Cooking
KARTHIK UNNIKRISHNAN
Business Development Manager - AOEM (INDIA)
Pune
Summary
Senior marketing and business development professional with 18+ years of experience driving revenue growth, market expansion, and brand positioning across industrial, automotive, metal, electronics, and government PSU segments. Proven ability to build distribution networks, manage high-performing teams, and deliver consistent 20% YoY sales growth. Strong blend of engineering background and commercial acumen.
Senior Business Development and Marketing professional with 18+ years of experience driving profitable growth across the Automotive and industrial B2B sectors in India. Currently leading the Automotive segment at Starcke Abrasives India Pvt. Ltd., delivering consistent 20% year-on-year sales growth through strategic customer acquisition, distributor expansion, and brand promotion initiatives. Proven leader with strong capabilities in team development, training new joiners, digital CRM implementation, and market expansion through exhibitions, seminars, and channel-led strategies.
Sales and Business Development leader with 18+ years of pan-India experience driving sustained revenue growth and market leadership across the Automotive and industrial B2B sectors. Currently heading the Automotive segment at Starcke Abrasives India Pvt. Ltd., delivering consistent 20% year-on-year growth through strategic account ownership, distributor network expansion, and disciplined execution. Proven track record in building and leading high-performing sales teams, strengthening brand presence through industry exhibitions and seminars, and enabling scalable growth through CRM-led digital transformation. Recognized for combining commercial strategy, people leadership, and execution excellence to deliver long-term business impact.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
6
6
Languages
Work History
Business Development Manager – Automotive Segment
STARCKE ABRASIVES INDIA PVT. LTD.
Pune
01.2014 - Current
- Achieved ~20% year-on-year sales growth consistently by expanding customer base and appointing new distributors across key regions.
- Led business development initiatives for Automotive, Metal, Electronics, and Government PSU segments.
- Built and managed a 7-member sales team with direct reporting responsibility for the Maharashtra region.
- Led onboarding and training programs for new joiners, accelerating ramp-up time and ensuring alignment with product, market, and sales processes.
- Developed and strengthened distributor networks to improve market penetration and regional coverage.
- Drove sales of abrasives, polishing solutions, and pneumatic tools, aligning product offerings with customer requirements.
- Established long-term relationships with key customers, resulting in repeat business and improved account retention.
- Drove brand promotion initiatives by representing the company at industry exhibitions, trade shows, and technical seminars, strengthening brand visibility and lead generation.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activity to refine pricing, positioning, and sales strategies.
- Led and designed the development of a CRM-enabled sales website for Starcke Abrasives India Pvt. Ltd. (www.starckeshop.com), supporting digital customer engagement, enquiry management, and sales operations.
- Worked closely with internal teams to support demand planning and ensure timely product availability.
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decisionmakers.
Senior Engineer – Marketing (Mobile Service Units – CV Segment)
ATS ELGI LTD.
Coimbatore
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Played a key role in marketing and business development for Mobile Service Units across India.
- Increased market share by 40% in the tyre industry through targeted positioning and customer engagement.
- Reversed two years of losses and achieved 6% profitability by repositioning a servicing product.
- Generated INR 18 million revenue by introducing an existing product into untapped market segments.
- Appointed new dealers in less penetrated regions, expanding national footprint.
- Acted as a centralized resource for proposals, costing, warranty terms, and delivery coordination.
- Coordinated with production, design, and corporate communications teams for brochures, exhibitions, and trade shows.
- Controlled project costs by approving expenditures.
Marketing Executive
ENVIROCARE INDIA (P) LTD.
Coimbatore
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Managed key accounts, sales operations, and revenue forecasting.
- Achieved INR 60 million monthly turnover in Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) survey projects.
- Contributed to pricing and costing strategies to stay competitive.
- Led e-marketing initiatives, increasing enquiry generation by 36% within one year.
- Coordinated advertising and promotional activities with external agencies.
- Communicated marketing strategy and campaign performance to verify alignment with corporate sales objectives.
- Onboarded new customers efficiently by developing database listings, uploading information, and defining related lists.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Electronics & Communication Engineering
Erode Sengunthar Engineering College, Anna University
Perundurai, Erode04-2008
Skills
Business Development & Revenue Growth
B2B Sales & Key Account Management
Distributor & Channel Management
Market Expansion & New Customer Acquisition
Business development
Decision-making
Team leadership
Project management
Relationship building and management
Training and mentoring
Market research
Accomplishments
- Lead a team of 6 personnel bringing 20% YOY growth.
- Developed Starckeshop program, resulting in faster order placement.
- Acquired 7 new OEM in a year, generating a total value of INR 200 Mn.
- Won "Highest Sales Award" consistently.
Interests
Travelling
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Location Preference: Pan India
Timeline
Business Development Manager – Automotive Segment
STARCKE ABRASIVES INDIA PVT. LTD.
01.2014 - Current
Senior Engineer – Marketing (Mobile Service Units – CV Segment)
ATS ELGI LTD.
01.2011 - 01.2014
Marketing Executive
ENVIROCARE INDIA (P) LTD.
01.2008 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Engineering - Electronics & Communication Engineering
Erode Sengunthar Engineering College, Anna University