Raman Ahuja
New Delhi
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in international trade and market access advocacy at the U.S. Commercial Service. Proven track record in driving over $1 billion in U.S. investments and fostering stakeholder engagement. Skilled in strategic planning and policy analysis, recognized for enhancing bilateral trade and resolving complex market access issues.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service
New Delhi
05.2020 - Current
- Led commercial diplomacy, market access advocacy, export promotion, and inward investment initiatives for U.S. companies across North India.
- Managed sector portfolios including Healthcare, Food & Agriculture, Chemicals, Automotive, Plastics, Industrial Materials, and Supply Chain.
- Conducted market intelligence and policy analysis, addressed tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, recruited Indian buyer delegations for U.S. trade shows, and promoted the United States as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
- U.S. Commercial Service, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade.
- Successfully advocated for adoption of U.S. standards and compliances in India through sustained engagement with the Bureau of Indian Standards and multiple Indian ministries; recognized with the U.S. Department of Commerce Director General Award for outstanding commercial diplomacy.
- Resolved critical market access issues for major U.S. pharmaceutical companies, including inclusion of patented drugs in India’s Global Tender Enquiry (GTE) list, by escalating concerns through the U.S.–India Fast Track Mechanism.
- Supported leading U.S. medical technology firms by addressing challenges related to Regulatory Data Protection (RDP), intellectual property, pricing controls, patents, copyrights, and public procurement policies, helping level the playing field in India.
- Collaborated extensively with U.S. interagency partners (USTR, Industry & Analysis, Economic Affairs, USPTO) and Government of India entities (Ministry of Commerce & Industry, DPIIT, Invest India) to resolve tariff and non-tariff barriers, including the withdrawal of 16 Quality Control Orders in the petrochemical sector.
- Assisted a major U.S. alcoholic beverage company in resolving payment disputes with a state government, enabling business continuity and market stability.
- Contributed to the signing of the India–U.S. Memorandum of Understanding on the Semiconductor Supply Chain & Innovation Partnership.
- Managed the U.S.–India CEO Forum, coordinating follow-ups with Indian government stakeholders to advance policy and commercial outcomes.
- Planned and executed high-level official visits, including those of the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and multiple U.S. Governors, resulting in enhanced bilateral trade, innovation partnerships, and inward investment.
- Facilitated U.S. market entry and expansion for large Indian companies and MSMEs, driving over $1 billion in U.S. investments and creation of more than 2,000 U.S. jobs.
- Recruited and led five trade delegations to the United States, promoting U.S. exports, technology adoption, and bilateral partnerships.
- Led the largest-ever Indian investor delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2024, comprising 220+ investors across multiple sectors—the largest delegation recruited by any country to date.
- Organized and managed sector-specific promotional programs (healthcare, food & agriculture, petrochemicals, cybersecurity, and others), supporting expansion of U.S. businesses in India.
- Delivered 15+ investment promotion events in New Delhi, frequently in collaboration with U.S. Governors and state and local economic development agencies, to attract foreign direct investment into the United States.
Business Consultant
Global Resource Management Consultancy
New Delhi
02.2014 - 05.2020
- Led end-to-end matchmaking and advisory services for private- and public-sector clients to secure new business opportunities.
- Identified high-potential opportunities and key stakeholders/decision-makers; analyzed market dynamics; evaluated Requests for Proposals (RFPs); and designed bid and tender procurement strategies.
- Delivered market entry and expansion services, including establishment of operations in India, investment promotion and analysis, capital raising for mid-sized and large corporations, and business incubation support.
- GRMC offers Operational Management Consultancy to domestic and International companies to generate business opportunities in India.
- Engaged closely with Chambers of Commerce and government agencies—including the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Ministry of Power, Bureau of Indian Standards, Invest India, Customs, and related authorities—to gather regulatory and market intelligence and provide actionable insights to clients.
- Secured service contracts with top 10 architectural and structural engineering firms for delivery of pre-architectural survey solutions.
- Delivered the first LiDAR-based pilot project for Power Grid (2014) to assess national power infrastructure, subsequently executing multiple large-scale surveys for Power Grid projects.
- Supported Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) and a leading Japanese energy company in identifying qualified suppliers and EPC contractors for a 660 MW power plant in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Business Research Specialist
Gartner Research & Advisory Services
New Delhi
03.2012 - 02.2014
- Delivered high-impact secondary research and market analysis to Analysts and Research Directors, contributing directly to Gartner’s flagship premium products, including Magic Quadrant and IT Market Clock.
