ARCHANA KAKATI
Mumbai
Summary
Strategic Executive Assistant with 17 years of experience supporting CEOs and senior leadership across diverse sectors, including finance and aviation. Expertise in executive office management, stakeholder engagement, and governance support. Skilled in driving operational efficiency, facilitating decision-making, and managing confidential communications, corporate events, and ERP implementation.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Executive Assistant to CEO
Adani GEMS Education
Mumbai
11.2024 - 12.2025
- Collaborated with CEO to manage strategic priorities, coordinate leadership efforts, and streamline executive office operations across corporate and school functions.
- Managed high-priority executive meetings, travel schedules, leadership events, and external engagements.
- Prepared executive briefing notes, meeting agendas, governance documentation, and leadership communication materials for strategic discussions.
- Acted as a central liaison between the Executive Office and key stakeholders including clients, regulators, partners, and vendors.
- Facilitated business planning and operational execution through proactive stakeholder coordination and effective follow-up management.
- Coordinated ERP implementation, overseeing UAT tracking, issue resolution follow-ups, rollout communication, and ensuring cross-functional alignment.
Executive Assistant – Founder’s Office
Lead School
07.2023 - 10.2024
- Collaborated with Founder’s Office to prioritize strategic initiatives, coordinate executive schedules, and facilitate leadership alignment.
- Oversaw high-level stakeholder engagement and external communications to support leadership objectives.
- Executed coordination of leadership town halls and business reviews while managing travel logistics and confidential communications.
- Supported decision-making through preparation of presentations, reports, meeting notes, and follow-up trackers.
Executive Assistant to Managing Director
CMA CGM India
11.2019 - 06.2023
- Acted as a strategic support partner to the Managing Director, coordinating business priorities and executive operations.
- Prepared reports, meeting briefs, and action trackers to support executive decision-making and drive strategic initiatives.
- Coordinated complex international travel, cross-functional meetings, and leadership engagements across time zones.
- Coordinated board meetings, leadership gatherings, governance documentation, and communication with French headquarters to ensure alignment on business objectives.
- Engaged with government authorities, regulatory bodies, and senior external stakeholders to facilitate critical business coordination.
Executive Assistant to President / COO
Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd. (DHFL)
07.2018 - 08.2019
- Supported the President / COO in managing strategic schedules, leadership meetings, and operational coordination.
- Managed executive calendars and scheduled meetings for senior leadership.
- Prepared executive briefs, meeting documentation, and communication material for leadership reviews.
- Coordinated travel arrangements and itineraries for business trips.
- Prepared and distributed meeting agendas and minutes to stakeholders.
Executive Assistant to Director
Choice Capital Advisors
03.2016 - 07.2018
- Managed executive office operations including calendar management, travel coordination, presentations, and client interactions.
- Managed executive calendars and scheduled meetings for senior leadership.
- Arranged travel plans and itineraries for team members.
- Drafted and edited internal and external communications for executives.
- Supported leadership reviews, investor meetings, and business coordination activities.
Executive Assistant to Chairman
Pittie Group
01.2015 - 02.2016
- Provided strategic and administrative support to the Chairman’s Office.
- Managed executive operations, confidential communication, travel schedules, and stakeholder coordination.
- Managed executive calendars and scheduled appointments efficiently.
- Coordinated travel arrangements and itineraries for senior management.
- Prepared meeting agendas and documented minutes for key discussions.
Guest Relations & Front Office Operations
The Leela | Four Seasons | Kingfisher Airlines
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Oversaw guest relations and front office operations for luxury hospitality and aviation brands, enhancing overall guest satisfaction.
- Facilitated VIP guest interactions, celebrity visits, and high-profile customer experiences, ensuring seamless and memorable engagements.
- Executed daily operational tasks to maintain workflow efficiency.
- Worked successfully with a diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Guwahati University
Guwahati 05.2005 - 03.2008
Skills
- Strategic Executive Support
- Executive Communication Management
- Stakeholder & VIP Relationship Management
- MIS dashboard
- Board & Governance Coordination
- Leadership & Decision Support
- Business Operations Coordination
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Calendar and travel management
- Meeting preparation
- Office Management
- Corporate events management
- Presentation preparation
- Confidential Business Communication
- MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
- ERP management
- Virtual Collaboration Platforms
- Virtual Collaboration Platforms
Achievements
- Successfully supported ERP implementation and cross-functional rollout coordination.
- Improved vendor onboarding and SLA tracking processes for operational efficiency.
- Strengthened executive office coordination and stakeholder communication workflows.
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Hindi
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Executive Assistant to CEO
Adani GEMS Education
11.2024 - 12.2025
Executive Assistant – Founder’s Office
Lead School
07.2023 - 10.2024
Executive Assistant to Managing Director
CMA CGM India
11.2019 - 06.2023
Executive Assistant to President / COO
Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd. (DHFL)
07.2018 - 08.2019
Executive Assistant to Director
Choice Capital Advisors
03.2016 - 07.2018
Executive Assistant to Chairman
Pittie Group
01.2015 - 02.2016
Guest Relations & Front Office Operations
The Leela | Four Seasons | Kingfisher Airlines
01.2008 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts -
Guwahati University
05.2005 - 03.2008