Mehul Sonavane
Lodha Palava Downtown, Dombivli East
Summary
Dynamic professional with over 13 years of expertise in EdTech, Career Services, and Sales Leadership within the Indian market. Proven ability to drive growth through strategic business development and foster academic collaborations that enhance educational outcomes. Recognized for exceptional team leadership and successful implementation of sales strategies, alongside a commitment to mentoring and developing innovative career guidance programs aligned with NEP 2020. A results-oriented approach ensures the delivery of impactful solutions that empower individuals and organizations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Vice President - Sales
LEO1 (Gajju Technologies Pvt Ltd)
Mumbai, Maharashtra
03.2025 - 06.2025
- Facilitated training sessions for sales staff, enhancing product knowledge and selling skills.
- Executed strategic sales plans to enhance revenue growth and broaden market presence.
- Directed and mentored regional sales managers to align initiatives with company objectives.
- Spearheaded participation in national trade shows to enhance lead generation and elevate brand visibility.
- Analyzed performance metrics to evaluate progress towards objectives, resulting in a 75% success rate in achieving targets.
Program Manager
Expify Pvt Ltd
Mumbai, Maharashtra
11.2024 - 02.2025
- Enhanced customer engagement through strategic implementation of tailored outreach initiatives.
- Guided student organizations in leadership development and program alignment with industry standards.
- Developed and led workshops and events to foster increased involvement from students and institutional partners.
- Designed and implemented outreach strategies aimed at fostering connections with diverse community stakeholders.
- Developed and delivered training programs to enhance team members' outreach techniques for maximum impact.
- Reviewed performance strategies and applied modifications to reliably meet 80% of predetermined targets.
EdTech Sales Manager (Lead - West Region)
SmartBridge Educational Services Pvt Ltd
Mumbai, Maharashtra
04.2023 - 10.2024
- Implemented strategic campaigns that resulted in 55% revenue growth through effective customer acquisition efforts.
- Developed and executed incentive-driven sales programs to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
- Developed and implemented an innovative sales forecasting model to enhance revenue projection accuracy.
- Managed a diverse team of over 10 members, implementing strategies that resulted in a significant boost in sales performance.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive training programs to enhance team skills and product knowledge.
Career Education Business
NIIT Ltd
Mumbai, Maharashtra
06.2022 - 03.2023
- Executed strategic collaborations with academic institutions, resulting in a 40% increase in market share.
- Researched and composed detailed proposals to initiate and solidify new institutional collaborations.
- Designed and implemented business continuity strategies to ensure operational stability during potential disruptions.
- Facilitated collaboration among diverse teams to implement key business initiatives supporting overarching strategic goals.
Business Development Manager
SARAS 3D Educational Pvt Ltd
Mumbai, Maharashtra
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Cultivated and executed strategic partnerships to enhance market positioning and elevate brand visibility.
- Analyzed and optimized operational workflows, leading to a 35% decrease in overall expenses.
- Facilitated implementation of agile methodology, resulting in accelerated development cycles and improved team collaboration.
- Executed thorough business planning to secure vital investments aimed at enhancing product growth.
- Performed in-depth analysis of market dynamics to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities and trends.
Academic Counselor
Toppr (Haygot Education Pvt Ltd)
Thane, Maharashtra
08.2018 - 12.2020
- Developed tailored mentoring strategies for over 500 students, resulting in notable advancements in academic achievement.
- Coordinated efforts among parents, teachers, and students to improve overall academic performance.
- Implemented reward-based systems to enhance overall academic performance.
- Collaborated with students to design customized academic pathways through strategic course selection.
- Developed and conducted interactive workshops on study skills and time management, fostering improved learning outcomes for attendees.
Sales Executive (Retail)
Samsung India Pvt Ltd
Thane, Maharashtra
09.2011 - 07.2018
- Streamlined sales operations, resulting in a significant boost in acquisition rates through improved methodologies.
