Alok Gurtu

Self-motivated professional with over two decades of experience crafting consumer-centric strategies for leading media brands, products, and platforms. Successfully seized opportunities for expansion and innovation, driving revenue growth at renowned companies like Verizon Media and AOL. Expertise in business development, product design, and strategic partnerships, with a proven track record of increasing profits, reducing costs, and transforming customer service standards.

Keen to transition this wealth of experience into a strategic role, where one can marry the ethos of Ikigai with the avant-garde frameworks of Free Agent Nation and the Anti-CEO playbook, to drive transformative growth and deliver substantial value.

1. ABG Ventures & VeritasX (2021 – Present)

• Role: Founding Partner
• Key Contributions:
  • Mentored startup founding teams, fostering professional development.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes.
  • Reviewed over 120 business pitches, closing 6 investments in ESG, Education, Health Care, Consumer, and Fin-tech sectors.
  • Fostered venture growth across a portfolio of ~25 companies.
  • Secured valuable contracts with Venture Funds through effective negotiation.

• Role: Country Manager & Director
• Key Contributions:
  • Developed and implemented consumer-focused media, product, and sales strategies.
  • Managed budgets, financial planning, and forecasting to optimize profitability.
  • Established strong industry relationships for business growth and expansion.
  • Increased market share and generated 300% growth in specific user segments.
  • Implemented process improvements, streamlining workflows and increasing productivity.

• Role: Sr Manager - Partnerships & Strategy
• Key Contributions:
  • Established strong client and stakeholder relationships.
  • Developed operational standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Negotiated and secured profitable partnerships, resulting in 18% YoY revenue increase.
  • Optimized ad spend and reduced overall costs by one-third.

• Role: Manager - Sales Strategy
• Key Contributions:
  • Assisted with market entry strategy and sales operations across 8 countries in Asia Pacific.
  • Built a $4M ARR business through new market entry and product launches.
  • Managed design, project management, engineering, and business development deliverables.

• Role: Sr Analyst
• Key Contributions:
  • Led consumer research initiatives for media and product launches across Greater China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and SE Asia.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to deliver 14 online portal launches within 18 months.

• Role: Sr Analyst – AOL Search
• Key Contributions:
  • Provided crucial analytical support and insights, leading to increased search revenue yields by over $2M MRR.
  • Contributed to informed decision-making and strategic planning for senior management.

Education

• MBA in Information Technology (2007 - 2009) - Sikkim Manipal University
• Senior Executive Leadership Program (2019 - 2021) - Harvard Business School
• BIT, Computing & Multimedia (1999 - 2002) - IGNOU & Edexcel

Skills and Expertise

• Strategic Visioning and Brand-Building
• Product Design & Innovation
• Business Expansion & Revenue Growth
• Market Trend Analysis
• Consumer Engagement Strategies
• Sales Strategy Optimization
• Start-Up Operations