Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Key Achievements & Impact:
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Rakesh Narayan

Head - Retail Business Development
Mumbai

Summary

Dynamic senior retail business development leader with over 25 years of extensive experience in retail store network expansion, space leasing, franchise network development, and multi-format store growth throughout India. Proven track record in guiding teams and managing complex projects to achieve strategic objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Expertise in developing efficient processes that align with organizational goals and uphold high performance standards. Actively seeking a leadership role in retail real estate strategy and store network expansion with a forward-thinking company or brand.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Head – Franchise Business Development

Trent Ltd | Westside | Zudio |
01.2018 - Current
  • Leading Pan India Retail Business Partner acquisitions for Westside and Zudio.
  • Operationalized 460 + retail business partnerships till date.
  • Generated revenue of Rs 1300 + crores till date.
  • Guided the shift from traditional franchise BD to evolving hybrid partnership models.
  • Developed partnership revenue models which were asset light and minimum liability.
  • Planned, Organized and Executed strategies pertaining to Pre & Post acquisitions, service and relationship management.
  • Built a national BD team and training framework for scalable execution.

AVP – Business Development

Valyoo Retail Pvt Ltd | Lenskart |
03.2017 - 11.2017
  • Managed projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.

Head - Business Development

Titan Company Ltd | Titan |Tanishq | Eyeplus |
10.2014 - 02.2017


  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.

Assistant Vice President –Retail

Arvind Ltd |The Arvind Store |
03.2011 - 09.2011
  • Collaborated closely with executive leadership to align department goals with overall company objectives, resulting in stronger organizational cohesion.
  • Enhanced communication between departments by developing effective reporting structures and information-sharing platforms.
  • Drove innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving among team members and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.

DGM – Retail

Welspun Retail Ltd | Welhome |
11.2009 - 02.2011
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members in fast-paced environments.

Deputy Manager –Retail

Raymond Ltd | The Raymond Shop |
01.2006 - 04.2006


  • Identified areas for improvement within the department, implementing strategic initiatives to address gaps in performance or resources.
  • Developed strong relationships with stakeholders to facilitate smooth communication and project completion.
  • Liaised with team members, stakeholders and vendors to coordinate activities, provisioning, environment setup, risk mitigation and follow-up.

Manager – LFS

Kewal Kiran Clothing Pvt Ltd | Killer Jeans |
01.2004 - 01.2005
  • Killer Jeans
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.

Sales Officer

Arvind Brands Ltd | Excalibur , Newport |
01.2003 - 01.2004
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely follow-ups and personalized service.
  • Cultivated strong relationships, establishing trust and loyalty among clients.
  • Boosted sales performance by identifying and targeting high-potential leads.

Education

Certificate - Senior Management Program

IIM – Calicut

MBA - Marketing

Pune University
01.2003

B. Com - Management

Mumbai University
01.2001

Skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Key Achievements & Impact:

  • Effective contributor to topline growth by leasing over15 lac sq feet over 15 years for top retail brands pan India.
  • Maintained rent-to-revenue ratio
  • Conducted end-to-end market mapping, site evaluation, due diligence & contract negotiation.
  • Fructified commercial benefits, rental savings, mitigation of losses for Titan Ltd worth 20 crores.
  • Onboarded over 1000 + franchise / business partners over nearly 2 decades.
  • Streamlined store formats, optimized locations, and rationalized footprint for higher ROI.
  • Built strategic alliances with mall developers & high-street landlords, securing premium locations across India.

Additional Information

Language Proficiency: English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil.

Date of Birth: 4 May 1977

Location reference: Mumbai / Bengaluru.

Hobbies & Interests: Cars & Bikes, Travel.

References: On request.

Expected Remuneration: As per Industry Standards.

Timeline

Head – Franchise Business Development

Trent Ltd | Westside | Zudio |
01.2018 - Current

AVP – Business Development

Valyoo Retail Pvt Ltd | Lenskart |
03.2017 - 11.2017

Head - Business Development

Titan Company Ltd | Titan |Tanishq | Eyeplus |
10.2014 - 02.2017

Assistant Vice President –Retail

Arvind Ltd |The Arvind Store |
03.2011 - 09.2011

DGM – Retail

Welspun Retail Ltd | Welhome |
11.2009 - 02.2011

Deputy Manager –Retail

Raymond Ltd | The Raymond Shop |
01.2006 - 04.2006

Manager – LFS

Kewal Kiran Clothing Pvt Ltd | Killer Jeans |
01.2004 - 01.2005

Sales Officer

Arvind Brands Ltd | Excalibur , Newport |
01.2003 - 01.2004

MBA - Marketing

Pune University

B. Com - Management

Mumbai University

Certificate - Senior Management Program

IIM – Calicut
Rakesh NarayanHead - Retail Business Development