Dhiraaj Kesaria
Award Winning Integrated Media Strategist
Mumbai
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented advertising and media professional with over two decades of experience managing high-revenue businesses and delivering impactful campaigns. Proven track record in media planning, business development, and strategic leadership, successfully handling revenues exceeding INR 350 crore annually. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, optimizing operational efficiencies, and driving substantial cost savings. Award-winning strategist recognized for excellence in campaign execution and client servicing. Skilled in media strategy, team management, and innovative solutions that foster growth and profitability.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Business Director
Wavemaker, Group M Media India Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
2 2023 - Current
- Led team to win several awards, including Gold at Emvies 2024 for Dream11 campaign, demonstrating exceptional campaign execution and creativity
- Headed integrated media and strategy planning for high-profile clients such as LinkedIn, Dream11, Bisleri, Franklin Templeton, Sharekhan, and Zydus LifeSciences
- Managed annual revenues exceeding INR 350 crore, ensuring financial targets were met or exceeded
- Spearheaded a diverse team to develop and implement highly effective strategies and result-oriented campaigns
- Successfully designed and presented pitches for prestigious clients including ICC, Sharekhan, and BCCI, contributing to business growth
- Skilled in managing client expectations, handling escalations, and driving continuous improvement in service delivery to exceed client objectives and enhance long-term partnerships.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making practices to inform strategic planning efforts and optimize performance outcomes
Director
Starcom, Publicis, TLG India Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
2022.09 - 2023.01
- Directed integrated media planning for major clients such as Jeep, Ana Oils, and Vadilal Ice Cream, overseeing business operations exceeding INR 150 crore annually
- Developed and executed ROI-driven campaigns, achieving cost efficiencies of over 20%
- Successfully activated Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for Jeep and led pitch for Unity Small Finance Bank, demonstrating strategic foresight and execution
- Proven track record in understanding client needs, delivering tailored solutions, and ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices
Associate Director - L'Équipe L'Oréal
Wavemaker, Group M Media India Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
2019.02 - 2022.08
- Managed media campaigns with budgets exceeding INR 100 crore annually, ensuring maximum reach and effectiveness
- Drive planning efficiencies, resulting in over 10% savings on media expenditures
- Conducted in-depth competition analysis and contributed to multiple business reviews and pitches, providing strategic insights and recommendations.
Vice President
Ventures Advertising Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
2018.04 - 2018.09
- Directed business operations across various verticals and geographies, managing businesses worth INR 50 crore
- Secured new business revenues exceeding INR 1 crore, expanding client portfolio within BFSI and Mutual Fund sectors
- Supervised cross-functional teams comprising of senior and mid-to-junior-level members, fostering collaborative and high-performance environment
- Expertly assess and understand client needs, delivering tailored strategies and solutions that align with their business objectives and goals.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
Vice President
Pressman Advertising Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
2013.06 - 2018.03
- Piloted firm's national operations across multiple domains, overseeing business value exceeding INR 60 crore
- Mentored cross-functional teams across planning, buying, design, digital, creative, and operations, significantly reducing attrition rates by nearly 75%
- Achieved year-on-year revenue growth of 15%, driving sustained business development
- Established digital marketing division, generating INR 1 crore in revenue within first 8 months of its launch
- Successfully foster and maintain robust client relationships through attentive service and personalized solutions, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and loyalty
- Expanded client portfolio by targeting and acquiring high-value clients in BFSI, Mutual Fund, Consumer Durables, Oil & Gas, IMFL and other key sectors.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
Operations Manager
Podar Education Network
Mumbai
2012.03 - 2013.05
- Orchestrated organization's expansion plans for preschools and K-12 schools, adding 4 new institutions to network
- Negotiated real estate deals, reducing capital expenditure by approximately 20%
- Implemented industry-accepted legal practices, decreasing legal expenses by 45-55%
- Enhanced savings in infrastructure development costs by 25-30% through implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Senior Manager
Pressman Advertising Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
2011.05 - 2012.01
- Successfully secured new business revenues by identifying opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and building strong client relationships
- Directed new business development initiatives, achieving revenues of over INR 0.30 crore
- Leveraged existing client relationships to generate additional business worth INR 0.10 crore.
Business Owner
Obras de Arte
Mumbai
2008.09 - 2011.04
- Managed business functions, achieving annual revenues of INR 0.50 crore
- Conceptualized, designed, and launched industry-first web portal for online ad space booking and scheduling (www.bookmyad.in).
- Achieved consistent growth in annual revenue through strategic planning and execution of sales initiatives.
Strategic Alliance Manager
Kangaroo Kids Education Ltd.
Mumbai
2000.03 - 2008.08
- Led expansion of franchise network, increasing number of preschools from 30 to 65 domestically and internationally
- Diversified business by establishing 5 company-owned K12 institutes
- Negotiated beneficial real estate deals, reducing capital expenditure by approximately 25%
- Adopted globally accepted standards for legal compliance and due diligence, lowering legal costs by 45-55%
- Developed innovative infrastructural SOPs, achieving 25-30% reduction in infrastructure development expenditure.
Education
BBA - Marketing
Bharati Vidyapeeth
Pune 2021.07 - 2023.04
Digital Marketing Specialist -
Simplilearn - Online
Mumbai 2022.07 - 2023.04
Skills
Strategic Leadership
Media Planning and Campaign Management
Revenue Management
Team Management
Digital Marketing
Client Servicing and Relationship Management
Negotiation and Deal-Making
Languages
English
Upper intermediate (B2)
Hindi
Upper intermediate (B2)
Gujarati
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Marathi
Intermediate (B1)
Software
MS Excel
MS Powerpoint
YUMI
TGI
GWI
Awards
Dream11:
Gold at Emvies 2024 for Best Media Strategy, Sponsorships
Bronze at Emvies 2024 for Best Media Strategy
Bisleri:
Gold at E4M Health & Wellness Awards for Best Media Strategy
Silver at E4M Health & Wellness Awards for Best Media Strategy
Bronze at Emvies 2024 for Best Media Strategy
Bronze at E4M IDMA 2024 for Best Digital Strategy
Timeline
Director
Starcom, Publicis, TLG India Pvt. Ltd.
2022.09 - 2023.01
Digital Marketing Specialist -
Simplilearn - Online
2022.07 - 2023.04
BBA - Marketing
Bharati Vidyapeeth
2021.07 - 2023.04
Associate Director - L'Équipe L'Oréal
Wavemaker, Group M Media India Pvt. Ltd.
2019.02 - 2022.08
Vice President
Ventures Advertising Pvt. Ltd.
2018.04 - 2018.09
Vice President
Pressman Advertising Pvt. Ltd.
2013.06 - 2018.03
Operations Manager
Podar Education Network
2012.03 - 2013.05
Senior Manager
Pressman Advertising Pvt. Ltd.
2011.05 - 2012.01
Business Owner
Obras de Arte
2008.09 - 2011.04
Strategic Alliance Manager
Kangaroo Kids Education Ltd.
2000.03 - 2008.08
Business Director
Wavemaker, Group M Media India Pvt. Ltd.
2 2023 - Current
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