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
Publishing and content management
International sales and market entry
Translation and co-publishing management
Distribution network development
Commercial and contract negotiation
Author management and royalties
Channel development (trade, retail, mass)
Inventory management
Team building
Event planning and media coordination
B2B sales
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