Hiking, poetry, photography
NEETU Kapasi
Gurugram,Haryana
Summary
Driven by a passion for unlocking potential in organizations, teams, and institutes through relationships and policies. I am a versatile senior leader with a experience in communications, policy advocacy, government & diverse stakeholder relations, public affairs, change management, sustainability, business development, equality, diversity, and inclusion, coaching, and mentoring. My proven track record in managing projects with diverse teams, strategic planning to execution, mentoring leaders showcases my expertise in both direct and matrix leadership. I thrive in fostering collaboration, navigating challenges, and achieving goals. I am eager to leverage my expertise to drive impactful results in a dynamic and diverse work environment.
Overview
1824
1824
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
South Asia Head Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder Relations
IKEA Supply South Asia, Inter IKEA Group
Bangalore
01.2022 - 01.2024
- As a Management Team, Internal Board Member & Strategic Advisor to the Managing Director, I led setting up of internal & external communication and policy function.
- Integrating communication work with driving business results to nurture performance culture.
- Expanded IKEA Supply business in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Dubai from 50 supply partners to 65+ in 2 years.
- Increased gender diversity from 70:30 (Men-Women) to 65:45 at office and factory floor.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging business situations.
- Handled policymaking and collaborations with suppliers, government, industry chambers, embassies and stakeholders on creation of manufacturing and logistics policies, including Production Linked Incentives, the National Logistics Policy and Forestry Requirements & Regulations.
- Spear headed change management during business transformations and office relocation from Delhi to Bangalore, achieving 80% successful relocation.
- Engaged on risk, compliance, supply chain, logistics, supplier finance, code of conduct related issues.
- Fronted talent trainings, corporate social responsibility & employer branding initiatives.
India Head Policy Advocacy & Government Affairs
IKEA India Retail; Ingka Group
New Delhi
01.201 - 12.2021
- As a management team member, I led the establishment of the public affairs function looking into policy advocacy and government affairs.
- Led stakeholder relations strategy formulation to align business needs in a new market (India) with global direction.
- Positioned the brand among stakeholders from central to state government, industry peers, embassies, chambers, to media.
- Successfully contributed to the signing of six MoUs with five state governments and the purchase of four land parcels in three states for store establishment.
- Instrumental in achieving 50-50 gender diversity at all levels at IKEA in India.
- I advocated for policies favorable to single-brand retail industry growth, including Single Brand Local Sourcing Regulations, State Retail Policies, and Women Work & Safety Norms in retail sector.
- Managed the store community and stakeholder relations team in a matrix structure.
Deputy to Country Manager
IKEA India Retail; Ingka Group
New Delhi
10.2011 - 01.2016
- Joined as number 2 employee at the start of IKEA India retail journey.
- Management team member, I negotiated and co-led the formation of single-brand retail foreign investor policies in collaboration with government stakeholders and industry peers.
- I worked on creating market entry and expansion strategy for IKEA's entry into the Indian market.
- Assisted in budget planning and management, allocating resources strategically for optimal department performance.
- Collaborated with multiple functions to develop effective strategies for market entry.
- Headed policy formulation for land purchase, retail store establishment, and store operations.
- Contributed to the signing of MoUs with two state governments, followed by the successful acquisition of two land parcels.
- I drove industry coalitions and sector-specific committees to enhance brand positioning, integrating IKEA as a key partner in growth of the Indian economy and home furnishing sector.
Founder & Director
BMA Capital Advisors
Gurugram
01.2011 - 08.2011
- Founding member of a boutique investment banking firm specialising in merger & acquisition, private equity, fund raising, and business consulting, to service mid to small sized companies.
- Led successful branding of the company, to appeal and gain business.
- Developed strong partnerships with businesses for their growth.
- Closed two deals successfully in the first year.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
Head Communications, Campaigns, Partnerships & Bus
Perfect Relations
New Delhi
01.2004 - 12.2009
- Headed client relations, servicing, business development, and the social outreach wing at India’s leading communication and advocacy consultancy agency.
- Hired & trained team of 30 members.
- Built practice and grew business review by YoY by 50%.
- Headed client servicing for social portfolio clients like PATH International, Christian AIDS, Save the Children, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to build award winning communication, advocacy and stakeholder engagement campaigns.
Editor & Head- Development Communications
Voluntary Health Association of India
New Delhi
02.2000 - 06.2004
- Editor for the longest-running advocacy magazine, "Health for the Millions."
- Headed the communications function, focusing on advocacy publications and project implementation at the community level related to HIV/AIDS, women's health, child rights, poverty eradication, and the mobilization of sex workers.
- Managed team of 10 members.
- Collaborated with writers to improve content structure and clarity, resulting in increased reader engagement.
- Streamlined publishing operations and increased revenue by 25% and circulation by 30%.