- Conducted global studies on emerging outsourcing destinations, providing strategic insights into location competitiveness, talent availability, cost structures, and risk profiles.
- Mapped and analyzed emerging markets—including Indonesia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia—to support the Gartner Sales organization with market-entry and growth strategies.
- Additionally, managed cross-functional coordination with the Events Team to plan and execute major marketing and corporate programs across India, including Gartner Predicts and IODC, ensuring strong client engagement and operational excellence.
- Gartner, Inc. is the world's leading information technology research and advisory company.
- Supported the sales team in generating $880K in revenue within 18 months from the Indian public sector, including key accounts such as Income Tax Department, Indian Railways, and Defense organizations.
- Selected to lead company-wide business research initiatives in India, reflecting strong analytical credibility and leadership.
- Drove measurable business impact by improving client retention by 35% in the Indian market.
- Contributed to 20% revenue growth across the IT & Telecom and Manufacturing segments through targeted research insights and market intelligence.
Intern Marketing & Research
International Data Corporation (IDC)
Dubai
05.2011 - 08.2011
- Conducted and synthesized primary and secondary market research across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region for leading global technology firms, including Dimension Data, Ericsson, Avaya, and Juniper Networks.
- Delivered data-driven insights on market trends, competitive landscapes, and customer demand to support strategic decision-making.
- Collaborated with cross-functional Events and Client Engagement teams to plan and execute high-impact client events across the Middle East and Asia, ensuring seamless coordination, strong client visibility, and alignment with business objectives.
- IDC is a premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries.
Senior Associate
Bank of America (BA Continuum Solutions)
Gurugram
03.2007 - 09.2010
- Supported senior management across Consumer and Investment Banking verticals by establishing and scaling operational processes in India.
- Led the structured migration of five back-office operations from the United States to India, ensuring regulatory compliance, service continuity, and operational efficiency.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive Business Continuity Plans (BCP) for back-office functions, strengthening operational resilience and risk mitigation.
- Drove process improvement and automation initiatives to enhance service delivery, reporting accuracy, and turnaround times.
- Played a key role in deploying new digital engagement models to improve customer interaction and operational responsiveness.
- Bank of America Continuum Solutions Pvt. Ltd is a subsidiary of Bank of America providing back-office support to Consumer, Wholesale and Capital Market groups to the parent organization.
- Recognized as an Exceptional Performer under the ZEAL (Zest for Excellence, Achievement, and Leadership) initiative for contributions to process automation.
- Awarded the Quarterly Star Award for strict compliance adherence and timely, high-quality reporting.
- Successfully implemented an Online Chat support process across multiple locations in India, improving customer experience and operational efficiency.
Client Servicing Analyst
Teletech Services India Pvt Ltd
Gurugram
04.2006 - 02.2007
- Provided day-to-day customer support for Target, the second-largest department store chain in the United States, handling inquiries related to store operations and Target Credit Card services.
- Ensured accurate issue resolution while adhering to service quality and compliance standards.
- Selected to train and onboard new hires, delivering instruction on operational processes and proprietary customer communication systems.
- Supported consistent service delivery by sharing best practices and reinforcing performance standards across the team.
- Teletech provides outsourcing services for mobile operations, customer care, financial services, healthcare travel & Leisure and transportation & logistics.
Education
Master in International Business -
Hult School of Business
Dubai, U.A.E01.2011
Bachelor in Commerce -
Kumaun University
Uttrakhand05-2002
Skills
- Database expertise (25 databases)
- Market access advocacy
- Export promotion
- International trade
- Market research
- Problem solving
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Policy analysis
- Regulatory compliance
- Tariff negotiation
- Business development
- Effective communication
- Project management
- New business opportunities
- Investment promotion
- Economic analysis
- Event coordination
- Intergovernmental relations
- Public relations
Projects
Action Learning Projects, Dubai, Dubai, UAE, Collaborated with consulting teams on an in-depth assessment of Dubai’s private education ecosystem.
Timeline
Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service
05.2020 - Current
Business Consultant
Global Resource Management Consultancy
02.2014 - 05.2020
Business Research Specialist
Gartner Research & Advisory Services
03.2012 - 02.2014
Intern Marketing & Research
International Data Corporation (IDC)
05.2011 - 08.2011
Senior Associate
Bank of America (BA Continuum Solutions)
03.2007 - 09.2010
Client Servicing Analyst
Teletech Services India Pvt Ltd
04.2006 - 02.2007
Master in International Business -
Hult School of Business
Bachelor in Commerce -
Kumaun University