MS Office
Chetna Rawal Sawant
Corporate Mice, Events & Travel Manager
Pune
Summary
Dynamic and Enthusiastic Corporate MICE & Events Manager and leader, with 15+ years of success, working closely with business executives to identify and address individual needs. Adept at planning and scheduling challenging functions, using tools for wide range of communication with internal and external customers. Skilled in cultivating productive relationships with external clients vendors and internal employees.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Senior Lead MICE & Events
BAJAJ FINANCE LTD
Pune, Maharashtra
06.2022 - Current
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Managing and conducting RnR events at the organizational level, both international and domestic.
- Vendor evaluation, negotiation, and timely execution.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant industry regulations and guidelines pertaining to corporate travel management services.
- Streamlined corporate travel processes by implementing cost-effective, efficient booking systems, and cost savings by 10%.
- Maintained detailed records of all corporate travel expenses for accurate financial reporting and budget forecasting.
- Managed over 30 international trips and 600 domestic events in a financial year.
- Reduced company expenses with strategic negotiation of corporate travel rates with airlines, hotels, and transportation providers.
- Educated employees on corporate travel policies and procedures.
- Proactively identified areas for improvement in the corporate travel program, leading to a more efficient, and sustainable structure.
- Monitored industry trends and developments, ensuring the company remained competitive in its approach to corporate travel management.
- Managed vendor relationships to negotiate favorable terms for corporate travel, accommodations, and services for employees.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive client information, ensuring trust and discretion in handling corporate travel arrangements.
- Served as the main point of contact for all corporate travel needs, addressing inquiries promptly and professionally to enhance the overall corporate travel experience.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for senior staff members, including the MD, CEO, and Presidents, ensuring timely bookings and minimal disruptions to schedules.
Lead Travel, RnR and Employee Engagement
BAJAJ FINANCE LTD
Pune, India
06.2022 - 01.2024
- Collaborated closely with over 60 business teams to develop employee engagements for the contest launch for the international travel incentive.
- Managed various employee engagement projects from inception through completion, delivering timely results aligned with set goals and objectives.
- Enhanced employee engagement by implementing innovative strategies and programs.
- Engage with different stakeholders within the organization for smooth planning and execution of the incentive trips, both international and domestic.
- Managed over 600 employees' travel during incentive trips in a quarter.
Travel Manager
Morocco Riads & Beyond
Boca Raton, India
04.2022 - 05.2022
- Delivered outstanding service to customers to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
- Collaborated closely with clients to better understand entire project scope.
- Consulted with customers to assess their travel needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Coordinate with hotels and vendors and get the best rates for clients and exceptional services.
- New acquisitions with 15 more vendors and hotels in just 15 days of joining.
Branch Manager/Vice President
Prudent Asset India Pvt Ltd
Pune, India
11.2021 - 04.2022
- Supervised branch operations and made continuous improvements in each area.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired 10 employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined strategies for Sales, and business development and made proactive adjustments to maintain results.
- Managing client relationship and handling escalations for smoot sales and service delivery.
Travel Manager
Thomas Cook India Ltd
Pune, India
06.2010 - 11.2020
- Worked closely with top executives and assistants to meet compliance with strict business schedules.
- Prepared necessary travel documentation for national and international trips to diverse locations.
- Handled all aspects of client complaints by maintaining quality communications and establishing productive relationships.
- Managed 20 business accounts for cross selling through offers, internal events with strong focus on achieving high levels of client praises and loyalty.
- Asked open-ended questions to better ascertain client needs and determine best international travel offerings.
- Communicated benefits and information regarding international travel insurance with clients and obtained best rates, increasing repeat business.
- Maintained operational proficiency in coordinating both international and domestic travel accommodations for customers, arranging for airfare as well as hotel and rental car reservations.
- Organized memorable and exquisite travel itineraries and vacations for high-level clients, celebrities, politicians, and business executives.
- Responded to clients' questions, issues and complaints and implemented appropriate solutions.
- Developed loyal clientele base due to excellent listening and research skills and keen understanding of travel budgets.
- Implemented automated office systems, optimizing client and data communications as well as records management.
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
- Provided exemplary customer service to new and existing clients, which helped build lasting relationships and secure new travel assignments.
Education
MBA - Tourism Management
International Institute of Professional Studies
Indore05.2010
Skills
Relationship building and management
Supervision and leadership
Problem-solving
Team management
Flexible and adaptable
Organization and time management
Calm under pressure
Friendly, positive attitude
Teamwork and collaboration
Customer service
Verbal communication
Multitasking
Accomplishments
- Achieved "Debutant" award in September 2022, by displaying exceptional performance in the very first project within 6 months of joining Bajaj Finance Ltd..
- Displayed exceptional cost saving with vendor negotiation which led to promotion from Lead and Senior Lead at Bajaj Finance Ltd. in the month of November'2024.
- Awarded "Heroes" award in May 2024 by The Deputy MD of Bajaj Finance Ltd.
- Awarded "Pride Award" in 2016 for exceptional team work in Thomas Cook.
- Awarded Star of the Month tree times for over achieving sales target in Thomas Cook.
- Pune best sales person for the year 2016.
Software
Certification
Tourism Certification for various countries
Interests
Reading
Travelling
Yoga
Dancing
Yoga
Certified Yoga Wellness Instructor, registered with Yoga Alliance USA and Ayush Ministry (Govt. of India) with an experience of 5 years, guiding students to handle day to day stress and health management, with practice of traditional Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation.
Timeline
Certified Trainer, by Dale Carnegie
12-2023
Lead Travel, RnR and Employee Engagement
BAJAJ FINANCE LTD
06.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Lead MICE & Events
BAJAJ FINANCE LTD
06.2022 - Current
Travel Manager
Morocco Riads & Beyond
04.2022 - 05.2022
Branch Manager/Vice President
Prudent Asset India Pvt Ltd
11.2021 - 04.2022
RYT 500, Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance USA
03-2021
Ayush Ministry Level 2, Yoga wellness instructor
11-2020
Tourism Certification for various countries
04-2020
Amadeus GDS System
08-2010
Travel Manager
Thomas Cook India Ltd
06.2010 - 11.2020
MBA - Tourism Management
International Institute of Professional Studies