Suman Ashish Gaur
Mumbai
Summary
Dynamic general manager with 16 years of experience at India Today, specializing in business development and advertising sales. Achieved 40% revenue growth and successfully launched multiple high-profile magazines. Expertise in strategic planning and customer relationship management, fostering strong client partnerships and delivering exceptional results in competitive markets.
Overview
2
2
Languages
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
INDIA TODAY
MUMBAI
07.2022 - Current
- Drove business growth for India Today English, India Today Spice, India Today Home magazines through advertising, content integration, and client-led events.
- Managed cross-functional teams to enhance collaboration and operational efficiency.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders to support organizational goals and objectives.
- Analyzed market trends to inform editorial direction and audience engagement strategies.
- Coordinated large-scale events that enhanced brand presence and fostered community engagement.
- Mentored junior managers to build leadership skills within the organization.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
- Provided guidance and support to subordinate managers in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation throughout the organization.
- Developed service and sales strategies that strengthened customer retention and increased revenue.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
General Manager West - Advertising Sales and Business Development
India Today Group
Mumbai
07.2006 - 07.2020
- West Branch head for Harper's Bazaar and Brides Today Magazine.
- Collaborated with leading advertising clients and agencies across diverse magazine entities to enhance brand partnerships.
- Successful in acquiring competitive accounts, breakthrough with new clients in Luxury, Automobile, High end Fashion and Lifestyle categories.
- Reporting to the Senior General Manager and Publishing Director India, this role is solely responsible for heading the whole Mumbai West Branch in Ad sales and is responsible for interfacing with existing clients as well as bringing new clients, revenue generation and growth.
- Oversaw operations for the Mumbai Branch Office and drove 40% growth within 2 years.
- Within first few initial years made the region's top spender's client (HUL) the number 1 advertiser of the group.
- Secured exclusive event tie-ups to elevate brand visibility and engage target audiences.
- Managed operations for the Lifestyle Division in Mumbai.
- Working with luxury, retail, jewelers, lifestyle, travel and home décor.
- Previously handled Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, India Today Travel Plus, and Design Today also.
- Covering markets such as - Ahmadabad, Gujarat, Daman, Pune, Goa in addition to Mumbai markets
- During these years successfully launched few magazines Prevention -a Women's Health & Fitness magazine & Harper's Bazaar -a high-end Women's Luxury Magazine and Harper's Bazaar Bride.
- Around 16 years of rich experience have enabled the development of equity in the market.
- Utilized strong negotiating skills to maximize business opportunities and deliver optimal results for clients.
Associate Advertising Manager
Magna Publishing Company Ltd
01.1999 - 01.2006
- Received an opportunity to turn around Society Magazine as a challenge from the Managing Director, Mr. Nari Hira.
- Revitalized Society Magazine from a loss-making position to a highly sought-after publication, achieving 2nd rank within the group in 3 years.
- Managed sales team, consistently exceeding revenue targets for Society and Citadel magazines.
- Contributed to flagship brand 'Stardust', maintaining an excellent track record.
Education
Diploma in Journalism -
K C College
DMS - Diploma Management Studies -
University of Bombay
B.Com -
University of Bombay
Skills
- Business development
- Budget management
- Strategic planning
- Budget management
- Event management
- Customer management
- Market analysis
Professional Highlights
- An astute Sales & Marketing professional, with 20+ years of experience in working with some of the top lifestyle publications.
- Excellent relationship with all clients across various brands and constantly in touch with them is generating new ideas both for advertising and editorial.
- Expertise in Developing Strategies to maximize Advertising Revenue. Brand tie-ups events etc.
- Currently heading Harper's Bazaar and Brides Today Mumbai operation.
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Hindi
Proficient (C2)
C2
Timeline
General Manager
INDIA TODAY
07.2022 - Current
General Manager West - Advertising Sales and Business Development
India Today Group
07.2006 - 07.2020
Associate Advertising Manager
Magna Publishing Company Ltd
01.1999 - 01.2006
Diploma in Journalism -
K C College
DMS - Diploma Management Studies -
University of Bombay
B.Com -
University of Bombay