Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
LANGUAGES
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Timeline
Generic
VIJU JANARDHANAN

VIJU JANARDHANAN

Chennai

Summary

With 17+ years of experience in growing brands through ROI-driven brand communication strategies and integrated marketing communication, my expertise spans diverse sectors including healthcare, automotive, fashion, hospitality, real estate, HoReCa, and SaaS. Specializing in branding, brand positioning, strategy development, marketing communication, and go-to-market (GTM) strategies, I excel in delivering measurable results through strategic brand initiatives, multi-channel marketing campaigns, and integrated communications. My track record showcases consistent brand growth and market impact. I have a proven ability to develop brand strategies that align with business goals and utilize market research to inform campaign direction and ensure alignment with consumer trends. Additionally, I have a strong history of enhancing brand visibility and fostering a strong market presence through innovative marketing solutions.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Brand Marketing Consultant

Own
12.2024 - Current
  • Crafted compelling narratives that resonated with target audiences, driving engagement and conversions
  • Conducted comprehensive market research for informed decision-making on branding initiatives
  • Boosted client revenue with targeted brand positioning and messaging strategies
  • Advised clients on best practices for maintaining a cohesive brand identity across all touch points
  • Developed tailored brand strategies, resulting in increased customer loyalty and satisfaction

Head – Marketing

Hotel Shoppee India Pvt. Ltd. (HSIPL)
09.2023 - 10.2024
  • Implemented data-driven marketing plans for sustained growth in market share
  • Leveraged SEO and content marketing strategies to improve organic traffic and brand awareness
  • Built high-performing marketing teams that fostered collaboration and innovation
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors to maximize marketing spend, achieving greater return on investment
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align marketing initiatives with overall company strategy
  • Increased brand awareness by developing and implementing strategic marketing campaigns
  • Collaborated with sales teams to develop integrated promotional campaigns that increased overall revenue growth
  • Enhanced customer engagement with targeted social media strategies and content creation
  • Conducted comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends and capitalize on new opportunities
  • Analyzed competitive landscape, identifying potential threats and opportunities for strategic positioning in the marketplace
  • Developed and implemented integrated marketing strategies for HS, a value-for-money brand focused on HoReCa products, with primary partnerships in the HoReCa dealer network
  • These efforts led to a25% increase in brand visibility while operating on a lean budget
  • Tested and introduced the entry into the D2C space through third-party e-commerce marketplaces to test the waters

Head – Client Services & Brand Strategy

Little Things Asia
03.2021 - 08.2023
    • Created and implemented tailored GTM strategies for clients in healthcare, retail, real estate, and SaaS sectors, leveraging market research, competitive analysis, and positioning
    • These efforts resulted in 30% average increase in client revenue
    • Led a team of 10 to execute multi-channel campaigns across ATL, BTL, and digital platforms, including media planning, creative direction, and performance tracking, driving a 20% boost in campaign engagement
    • Built and maintained long-term client relationships by providing consistent, data-driven brand strategy consulting, leading to an average portfolio expansion of 20%, with individual client growth varying based on project scope and sector
    • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
    • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.

Brand Consultant

Own
03.2018 - 03.2021
  • Provided strategic consulting to clients, conducting competitive analysis and consumer research to improve brand positioning, resulting in a 35% average growth in brand awareness
  • Designed and executed tailored marketing campaigns for healthcare, retail, and real estate clients, utilizing cross-channel strategies to enhance brand reach and drive conversions
  • Increased customer engagement by 40% through integrated cross-platform campaigns, incorporating digital, social media, and offline activations to maximize audience interaction
  • Crafted compelling narratives that resonated with target audiences, driving engagement and conversions.
  • Conducted comprehensive market research for informed decision-making on branding initiatives.

Sr. Manager–Branding

HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd. (HCG)
05.2015 - 02.2018
  • Branding and Marcom Leadership: Headed the branding, marketing communications (marcom), and PR teams across 21 regional centers, overseeing a team of 8
  • Implemented an integrated marketing approach that included brand activations, PR, and communication strategies, leading to a 40% increase in media exposure and enhanced brand visibility
  • Online Sales: Led a team of 5 responsible for driving online sales initiatives, managing e-commerce strategies to support the oncology services' market expansion
  • These efforts contributed to significant online sales growth
  • Campaign Execution: Directed multi-channel campaigns for oncology services and new regional centers, integrating both digital and offline strategies
  • Ensured seamless execution of all branding and communication efforts, leading to successful brand launches and increased online engagement
  • Results and Achievements: Increased brand visibility by 40%, expanded patient acquisition by 25%, and contributed to a net revenue of ₹14 Crores per annum by the end of the tenure, through effective multi-channel branding, PR, and online sales initiatives
  • Initiated process enhancements for elevating overall organizational effectiveness
  • Cultivated high-performing teams with clear communication and shared objectives

Co-Founder

Pronto Communications
01.2012 - 02.2015
  • Co-founded and led Pronto Communications, a marketing and communications agency specializing in brand strategy and multi-channel campaign management for mid-sized businesses across retail, real estate, and F&B sectors
  • Spearheaded the launch of GMALL – The Wedding Mall in Kerala, overseeing brand identity creation, market research, and competitive analysis, and executing a comprehensive market entry strategy
  • Managed a team of 5, overseeing end-to-end branding, creative development, and multi-channel marketing execution for clients, driving significant client growth and retention
  • Successfully launched GMALL, driving a 40% increase in footfall within the first year through a combination of targeted marketing activations and local partnerships
  • Achieved a 35% year-on-year revenue growth by acquiring and retaining clients through effective business development, personalized marketing strategies, and long-term relationship building
  • Oversaw budget development to align resources with strategic initiatives, ensuring financial stability.
  • Executed targeted marketing campaigns to expand customer base and increase market share.

Brand Leader

McCann Worldgroup
06.2011 - 11.2011
    • Increased brand recall by 20% through strategic communication management for Britannia Cream Brands
    • Coordinated promotional events such as trade shows or product launches, generating buzz around the brand while fostering valuable business connections.
    • Established long-term objectives for the Brand Leader role that directly contributed towards achieving corporate goals.

Senior Brand Services Manager

Mullen Lowe Lintas
01.2009 - 11.2010
  • Developed and executed integrated communication strategies for Idea Cellular in Karnataka & Kerala across Prepaid, Post-paid, and VAS segments, utilizing digital, print, and on-ground activations to drive a 15% growth in the subscriber base
  • Led a team of 3 to address communications requirements for Idea Cellular – Karnataka & Kerala, managing campaign planning, media coordination, and execution across multiple channels
  • Mentored the Idea Cellular brand team at Lowe, Bengaluru, and the satellite office in Cochin, Kerala, focusing on campaign planning and coordination
  • Rendered extensive on-ground activation ideas, focusing on planning and coordination for more effective results across diversified offerings
  • Repositioned Pizza Corner to better compete with international brands in India

Sr. Account Executive – Brand Management

Mudra Communications
07.2007 - 11.2008
  • Managed multi-channel fashion campaigns across4 seasons for Bossini, Kappa, VNC, and Springfield, overseeing creative strategy and execution to successfully reposition these brands in the competitive Indian market

Education

PG Certificate Course - Advertising & Marketing Communication

St. Xavier's College
Kolkata, India
06.2005

B.Com - Commerce

Calcutta University
Kolkata
03.2003

Skills

  • Brand voice development
  • Product positioning
  • Target audience identification
  • Competitive analysis
  • Integrated marketing communications
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Product marketing
  • