Vijay Bharadwaj
Mumbai
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Chief Operating Officer with a unique trajectory spanning academic research, leadership in high-profile commercial sports ventures, and national sports ecosystem development. Proven ability to drive Indian sports forward through strategic innovation, fostering positive organizational cultures, and operational excellence. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of talent and leveraging technology to enhance athlete performance, fan engagement, and build vibrant team environments. Expertise in sports economics, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
Glenmark Aquatic Foundation
01.2016 - Current
- Company Overview: Driving the development of a world-class swimming ecosystem in India as a CSR initiative of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.
- Driving the development of a world-class swimming ecosystem in India as a CSR initiative of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.
- Leading all aspects of strategy, operations, high-performance programs, fostering a culture of innovation, and spearheading technology adoption for athlete and coach development.
- Responsible for overall foundation management and stakeholder engagement.
- Ecosystem Development & Strategic Leadership: Spearheaded the creation and scaling of a national high-performance swimming program, growing the project from 1 to 4 state-of-the-art training centers (Delhi, Bhubhaneshwar, Thiruvananthapuram) with over 1200 swimmers.
- Fostered strategic alliances with the Sports Authority of India, Swimming Federation of India, and international coaches.
- Digital Innovation & IT Leadership: Conceptualized, designed, and launched swim.clinic, India's first multilingual online coach education and social platform, empowering 1200+ coaches and fostering a collaborative learning culture.
- Developed and implemented iswim.events to streamline swim meet management.
- Managed live streaming at National Aquatic Championships (2016-2020).
- Operational Management & Resource Optimization: Managed multi-crore budgets and implemented cost optimization strategies.
- Directed marketing, fundraising, and website creation/maintenance.
- Ensured compliance and regular reporting to founders.
- Team Building & Performance Culture: Built and lead a dedicated team of 45 professionals, coaches, and support staff, cultivating a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and shared vision focused on athlete development and national impact.
- Driving the development of a world-class swimming ecosystem in India as a CSR initiative of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.
GM, Sales
BookMyShow
07.2015 - 09.2015
- Engaged to identify innovative revenue streams in sports beyond ticketing.
- Developed a strategic plan to leverage data analytics for revenue enhancement and new market opportunities.
GM Operations
Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL Franchise)
01.2014 - 05.2015
- As Head of Operations reporting to the Group CEO, directed end-to-end operations and commercial activities for the Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL franchise.
- Led a multifaceted team to drive brand growth and fan engagement, fostering a dynamic team culture and managing stakeholder relationships (local administration, BCCI) and vendor management.
- Revenue Growth & Commercial Innovation: Contributed to a 30% increase in overall franchise revenue through innovative marketing campaigns and strategic overhaul of sponsorship acquisition (securing 6 new clients).
- Developed frameworks for using data to identify new revenue opportunities.
- Venue & Match-Day Operations: Successfully managed all stadium operations across 2 home venues (2015 season), including ticket sales strategy and execution, ensuring a seamless experience for fans and stakeholders.
- Brand & Digital Development: Revamped social media presence and initiated the franchise's first official merchandise program in 2014, enhancing fan connection.
- Oversaw marketing and alliances.
General Manager, Sponsorship and Events
Nimbus Communications Limited (Nimbus Sport)
03.2013 - 01.2014
- Contributed to CRM Management (Netsuite implementation for sales support & knowledge management), ideation, and technological improvements.
- Part of the execution team for Hero Indian Open 2013 (provided an innovative white label golf app).
- Handled client servicing and operations for Vodafone Tee Walk 2014.
Head, Operations, Research and Consultancy
Sport18 (Network18 Group)
01.2008 - 11.2012
- As a key member of a core team of three that launched Sport18, co-founded and led the research, consultancy, and new property development arm.
- Championed innovation in non-cricket disciplines, translating academic insights into impactful national sporting properties and fostering a culture of creative development.
- Handled day-to-day company operations and identified future sports properties.
- New Venture Creation & Innovative Property Development (India Cyclothon): Conceptualized, architected, and executed the 'India Cyclothon,' scaling it across 10 editions in 6 cities to become India's largest mass participation cycling event.
- Managed its financial performance, driving a 30% revenue increase while strategically reducing operational costs by 50%.
- Diverse Sports Property Management: Executed other flagship events including the Hyderabad 10K, Chandigarh Marathon, and Corporate Sailing Events, showcasing versatility and innovation in developing non-cricket sports.
- Strategic Rights Management & Broadcasting: Handled and commercialized media and sponsorship rights for diverse properties, including the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) horse racing, securing broadcast on CNBC-TV18.
Manager, Strategy and Research
Zee Sports
04.2007 - 01.2008
- Played an integral, multifaceted role in the conceptualization, structuring, and operational execution of the Indian Cricket League (ICL), a revolutionary T20 property.
- Applied academic knowledge in sports economics and innovative thinking to structure the ICL including schedule, economics, long-term plan, business plans, and franchisee details.
- League Structuring & Technological Innovation: Key contributor to structuring the ICL.
- Coordinated website development and technological requirements, including a pioneering collaboration with Microsoft for India's first website on Silverlight technology for live streaming matches, fostering a new way for fans to engage.
- Operational Leadership (Inaugural ICL Tournament): Served as Assistant Tournament Director (Panchkula), responsible for match operations, rain rules, player/umpire/match referee liaison, contributing to a culture of operational readiness and supporting sales and marketing.
Lecturer
IISWBM
02.2003 - 02.2007
- Created and significantly expanded the sports management course curriculum (from 9 to 18 subjects), fostering an innovative learning environment.
- Taught Sports Economics and Sports Marketing.
- Handled day-to-day administration, created syllabi, and reviewed academic materials.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
Software Engineer
Mahindra British Telecom
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Developed and maintained software solutions for telecom clients, gaining foundational experience in technology, innovation, and project execution.
Education
Ph.D (Discontinued) - Sports Management
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
01.2006
PGDSM: Post Graduate Diploma - Sports Management
Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM)
01.2004
Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) - Metallurgical Engineering
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology
01.2000
Skills
- Operational Excellence
- Fiscal and P&L responsibility
- Digital Media innovation
- Stakeholder MAnagement
- Team building and Mentorship
- Innovation , Planning and Execution
- Cross-functional collaboration
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
Glenmark Aquatic Foundation
01.2016 - Current
GM, Sales
BookMyShow
07.2015 - 09.2015
GM Operations
Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL Franchise)
01.2014 - 05.2015
General Manager, Sponsorship and Events
Nimbus Communications Limited (Nimbus Sport)
03.2013 - 01.2014
Head, Operations, Research and Consultancy
Sport18 (Network18 Group)
01.2008 - 11.2012
Manager, Strategy and Research
Zee Sports
04.2007 - 01.2008
Lecturer
IISWBM
02.2003 - 02.2007
Software Engineer
Mahindra British Telecom
01.2000 - 01.2002
PGDSM: Post Graduate Diploma - Sports Management
Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM)
Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) - Metallurgical Engineering
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology
Ph.D (Discontinued) - Sports Management
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
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