Ketan Patel
India & Internationals - Sales - Distribution - Retails - Publishing Professional
MUMBAI
Summary
Accomplished and results-driven international sales and distribution leader with over 20 years of experience driving revenue growth, establishing multi-country distribution networks, and managing operations across the publishing, retail, and distribution sectors.
Recognized for developing and scaling profitable market entry and expansion strategies across Africa and leading cross-functional teams, and delivering sustained business growth for global publishing houses.
Proven expertise in strategic account development, commercial negotiation, and channel management, with a strong ability to build long-term partnerships and optimize sales operations.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Corporate (Western India) & International Sales (Africa)
Pegasus Publishing Group (Part of B Jain)
11.2024 - Current
- Expanded corporate B2B sales by securing key accounts such as D-Mart, Hamley's, and Crossword, significantly increasing domestic revenue streams.
- Spearheaded market entry and distribution networks across six African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), successfully negotiating USD-based deals.
- Managed product portfolio strategies across specialized bookstores, toy retailers, and high-volume supermarket channels.
- Led commercial agreements, volume rebate frameworks, payment collection, and seasonal order cycles to ensure profitability and liquidity.
- Represented the company at major international book fairs, leveraging market research and data analytics to pre-qualify and engage key customers.
- Spearheaded international sales initiatives across diverse markets in Africa, driving brand recognition and market penetration.
- Developed and implemented strategic sales plans for the Western India region, resulting in enhanced customer engagement and loyalty.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify market trends, optimizing product offerings based on customer feedback and preferences.
- Trained and mentored junior sales staff, fostering a culture of excellence and improving overall team performance and productivity.
National Sales Manager – All Verticals
Parragon Publishing India Pvt Ltd
11.2022 - 10.2024
- Designed and implemented national business processes, leading multi-vertical sales teams, and aligning commercial strategy with revenue objectives.
- Identified new business opportunities and innovative product lines, enhancing market relevance and portfolio diversity.
- Oversaw procurement and reprint stock planning to maintain optimal inventory levels, while minimizing carrying costs.
Publisher – Author Management
Crossword Bzookstore Pvt. Ltd. – The Write Place
02.2021 - 10.2022
- Directed end-to-end publishing operations, including author agreements, commercial terms, royalty calculations, and editorial workflows.
- Planned and executed high-profile author events, such as book launches and signings, supported by comprehensive marketing campaigns.
- Managed printing schedules, distribution channels, royalty disbursements, and renewal of publishing agreements.
Founder & Project Head
Re-Translate (Entrepreneurial Venture)
12.2017 - 12.2020
- Founded and scaled a successful translation and e-publishing venture, specializing in Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati language projects.
- Delivered large-scale translation and co-edition projects for leading publishers, including Harapa, Prakash Books, and Speaking Tiger.
- Oversaw the complete production cycle from translation, proofreading, design, typesetting, and final delivery.
Regional Head (Sales & Marketing) – Western India
Parragon Publishing India Pvt Ltd
05.2013 - 11.2017
- Generated ₹20 million sales from new business by partnering with a Gujarati publisher for 50 translated titles (3,000/5,000 copies each in the first print run).
- Managed sales and distribution across Trade, Key Retail, and Mass Market verticals (Future Retail, Hypercity, Hamley's).
- Achieved double-digit growth in key accounts through strategic account planning and curated product selections.
- Expanded market reach into A, B, and C-tier cities across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa.
- Oversaw local-language publishing projects, including History of Gujarat and Spirit of Gujarat.
Area Sales Manager – Western Region
Pan Macmillan Books India
05.2010 - 05.2013
- Consistently exceeded annual revenue and payment collection targets.
- Organized book launches and media appearances for globally renowned authors such as Jeffrey Archer, Wilbur Smith, and Ken Follett.
- Maintained strong distributor and retailer relationships, ensuring maximum shelf visibility, and in-store presence.
Assistant Sales Manager – Western Region
Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd.
04.2007 - 05.2010
- Surpassed sales goals by 20% through effective trade network expansion and customer relationship management.
- Coordinated media promotions and author events while opening new distribution accounts in key markets.
Sales & Promotional Executive
Jaico Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
04.2003 - 03.2007
- Consistently achieved and exceeded sales targets through effective trade network development.
- Managed inventory operations, inter-branch logistics, exhibitions, and trade show coordination.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Arunodaya University
Arunachal Pradesh01.2023
Skills
Sales and market strategy
Timeline
Corporate (Western India) & International Sales (Africa)
Pegasus Publishing Group (Part of B Jain)
11.2024 - Current
National Sales Manager – All Verticals
Parragon Publishing India Pvt Ltd
11.2022 - 10.2024
Publisher – Author Management
Crossword Bzookstore Pvt. Ltd. – The Write Place
02.2021 - 10.2022
Founder & Project Head
Re-Translate (Entrepreneurial Venture)
12.2017 - 12.2020
Regional Head (Sales & Marketing) – Western India
Parragon Publishing India Pvt Ltd
05.2013 - 11.2017
Area Sales Manager – Western Region
Pan Macmillan Books India
05.2010 - 05.2013
Assistant Sales Manager – Western Region
Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd.
04.2007 - 05.2010
Sales & Promotional Executive
Jaico Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
04.2003 - 03.2007
Bachelor of Arts -
Arunodaya University
Accomplishments
- Maximum sales of children's books spinner into retail and gain maximum display space
- Early promotion and highest growth in sales team in the initial months with Penguin India
- Started a new line of language translation for the Gujarati language (government project)
- Initiated a new vertical line for non-bookstores
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Hindi
Upper intermediate (B2)
Marathi
Upper intermediate (B2)
Gujarati
Upper intermediate (B2)
Interests
Travel & Sufi Music