Abhishek Kumar
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER | BRAND MANAGER | CATEGORY MANAGER
Summary
Strategic and visionary leader with a proven track record of spearheading transformative business initiatives that consistently exceed objectives and drive success in the wine and spirits industry. Experienced in accelerating sales growth and strengthening partnerships with a consultative sales approach. Recognized for successfully restructuring businesses, increasing market share, and enhancing customer relations by leveraging expertise in retail operations, sales and marketing strategies, and brand development. Possessing extensive knowledge of wines, Spirits, and current industry trends. Excel at delivering masterclasses, hosting tasting events and delivering training sessions. Demonstrated success at leading team with setting an example.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Wine Sales Manager
Royal Spirit
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Developed a holistic French, Italian & Australian wine portfolio, domestic distribution & sales division strategies
- Successful activations in Michelin starred restaurants like Sushi 99 & five-star properties
Sales Consultant
Le Clos, MMI
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Maximized store performance and ensured top-notch customer service by overseeing operations for a clientele of high-net-worth individuals (HNIWs)
- Improved product knowledge and sales abilities of staff members by conducting training sessions to deliver unparalleled service to customers
- Manage one of the exclusive portfolios of rare wines and spirits, ensuring premium quality for an elite clientele
- Guide clients on fine wine investment opportunities to drive sales and cultivate long-term relationships
- Develop and execute strategies for customer engagement, retention, and satisfaction by liaising with teams
- Optimize sales potential and maintained ideal stock levels through store operations management, including inventory management, procurement, and merchandising
On Trade Manager
Centaurus International
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Supported operations and initiatives in the northern Emirates region through management of an AED10M annual budget
- Successfully opened six key accounts, utilizing CRM tools, forecasting, and negotiation skills to drive sales and foster long-term partnerships
- Enhanced customer experience and drove sales by optimizing wine menus in liaison with F&B teams
- Led brand activation initiatives and performed competitor analysis to stay ahead of industry trends
- Acquired new accounts in Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman through networking, outreach, and sales techniques
- Organized and conducted wine tastings and designed specialized wine training programs for hotel staff
- Implemented innovative strategies to expand business reach, penetrate new markets, and maximize brand visibility as a trusted on-trade supplier
Shop Manager
The Cellar, Radisson Blu Resort
01.2022 - 04.2023
- Reduced operating costs from 81% to less than 70% in just three months through successful vendor negotiations
- Achieved a sales target of 6M AED with a notable 30% year-to-date sales growth
- Enhanced market competitiveness and met evolving consumer demands by strengthening the shop's product portfolio across all categories
- Oversaw various facets of business operations, including supplier relations, purchasing, pricing, promotions, portfolio management, marketing, and sales activities
- Conducted regular visits to store locations to evaluate product mix, gather feedback from customers and staff, and disseminate important information to optimize operations
- Prioritized staff training and development to enhance team performance and customer service delivery
- Drove informed retail strategies and optimized product offerings for enhanced customer satisfaction and sales performance by leveraging category management expertise
Freelance Wine Educator
Barrels & Beyond
11.2021 - 03.2023
- Contributed to the development of wine tests and related programming to enhance the educational experience
- Maintained an outstanding record in course delivery, achieving a remarkable 98% passing rate among participants
- Co-ordinated training and development sessions for hotel and retail wine professionals, focusing on WSET Level 1, WSET Level 2, French Wine Scholar (FWS), and Italian Wine Essentials certifications
- Received consistently positive feedback on training effectiveness and content relevance from participants
Brand Ambassador
MMI - Muscat Duty Free
03.2016 - 11.2020
- Spearheaded a 20% increase in sales volume by highlighting price comparisons with domestic market offerings
- Optimized upselling efforts and increased satisfaction levels through implementation of digital tools, such as Vivino ratings, Parker points, and best vintages charts
- Provided sales support for Wine products and contributed to merchandise selection as a brand ambassador
- Fostered professional development within the team by training colleagues to pass WSET Level 2 certification
- Offered wine training, shared industry insights, and supported team coordination to maximize performance
Brand Ambassador
Delhi Duty Free
06.2013 - 02.2016
- Met monthly sales targets averaging $200K by implementing strategies in pricing, promotion, marketing, servicing, merchandising, and category management
- Enhanced shopping experience by maintaining 98% product knowledge and receiving 95% positive feedback in a fast-paced luxury retail environment
- Improved sales outcomes and promoted professional growth by training three new sales members
- Created an engaging shopping experience by designing and arranging visually captivating product floor sets
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hotel & Hospitality Administration
Institute of Hotel Management
DelhiSkills
Customer Relationship Management
Business Operation Management
Wine Portfolio Management
Team Leadership and Development
Wine Tasting and Training
Wine Education
Strategic Planning
Budget Management
Time Management
Competitor Analysis
Customer Service
Brand Activation
Inventory Management
Astute Communication
Problem-Solving
Wine Expertise
Brand Management
Business Strategies
Key Account Management
Customer Centricity
Category Management
Professional Achievements
- WSET Level 2 in Spirits, 01/24, Passed with Distinction
- Spanish Wine Scholar, 02/24, Passed with Highest Honors
- Bordeaux Masters Level Programme, 10/24, Pursuing
- Bourgogne Masters Level Programme, 01/24, Pursuing
- Italian Wine Scholar, 11/20, Graduated with Honors
- Understanding Business of Wine, 08/19, Napa Valley Wine Academy
- WSET Diploma, 08/18, Passed Unit 2 with Distinction
- French Wine Scholar, 05/18, Graduated with Honors
- WSET Level 3, 06/17, Passed with Merit
Skills And Core Competencies
- Wine Expertise
- Brand Management
- Business Strategies
- Key Account Management
- Customer Centricity
- Category Management
Freelance Experience
Freelance Wine Educator, Barrels & Beyond, UAE, 11/21 - 03/23, Contributed to the development of wine tests and related programming to enhance the educational experience., Maintained an outstanding record in course delivery, achieving a remarkable 98% passing rate among participants., Co-ordinated training and development sessions for hotel and retail wine professionals, focusing on WSET Level 1, WSET Level 2, French Wine Scholar (FWS), and Italian Wine Essentials certifications., Received consistently positive feedback on training effectiveness and content relevance from participants.
Timeline
Wine Sales Manager
Royal Spirit
08.2024 - 11.2024
Sales Consultant
Le Clos, MMI
08.2023 - 07.2024
On Trade Manager
Centaurus International
05.2023 - 07.2023
Shop Manager
The Cellar, Radisson Blu Resort
01.2022 - 04.2023
Freelance Wine Educator
Barrels & Beyond
11.2021 - 03.2023
Brand Ambassador
MMI - Muscat Duty Free
03.2016 - 11.2020
Brand Ambassador
Delhi Duty Free
06.2013 - 02.2016
Bachelor of Science - Hotel & Hospitality Administration
Institute of Hotel Management