Education
MBA - Public Policy
Indian School of Business, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
Mohali, India 01.2020 - 01.2022
MBA - Business Management & Marketing
Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies
Pune, India 01.1998 - 01.2000
Master of Science - Nutrition & Development Communication
Institute of Home Economics
New Delhi, India 01.1993 - 01.1998
Skills
Strategic planning
Policy advocacy
Communication
Change management
Teamwork and collaboration
Stakeholder engagement
Employee development
Analytical thinking
Adaptability
Websites
Careerambition
Driven by a passion for unlocking potential in organizations, teams, and institutes through relationships and policies. I am a versatile senior leader with experience in communications, policy advocacy, government & diverse stakeholder relations, public affairs, change management, sustainability, business development, equality, diversity, and inclusion, coaching, and mentoring. My proven track record in managing projects with diverse teams, strategic planning to execution, mentoring leaders showcases my expertise in both direct and matrix leadership. I thrive in fostering collaboration, navigating challenges, and achieving goals. I am eager to leverage my expertise to drive impactful results in a dynamic and diverse work environment.
Industrypositions
- Public Affairs Expert, Swedish Chambers of Commerce in India, 01/01/19, 12/31/25
- Representative, Single Brand Furniture Retail Sector in FICCI Furniture Committee, 01/01/21, 12/31/24
- Co-Chair, Retail Committee at European Business Chambers & Indian Commerce Chambers, 01/01/16, 12/31/21
Insightfulfacts
- Contributed to sports advertisement ban legislation against Tobacco companies, 2001
- Health for the Millions Magazine appreciated by Ex-President A P J Abdul Kalam, 2003
- Negotiated & contributed towards policies - Single Brand Retail Foreign Investment Policy; Change of local sourcing norms; State Retail Policies; GST rates for furniture sector; Modification in labelling norms for single brand retailers, 2012, 2015, 2015-2017, 2018, 2018
- Headed MoUs with Key 6 States for IKEA’s investment establishment & land purchase for retail expansion, 2014-2021
- Worked on making Furniture sector as a champion sector under champion sector scheme, 2021
- Winner of 50-50 gender diversity case study & creative representation of my research at ISB, 2022
- Lended expertise in crafting white paper - Strategic Roadmap for Furniture Sector of India, 2022
Additionalglobalassignments
- Communications Business Partner Innovation, Inter IKEA, 2024, Led the communication agenda for Innovations in Supply Chain to shape external & internal innovation narrative.
- Stakeholder Relations Key Performance Indicator (KPI), Inter IKEA, 2023, I created a tool for all Supply Areas Matrix, focusing on stakeholder mapping and engagement to emphasize the importance of achieving business results through building strong stakeholder relationships.
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) Community Lead, Inter IKEA, 2022, Led the creation of co-worker competence development plan to internally support awareness building on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).
- Strategic Partner, Dela Program at IKEA & Ashoka, 2020, Part of the senior strategy partners group, supporting global social entrepreneurs in turning business hurdles to opportunities through policy change, in their impact strategies and system change journey.
- Project Leader, Global Policy Advocacy Team, Ingka Group, 2017-2019, Supported the establishment policy affairs team across all retail markets. Developed tools for sharing best practices, work methods, risk mapping, and knowledge transfer.
Educationandleadershipprogrammes
- IKEA Communication & Leadership Coach, 2022, Trained in communication and leadership coach.
- Indian School of Business, The Fletcher School, Tufts University, 2020-2022, Advance Management in Public Policy; Research: How to unleash Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at workplace.
- Business Development Leadership Programme, IKEA, 2015-2016, Leadership Programme of IKEA to nurture Future Leaders.
- Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, India, 1998-2000, Postgraduate in Business Management & Marketing.
- Institute of Home Economics, India, 1993-1998, Undergraduate & Postgraduate in Nutrition & Development Communication.
Communication Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities with a proven track record of simplifying complex topics for diverse audiences. Skilled in conflict resolution and negotiations, adept at translating trends into actionable insights for work streams. Experienced communication and soft skills trainer/coach.
Interests
Timeline
South Asia Head Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder Relations
IKEA Supply South Asia, Inter IKEA Group
01.2022 - 01.2024
MBA - Public Policy
Indian School of Business, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
01.2020 - 01.2022
Deputy to Country Manager
IKEA India Retail; Ingka Group
10.2011 - 01.2016
Founder & Director
BMA Capital Advisors
01.2011 - 08.2011
Head Communications, Campaigns, Partnerships & Bus
Perfect Relations
01.2004 - 12.2009
Editor & Head- Development Communications
Voluntary Health Association of India
02.2000 - 06.2004
MBA - Business Management & Marketing
Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies
01.1998 - 01.2000
Master of Science - Nutrition & Development Communication
Institute of Home Economics
01.1993 - 01.1998
India Head Policy Advocacy & Government Affairs
IKEA India Retail; Ingka Group
01.201 - 12.2021
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