Manish Kumar
Bengaluru
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven sales leader with 14 years of progressive experience in consumer durables and lifestyle brands. Proven track record in turning around underperforming geographies, expanding sales channels, and driving sustainable growth. Skilled negotiator and strategic planner with extensive leadership expertise across multiple regions in India. Committed to continuous learning and development, with certifications in luxury management and leadership coaching.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Head - South India
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
01.2024 - Current
- Lead a team of four business heads, five functional heads, and over ninety associates across South India.
- Designed and implemented process excellence initiatives, enhancing team efficiency and competitive advantage.
- Fostered cross-functional collaboration, leading to a 9% improvement in service TAT, a 7% increase in customer satisfaction, and a 6% reduction in attrition.
- Reversed market share decline from -0.02% in 2023 to +2.1% growth in 2024.
- Delivered the highest growth across business verticals: Retail up 32%, Projects up 27%.
- Advanced South India is the third largest revenue-generating zone, growing the fastest from the slowest in 2023.
- Doubled the project business pipeline from ₹3700M (end 2023) to ₹9600M currently.
- Crafted data-backed GTM strategies driving 50%+ growth in targeted micro markets across Retail and Projects.
- Expanded Retail brand presence by 24% and new project partnerships by 214%, positioning the region for further growth.
National Head - Retail Business
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Drove 79% revenue growth in retail channel, increasing business contribution from 52% to 60%.
- Expanded retail channel footprint by 58% and KOHLER Exclusive partners by 131%, contributing to 39% of revenue.
- Leveraged retail analytics and insights to optimize ATL and BTL marketing, significantly improving sales and marketing ROI.
- Developed collaborative GTM strategies for new product launches and marketing initiatives.
- Led KBC & Specifier engagement programs, increasing luxury business by 8% and adding 900+ architects.
- Increased gross margins by 7%, delivering a sustainable growth roadmap through 2027.
- Played a key role in Project Apt, a significant global and India leadership initiative.
- Earned Ace Alliance Award and Special Recognition from Global CEO amid national and global reorganization.
Zonal Sales Head - Mumbai & RMDM - West India
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
10.2020 - 12.2021
- Managed Retail, Project, and Distribution businesses across Mumbai and led retail expansion across West India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa).
- Spearheaded a retail expansion initiative, growing footprint by 31% over 2020-21 despite pandemic challenges.
- Launched innovative strategies to recover COVID impact, adding 15% retail footprint within two months post-first wave.
- Achieved exponential retail revenue growth of 233% in Mumbai, boosting market share from 4.7%.
- Directed a high-performing team, achieving 100% key account retention and expanding B2B accounts by 30% during tenure.
- Awarded Best Zone for Retail and overall zone in 2021.
Regional Market Development Manager - West India
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
04.2020 - 10.2020
- Directed key retail expansion initiatives for West India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa), conceptualized and built the program framework.
- Managed 4 MDM's, leveraged retail analytics to identify catchment opportunities and secured strategic partnerships.
Zonal Sales Head, Generalist - Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
04.2019 - 03.2020
- Led Project and Retail businesses for AP & Telangana, initiating growth in residential, hospitality, commercial, and government sectors.
- Expanded business to 5 new cities, increasing revenue by 30%.
- Achieved multiple awards including Best Zone for Highest Growth, Luxury Contribution, Consultant Performance, and Overall Best Zone (2018 & 2019).
Area Sales Manager - Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
04.2017 - 03.2019
- Transformed retail business from lowest among top three revenue contributors in India.
- Delivered consistent 3-year CAGR of 82% growth in retail sales.
- Achieved highest national luxury and vibrant sales in 2018 & 2019.
- Awarded Best Zone - Retail for 2017 and received the first global recognition by CEO for consistent performance.
Territory Sales Manager - NCR
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
01.2014 - 03.2017
- Developed partnerships with architects and interior designers to position KOHLER as the preferred premium luxury brand.
- Achieved exponential sales growth and increased brand presence across NCR territory.
- Awarded Best TSM-Retail India for three consecutive years.
Sales Manager - Nokia Business (NCR & Haryana)
HCL Infosystems
10.2012 - 01.2014
- Led stock planning and procurement for national accounts, ensuring 100% WOD and optimum product placement.
- Managed a team of 6 Field Force ASM's and over 70 in-store promoters to increase average selling price (ASP) and revenue share.
Key Account Executive - Nokia Business
HCL Infosystems
07.2011 - 10.2012
- Managed regional modern trade accounts and enhanced Nokia's brand visibility and in-store product placement.
Education
MBA - Marketing
Army Institute of Management
Kolkata06-2011
BCA -
Army Institute of Management & Technology, GGSIP University
Delhi06-2009
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Market analysis
- Process improvement
- Financial forecasting
- Data-driven decision making
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Cross-functional collaboration
Accomplishments
- Best Region PO Wins - 2024
- Ace Alliance, along with Special Reorganization from the Global CEO, 2022 and 2023
- Best Zone Retail and Overall Best Zone - 2021
- Special Recorganization from Global CEO - Consistant Performance.
- Best Zone Award, 2017, 2018 & 2019
- Best TSM Retail, India - 2014, 2015, 2016
Certification
- Certification in Luxury Management, IIM-Bangalore
- 6 months of one-on-one professional coaching for leadership and team management - 2024
- Participated in multiple on-the-job leadership and developmental centers tailored to professional and personal growth
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Business Head - South India
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
01.2024 - Current
National Head - Retail Business
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
01.2022 - 12.2023
Zonal Sales Head - Mumbai & RMDM - West India
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
10.2020 - 12.2021
Regional Market Development Manager - West India
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
04.2020 - 10.2020
Zonal Sales Head, Generalist - Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
04.2019 - 03.2020
Area Sales Manager - Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
04.2017 - 03.2019
Territory Sales Manager - NCR
Kohler India Corporation Pvt. Ltd.
01.2014 - 03.2017
Sales Manager - Nokia Business (NCR & Haryana)
HCL Infosystems
10.2012 - 01.2014
Key Account Executive - Nokia Business
HCL Infosystems
07.2011 - 10.2012
MBA - Marketing
Army Institute of Management
BCA -
Army Institute of Management & Technology, GGSIP University
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