D Gurugandhi
Summary
• To drive Circle as a profitable business by driving sales production and managing the associated costs.
• Provide direct support to field sales executives to help them achieve business goals and maximize their own productivity.
• Ensure high quality and persistency of business generated by the local production unit to support the long-term profitability of the company.
• Cascade and align Agency business plans systematically (e.g., targeted product mix, specific initiatives, etc.) to ensure effective implementation of the same.
• Support Career field sales executives to identify and recruit top Financial Consultants from the market to expand the distribution team and improve overall productivity.
• Provide leadership to the entire Circle team by clearly communicating vision and objectives of the organization and of the local team.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Circle Head
HDFC Life
Chennai, India
03.2020 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Associate Circle Head
HDFC Life
Chennai, India
05.2016 - 02.2020
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Sales Manager
HDFC Life
Chennai, India
10.2012 - 05.2016
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.
Assistant Sales Manager
HDFC Life
Chennai, India
06.2011 - 05.2012
- Resolved customer issues promptly, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and trust in the brand.
- Trained new hires on product knowledge, enhancing their ability to sell confidently and successfully close deals.
- Assisted sales team with completing customer transactions and managing issues.
- Developed strong client relationships for repeat business and increased referrals.
Business Development Manager
HDFC Life
Chennai, India
10.2010 - 09.2011
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decisionmakers.
- Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
- Developed customized solutions for clients based on a deep understanding of their unique pain points, delivering exceptional value and driving repeat business.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
Sales Development Manager
HDFC Life
Chennai, India
03.2008 - 09.2010
- Analyzed sales data to identify opportunities for improvement and created action plans to capitalize on those opportunities.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between sales, marketing, product development, and customer success teams for seamless execution of company-wide initiatives.
- Aligned sales strategies with company objectives to drive overall business growth.
- Increased sales revenue by implementing strategic growth initiatives and fostering strong client relationships.
Education
M.Phil - Zoology
Pachaiyapa's College
08-2007
Master of Science - Zoology
Pachaiyappa's College
Chennai, India04-2005
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Pachaiyappa's College
Chennai04-2003
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
Accomplishments
As CH:
- Qualified and attended Management Development Program in a leading Indian Business School, SPJIMR in FY 22-23 and FY 23-24
- Topped 14 out of 180 managers who were a part of the Manager Transformation League 1.0 in the FY 22-23 and nominated for Forbes Top 100 Managers study
- Completed the Great People Manager Certification program and achieved Platinum tier and demonstrated an exceptional ability to "Connect, Develop, Inspire' your teams conducted by Great Manager Institute (GMI)
- Topper during FY 21-22, 22-23 in annual target vs achievement across Tamil Nadu
- Created 2 COTs and 4 MDRTs in 2023 and 4 MDRTs in 2024
- Created more successful leaders from the circle
As ACH:
- Ranked Pan India 6th on KPI, FY 17-18
- Consecutive 3 years target achiever and topped in the region
- Created 2 MDRTs in 2019 out of which one is FTMDRT
- Made FLs to move up to the next level
As SM:
- TEBT Champion responsible for entire Chennai region and 100% FTR login.
- Qualified for international trip Bangkok and national convention Andaman and Nicobar and many Zonal and Regional Conclaves
- Made my FCs to qualify for international, national, and zonal conclaves
As ASM:
- Topper among the region and qualified for IPL contest to meet the Rajasthan Royals Salute the Champion
AS BDM:
- Qualified for GM club, topped in PAN India activation
- Qualified for International trip to Mauritius
- Continuous topper at regional level on top-line and AFC
AS SDM:
- Record of continuous login of 21 days with business 21 NOPs, 40 L.
Cooking
I enjoy spending my free time preparing food for my family, often experimenting with new recipes, flavors, and techniques. It is an relaxing activity.
Languages
Tamil
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Telugu
Intermediate (B1)
English
Advanced (C1)
Timeline
Circle Head
HDFC Life
03.2020 - Current
Associate Circle Head
HDFC Life
05.2016 - 02.2020
Sales Manager
HDFC Life
10.2012 - 05.2016
Assistant Sales Manager
HDFC Life
06.2011 - 05.2012
Business Development Manager
HDFC Life
10.2010 - 09.2011
Sales Development Manager
HDFC Life
03.2008 - 09.2010
M.Phil - Zoology
Pachaiyapa's College
Master of Science - Zoology
Pachaiyappa's College
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Pachaiyappa's College