opportunities and insights in the business world.
Timeline of Sujot Malhotra’s Journey
1999-2003: Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Information
Technology at Delhi University.
2004-2006: Pursued Post Graduate Diploma in Business
Management (PGDBM) at XLRI Jamshedpur.
December 2002: Co-founded One Click Technologies, focusing
on cyber café networking and software modules.
2005: Interned at Colgate-Palmolive, working on a product
activation project.
August 2006: Joined Marico Limited, beginning a significant
phase in his career.
August 2017 - March 2020: Served as Category Head for
Parachute at Marico Limited.
July 2020: Became Chief Executive Officer at Beardo.
April 2024: Took a planned career break to travel around the
world, visiting 100+ cities in 28 countries.
During 2024: Beardo experienced a leadership reorganization
with key executives departing.