Varun Gopalakrishnan
Government Affairs
Ahmedabad
Summary
19 years of rich experience in Government Relations, Policy Advocacy, Business Development & Experiential Marketing. Passionate, adaptable professional with experience of leading cross-functional teams to plan, manage and execute diverse large format & complex projects across the country. Possessing strong people skills and ability to network effectively with National & International Clients, Government & Media. Rich exposure of international assignments. Experience to dealing with International Trade organization, Embassies/Consulates, and leading trade delegations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2012
2012
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Associate Director, Corporate Affairs & Government Relations
Flipkart Internet Private Limited
09.2021 - Current
- Leading Government Relations for the Group in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan & Chhattisgarh
- Engaged in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in respective states; like the CMO, Industries Department, Home Department, Labour Department and key bureaucrats
- Responsible for strengthening existing association with the State Government and build new relationships through strategic collaboration with various departments of the State Government
- Providing overall support to the business operations and mitigating operational risks by having influence within the State bureaucracy and the Ministry
- Support business in mitigation of crisis and sharing of ground intelligence with internal stakeholders
- Proactive Engagement with Authorities to mitigation or resolving operational crisis
- Collaboration with State Government of Strategic initiatives of mutual Interest and MoU signups with State Government on strategic projects
- Building positive narrative around sector as well as organization amongst the Top Leadership in the state by highlighting the developmental initiatives and contribution state economy
- Emphasis on deeper engagement with Members of Parliament and sensitizing them about economic contribution of the sector and the project growth
- Aiming to create favorable image and belief which can translate into positive opinion during parliamentary discussion on the matters affecting e-commerce sector
- Effective advocacy with State Government on relevant policies and bringing down the licensing and compliance regulation for the sector thereby facility ease of doing business for the organization
- Getting reprieve / amendments on regressive notifications issued by local authorities
- Securing representation in key Industry/Government committees and participation key discussion forums
Head – CII Gujarat State Office
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
03.2020 - 09.2021
- Heading State office operations for Gujarat, which includes 4 Zonal offices, 1 Center of Excellence, 5 Chapters of Yi (Young Indians) and Indian Women Network (IWN) Gujarat Chapter
- Work area includes liaison with various Ministries and Government Department
- Engaging with key stakeholders; Industry, Government, Media & Society through advisory and consultative processes
- Conceptualizing & organizing initiatives focusing on developing business linkages & enhancing industrial competitiveness
- State budget preparation & ensuring targeted revenue achievement for various verticals
- Generate revenue through various stream for State/Regional/National level initiatives
- Working closely with various Government departments for investment promotion in key Sectors like Defence & Aerospace, Civil Aviation, E-Mobility and Renewable Energy
- Organizing sector specific events and conferences bringing together policy makers and thought leaders in each sector, notable among these are Defence Conclave, Aviation Conclave, Conference on Solar Energy & Energy Storage, Conference on E-Mobility, thereby creating a forum for stakeholders to network and build business linkages
- Interacting with Embassies/Consulates, International Organizations and Trade bodies for inbound and outbound trade delegation
- Have successfully managed business delegation to Middle East (UAE, Qatar), Australia and West Asia (Taiwan & Japan)
- Working closely with industry members and policy makers on various legislation, playing a catalytic role for favorable policy implementation
- Key Government Engagements: Handled various key roles & responsibilities in organizing Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit (2015, 2017 & 2019) organized by Government of Gujarat, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Annual Meeting 2018, Maritime India Summit 2018 organized by Ministry of Shipping, Textile India 2017 Summit organized by Ministry of Textile, India-Japan Business Leader forum 2017, Africa Development Bank Annual General Meeting 2017, Global Investors Summit 2016 organized by Government of Madhya Pradesh, MAKE IN INDIA Summit 2016 organized by DPIIT (then DIPP), Government of India, Krishi Vasant 2014 organized by Ministry of Agriculture and many more
Manager – Special Projects
Divya Bhaskar, D B Corp Ltd
11.2012 - 05.2013
- Job role involved devising marketing strategy & sales plan for special initiatives like Coffee table books, Special Print features & Premier Events
Manager – DB Activation
Divya Bhaskar, D B Corp Ltd
08.2010 - 10.2012
- As a part of Activation Team, was responsible for conceptualizing & marketing of ground activation campaigns powered by print & radio in Gujarat
- Ensuring targeted revenue achievement, P&L Management & flawless event execution
- During the 3-year stint have successfully marketed & executed multifaceted projects: Entertainment Shows: Divya Bhaskar Navratri, Idea Campus Jung, Bhaskar Utsav, Dayro, Movie Promotions, Idea Kite Festival, Kavi Sambelan & numerous musical concerts
- Coffee Table Books: Power Ports of Gujarat, Power 100 – Eminent Personalities of Gujarat
- Exhibitions: Travel & Tourism Fair, B School Fair, Auto Fair
- National Events: Bhaskar Woman of the Year Award, Bhaskar Genius Scholarship Exam
Manager - Business Development & Projects
Livemedia, RS LiveMedia Pvt. Ltd
05.2008 - 08.2010
- Established & developed business in Gujarat
- Role involved doing Strategic tie ups, Media Sales, Planning for procurement & installation of screens & related equipment across Gujarat
- Acquired contracts of 200+ outlets across Gujarat
- Developed & led operation team to achieve 100% results in Gujarat
- Developed Media Clients and thereby initiated media revenue from Gujarat
Executive – Client Servicing
360 Degrees, Times of India Group
09.2004 - 05.2008
- Job role involved maintaining and retaining key client’s accounts
- Understanding clients need and conceptualizing, planning, and executing events as per client requirement
- Handling event logistics, vendor management and P&L management
- Worked on National projects like: 38th International Film Festival of India Goa, 50th Film Fare Awards, Sony Indian Idol, Brand Equity Quiz, Disney – Jetix Power Ranger Show, Promotion of Pepsico in India v/s Pakistan Series, Yo bykes & Mc Fills Product Launch and many more
- Serviced top clients like Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Intas Pharmaceuticals, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, Entertainment Network Indian Limited, Claris Life Sciences, Pepsico, Gujarat Gas Ltd, Torrent Power, Electrotherm India Ltd etc
Education
Master of Business Administration -
ICFAI University
Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management and Development - undefined
National Academy for Event Management & Development
Bachelor of Commerce - undefined
Gujarat University
Higher Secondary Certificate - undefined
Kendriya Vidyalaya (CBSE Board)
Skills
Government Relations Expertise
Certification
Going Vertical-Managing & Growing Sales, Dale Carnegie Training, 2012
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 08/03/83
Career Summary
19, Government Relations, Policy Advocacy, Business Development, Experiential Marketing, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement
Timeline
Associate Director, Corporate Affairs & Government Relations
Flipkart Internet Private Limited
09.2021 - Current
Head – CII Gujarat State Office
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
03.2020 - 09.2021
Manager – Special Projects
Divya Bhaskar, D B Corp Ltd
11.2012 - 05.2013
Manager – DB Activation
Divya Bhaskar, D B Corp Ltd
08.2010 - 10.2012
Manager - Business Development & Projects
Livemedia, RS LiveMedia Pvt. Ltd
05.2008 - 08.2010
Executive – Client Servicing
360 Degrees, Times of India Group
09.2004 - 05.2008
Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management and Development - undefined
National Academy for Event Management & Development
Bachelor of Commerce - undefined
Gujarat University
Higher Secondary Certificate - undefined
Kendriya Vidyalaya (CBSE Board)
Master of Business Administration -
ICFAI University
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