- Executed strategic loyalty programs that significantly improved customer retention rates.
- Executed strategic networking initiatives and actively participated in trade shows to acquire and secure large accounts.
- Engaged with clients to understand and address their specific needs and preferences.
- Spearheaded collaboration with marketing teams to devise impactful sales strategies and campaigns.
Education
MBA - Marketing Management
IIMS
Mumbai01.2021
B.Com - Commerce
Mumbai University
Mumbai01.2015
Skills
- Sales forecasting and strategy
- Market segmentation and analysis
- Business growth initiatives
- Leadership and team building
- Client relationship management
- Performance assessment techniques
- Digital marketing and presentation skills
- Event planning and coordination
- Partnership cultivation strategies
- Strategic planning processes
- Process optimization techniques
- Industry knowledge and expertise
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Brand visibility enhancement
- Effective time management practices
- Budget oversight and management skills
- Analytical thinking abilities
- Data-informed decision making strategies
- Collaborative industry engagement techniques
- Proposal development skills
- Stakeholder engagement strategies
Accomplishments
- Awarded for excellence in academic relations for outstanding contribution to bridging education and industry through innovative collaboration models
- Recognized mentor and career strategist by multiple academic institutions for impactful career counseling and faculty development initiatives
- Leadership appreciation for organizing the Maharashtra-wide HR meet and training development program, fostering industry-academia partnerships
- The AICTE–NEAT and SWAYAM initiative for promoting experiential and skill-based learning is aligned with NEP 2020
- Achievement in nationwide collaboration with AISPCPA to roll out an NEP 2020-aligned experiential career counseling program for schools across India
- Institutional Recognition Awards from partner schools and colleges for outstanding mentoring and employability-driven initiatives
Affiliations
- Invited speaker and mentor at various academic institutions across Maharashtra for sessions on career development, NEP 2020 framework, and industry-academia collaboration
- Organized and led multiple HR meets, faculty development programs, and experiential career counseling seminars in collaboration with schools and colleges
- Approved by AICTE-NEAT and the SWAYAM Initiative to promote experiential learning and government-approved skill programs
- Collaborated with AISPCPA (All India School Principals and College Principals Association) to launch a national NEP 2020-aligned career counseling program for grades 8–12 students
- Mentor for emerging talent – guided over 5,000 students and 100 educators through industry-linked programs and certifications
- Recognized for excellence in academic relations by partner institutions and industry leaders for innovative collaboration initiatives
Certification
- AI Tools Workshop - Be10X
- Project Management - LearnTube
- Data analysis using AI, Skill Nation
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Hindi
Proficient (C2)
C2
Marathi
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Assistant Vice President - Sales
LEO1 (Gajju Technologies Pvt Ltd)
03.2025 - 06.2025
Program Manager
Expify Pvt Ltd
11.2024 - 02.2025
EdTech Sales Manager (Lead - West Region)
SmartBridge Educational Services Pvt Ltd
04.2023 - 10.2024
Career Education Business
NIIT Ltd
06.2022 - 03.2023
Business Development Manager
SARAS 3D Educational Pvt Ltd
01.2021 - 05.2022
Academic Counselor
Toppr (Haygot Education Pvt Ltd)
08.2018 - 12.2020
Sales Executive (Retail)
Samsung India Pvt Ltd
09.2011 - 07.2018
B.Com - Commerce
Mumbai University
MBA - Marketing Management
IIMS
Recognized and Leadership
- Best leader and Best Performance Recognition and Appreciation letter's from Many Institutions for Guest Speaker
- Iconic Gold Best Educator Award 2026
- Guru Samman Award 2025
- Motivational speaker and career guidance mentor
- Member of AISPCPA (All India School Principals and College Principals Association)
- Member of NHRWA (National Human Resource Welfare Association)
- Member of RSG (Rashtriya Scouts and Guides) under the Government of India