Rajendra Prasath
Director Of Sales & Marketing
Summary
Sales and marketing leader with proven success driving revenue growth and brand recognition. Skilled in strategic planning, market analysis, and digital marketing. Strong team collaborator with focus on achieving results and adapting to changing business needs. Known for effective communication, innovative problem-solving, and building strong client relationships
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Director of Sales & Marketing
Holiday Inn Chennai, IHG Hotels & Resorts
10.2024 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive analysis of industry trends and competitor activities to guide strategic decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
- Assisted the General Manager in preparing detailed reports for investors and the IHG corporate office, ensuring data accuracy and relevance.
- Collaborated with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure seamless communication and operational alignment.
- Analyzed sales and marketing data to develop innovative strategies, driving improved performance and achieving sales targets.
- Enhanced brand visibility through targeted advertising campaigns and effective social media engagement.
- Reviewed and optimized pricing strategies while expanding distribution channels to boost sales revenue.
- Managed revenue models, process workflows, operations support, and customer engagement strategies to maximize revenue growth and guest satisfaction.
Director of Sales
Holiday Inn Chennai, IHG Hotels & Resorts
04.2023 - 09.2024
- Leading sales functions with a strategic focus on revenue growth and market share expansion.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Managed team of sales, providing guidance, coaching and support.
- Spearheading business segmentation strategies to optimize ADR while maintaining market competitiveness.
- Championed change initiatives within the organization aimed at driving efficiency improvements in the overall sales operation infrastructure.
- Expanded customer base by targeting untapped markets through innovative lead generation tactics and follow-up mechanisms.
Associate Director of Sales
Holiday Inn Chennai ,IHG Hotels & Resorts
04.2022 - 03.2023
- Assisting the Director of Sales by contributing to the development of hotel sales initiatives by recommending, implementing and monitoring appropriate sales activities
- Develop and implement the overall sales strategy of the hotel to exceed financial targets by adopting a total revenue approach for business segments-Corporate, MICE & Wholesale and group segment
- Develop and execute the annual budget, monthly forecast, and oversee the advertising and business promotional, marketing activities
- Lead a motivated team of 06 sales professionals at the hotel which includes Catering & Events sales, Proactive, Reactive Sales
- Championing the RFP & Global account contracting for the hotel since 2016
- Department Trainer at Sales & Marketing
- IHG Business Rewards Champion for the hotel
- Enrich customer acquisition through targeted discussions on key account management plan
Senior Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Chennai ,IHG Hotels & Resorts
10.2019 - 03.2022
- Manage top performing corporate accounts for the hotel
- Participates in sales calls with members of sales team to acquire new business and/or close on business
- Blitz in feeder markets and represent the hotel/brand in travel fair
- Mentored junior sales professionals in advanced selling techniques, resulting in accelerated career progression and enhanced contributions to overall team success.
- Increased overall sales revenue by implementing effective sales strategies and building strong client relationships.
Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Chennai, IHG Hotels & Resorts
04.2018 - 09.2019
- Understands the overall market - competitors' strengths and weaknesses, economic trends, supply and demand etc
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Works collaboratively with off-property sales channels to ensure sales efforts are coordinated, complementary and not duplicative
- Business development from the assigned portfolio and ensure attainment of company commercial goals and profitability
- Ensure the Sales Team Members are developed effectively and generate a culture of high quality standards and pro-active selling
Assistant Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Chennai ,IHG Hotels & Resorts
08.2016 - 03.2018
- Analyse local market trends and develop new business leads
- Maximise all Revenue opportunities
- Contribute to the selling strategy of the hotel, and manage the departments' adherence to achieving that strategy
- Understand the competitive market place and implement approaches to ensure the hotel stays ahead in the local market
- Negotiate room rates/packages with corporate clients
- Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway
Sales Executive
Taj Hotels ,Roots Corporation- IHCL
06.2012 - 07.2016
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Expanded market share with strategic territory planning and targeted prospecting.
- Boosted sales revenue by cultivating strong client relationships and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Formulating sales budgets and applying periodical strategies in achieving the budgets for the FY
- Forecasting periodic sales targets & driving sales initiatives to achieve business goals & managing frontline sales team to achieve them
- Researched sales opportunities and possible leads to exceed sales goals and increase profits.
Education
MBA –Master of Business Administration -
Anna University
01.2010 - 01.2012
BA - Economics
Madras University
01.2007 - 01.2010
Skills
Key account management
Sales presentations
Pricing strategy
Competitor analysis
Problem-solving abilities
Team leadership
Keywins
- Honored as the Winning Way Leader of the Year for both 2023 and 2024, a testament to exemplary leadership, strategic vision, and significant contributions to the organization's success and growth.
- Spearheaded initiatives that led to a remarkable 15% rate growth for Holiday Inn Chennai in 2024, outperforming the market benchmark growth of 8%, showcasing the hotel's superior positioning and competitive strategy.
- Achieved an impressive ARI of 107 in 2024, contributing directly to the hotel's financial success by driving revenue and ensuring the attainment of its highest-ever Gross Operating Profit (GOP) , marking a milestone in operational excellence.
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 01/28/90
Timeline
Director of Sales & Marketing
Holiday Inn Chennai, IHG Hotels & Resorts
10.2024 - Current
Director of Sales
Holiday Inn Chennai, IHG Hotels & Resorts
04.2023 - 09.2024
Associate Director of Sales
Holiday Inn Chennai ,IHG Hotels & Resorts
04.2022 - 03.2023
Senior Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Chennai ,IHG Hotels & Resorts
10.2019 - 03.2022
Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Chennai, IHG Hotels & Resorts
04.2018 - 09.2019
Assistant Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Chennai ,IHG Hotels & Resorts
08.2016 - 03.2018
Sales Executive
Taj Hotels ,Roots Corporation- IHCL
06.2012 - 07.2016
MBA –Master of Business Administration -
Anna University
01.2010 - 01.2012
BA - Economics
Madras University
01.2007 - 01.2010