Gulshan Upneja
Franchise Expansion
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About
Strategic and growth-focused Business Development Leader with over a decade of proven expertise in the automotive detailing and franchise sector. Demonstrated success in building scalable business models, expanding into new markets, and leading high-performing cross-functional teams. Known for transforming underperforming units into profitable ventures and fostering long-term business partnerships across domestic and international markets.
Passionate about innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centric strategies.
Experience
Executive Director at Liv India Auto Care Pvt. Ltd. (2021-04 – Present)
Brand: Lords of Detailing, Mad4detailing, Detailers League, Neaten India
- Formulated and executed business strategies that resulted in a 40% YoY revenue increase and a 30% post-COVID market share gain.
- Directed company-wide operations, including strategic planning, budgeting, training, and SOP optimization.
- Established strategic partnerships with top-tier automotive dealerships and enterprise clients.
- Led innovation in service design and execution, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and operational throughput.
- Expanded the brand's geographic footprint by 25%, entering high-potential untapped territories.
Vice President – Business Development at Liv India Management (2020-01 – 2021-03)
Brand: Speed Car Wash, Detailing Daddy
- Navigated business operations through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring sustainability and profitability.
- Retained and motivated a senior-level team during uncertain times, delivering consistent performance.
- Signed a country-level franchise partnership in Bangladesh and added 3 new unit franchises in Nepal.
- Spearheaded brand repositioning efforts and introduced new customer acquisition strategies.
General Manager – Business Development at Liv India Management (2015-01 – 2019-12)
Brand: Speed Car Wash, Cozi Cars, Solitaire Ceramics
- Orchestrated nationwide franchise expansion resulting in 20% revenue growth, including penetration into Tier III cities.
- Initiated international expansion strategies targeting SAARC nations like Bangladesh and Nepal.
- Led training programs, built operational SOPs, and managed multi-state business development teams.
- Successfully optimized budgets while maintaining high service standards and client retention.
Zonal Manager – Business Development (West India) at Liv India Management (2014-04 – 2014-12)
Brand: Speed Car Wash
- Achieved 90%+ sales target success across three consecutive quarters in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
- Built and led a new regional team, elevating performance and dealer network penetration.
- Identified new B2B opportunities through competitive and market analysis.
Business Development Manager at MR Enterprises (2010-06 – 2014-03)
China Operations
- Set up and scaled operations in China, including office infrastructure, local hiring, and vendor onboarding.
- Managed end-to-end procurement, supplier negotiations, audits, and quality assurance.
- Streamlined supply chain and warehousing, reducing overheads and increasing delivery reliability.
Appellate Officer at IBM (2008-11 – 2010-05)
Airtel Platinum Process
- Progressed rapidly from Customer Care Executive to Appellate Officer within a year.
- Resolved high-impact customer issues with efficiency and empathy, improving NPS scores.
- Played a key role in stakeholder escalation management and quality assurance.
Business Development Executive at Biotech (India) (2006-11 – 2007-11)
- Developed a robust dealer network across North India for medical and physiotherapy equipment.
- Launched brand visibility campaigns and activated uncharted territories.
- Forged strategic OEM alliances with global brands like Compumedics (Australia) and Chattanooga (USA).
Executive – Operations & Research at Machwan Communication & Research Pvt. Ltd. (2004-01 – 2006-08)
- Conducted executive-level market research and corporate interviews.
- Led survey teams, ensured data quality, and delivered insights for strategic client decision-making.
- Maintained strong engagement with C-level stakeholders across NCR for research projects.
Education
Bachelor's Degree – University of Delhi (1997)
