Rajesh Rao

Results-driven Marketing & BTL professional with 9+ years of experience in event marketing, retail branding, ATL/BTL activations, exhibitions, and PAN India project execution. Proven track record of managing end-to-end marketing initiatives, channel partner programs, retail activations, and brand visibility campaigns that drive customer engagement and business growth. Experienced in leading the execution of 10+ Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs), 10+ exhibitions, and branding initiatives across 200+ retail stores nationwide.

Skilled in project management, vendor management, market analysis, visual merchandising, and cross-functional coordination, with expertise in delivering high-quality projects within timelines and budgets. Strong expertise in managing 250+ vendors, executing large-scale retail marketing programs, conducting market visits and competitive analysis, and driving impactful customer-facing campaigns. Proficient in CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop, with a passion for creating innovative marketing experiences that strengthen brand presence and channel engagement.

Assistant Marketing Manager at Lafit Lighting Solution LLP (2024-08 – Present)

• Managed end-to-end BTL marketing initiatives and retail activation programs across India, driving brand awareness, channel engagement, and customer footfall.
• Led PAN India execution and coordination of 10+ Lafit Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs), overseeing project planning, branding deployment, vendor management, site supervision, and timely store launches.
• Spearheaded end-to-end execution of 10+ exhibitions and trade shows, including concept development, stall design, product display planning, vendor coordination, logistics management, and on-site execution.
• Planned and executed channel partner branding programs, dealer engagement activities, and in-store marketing campaigns to strengthen brand visibility and market presence.
• Designed and implemented branding solutions, live product displays, visual merchandising, and retail marketing initiatives across 200+ stores PAN India.
• Managed relationships with 250+ vendors and coordinated with 150+ vendors for project, ensuring quality compliance, cost optimization, and on-time delivery.
• Conducted regular market visits across regions for retail execution audits, competition analysis, branding assessments, and identification of new business opportunities.
• Collaborated with sales, operations, procurement, and design teams to execute marketing projects efficiently while ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Executed ATL and BTL campaigns including retail branding, dealer promotions, product launches, outdoor branding, exhibition marketing, and experiential activations.
• Developed marketing collateral, branding creatives, and promotional materials using CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop to support marketing campaigns and retail initiatives.
• Contributed to annual marketing planning, campaign budgeting, and execution strategies while ensuring effective resource allocation and project prioritization.
• Introduced innovative branding concepts, retail display solutions, and activation methodologies to improve customer engagement and enhance brand differentiation.
• Mentored junior team members and coordinated with distributed teams across multiple locations, ensuring seamless project execution and improved team productivity.

Senior Marketing Executive at Lafit Lighting Solution LLP (2023-07 – 2024-08)

• Managed vendor acquisition efforts across Pan India, expanding our network for strategic partnerships.
• Negotiated with vendors to secure optimal terms for branding activities, ensuring cost-effectiveness and brand visibility.
• Coordinated site surveys to facilitate targeted marketing and branding campaigns, optimizing resource allocation.
• Designed a wide range of marketing materials including signages, live displays, glow sign boards, technical data sheets, and other branding assets for our partnered outlets and distributors.
• Utilized proficiency in Coral Draw, Photoshop, and Canva for creative design work, enhancing brand communication.
• Collaborated closely with business units and revenue teams to streamline ground operations, ensuring flawless execution of signage displays and branding initiatives.
• Gathered feedback from stakeholders after completing projects, using insights to improve continuously and ensure client satisfaction.

Business Development Manager at Expertrons Technologies Pvt Ltd. (2023-03 – 2023-05)

• Handled B2C Sales for various Certification Programs.
• Interacted with over 1000+ Potentials Customers.
• Convinced 50+ Customers to Enroll into various Career Acceleration Programs.
• Converted 5+ Customers in 1 month to enroll for a BFSI Program.

Sales Executive at Candy Spirits Pvt Ltd (2021-09 – 2023-03)

• Handled the Supply of Stock to 100+ Outlets in North Mumbai & Suburban Mumbai.
• Responsible for the Promotion Activities of the Brands Managed.
• Business Development for brands from Pernod Ricard India (Chivas Regal, Absolut, Ballentine) & Seagram's (100 Pipers, Blenders Pride, Royal Stag, Imperial Blue, etc.)
• Maintaining Relationship with Stakeholders.
• Planning on Schemes for Promotion with Comparison to Competitors.

Operations Head at Brainy Bee Pvt Ltd (2021-07 – 2021-09)

• Managed Marketing & Promotional activities for Pernod Ricard India.
• Managed the Promotion of Products for 50+ Wine Shops, 50+ Permit Rooms in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai & Thane District.
• Supervision of Quality of Products used for Marketing & Promotions from the respective dealers.

Founder at Aunty's Pav Bhaji (2020-07 – 2021-06)

• Cloud Kitchen for Indian Street Food.
• Solely Managed the Marketing & Promotion Activities.
• Ensured Quality of Raw Materials used.
• Ensured timely delivery to Customers.
• Managed Feedback & Responses from Customes.
• Implemented New Items for the Menu.
• Created Routine Occasional Promotions which Led to High Volume Sales.
• Maintained Relationship with Customers by Providing Exemplary Deals & Pocket Friendly Pricing.

Marketing cum Sales Executive at Pernod Ricard India Pvt Ltd. (2015-03 – 2020-05)

• Brands Managed - Royal Salute, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Beefeater, Absolut & flavours, Kahula, Malibu Rum, Jacobs Creek Wine, etc.
• Maintaning Relationship at all levels of Management of the respective Channel Partners.
• Spot Selling & Promotions at Canopy Stalls within Terminal.
• Handled F&B Outlets inside Terminal.
• Merchandising for Various Products.
• Ensured the Brands are Marketed Well at the respective Outlets.
• Ensured WOD & VPO is maintained at the respective Outlets.
• Managed Events like Corporate Meets, Executive Lounge Events, Hotel Events like Gala Buffets, Brunches, etc.
• Ensured Timely Dispatch of Inventory to the Channel Partner.
• Managed Exclusive Campaigns to create product awareness at Events.

Bachelor of Banking and Insurance in Banking and Insurance – Khar Education Society (KES College) (2012 – 2015)

Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) – Khar Education Society (2010 – 2012)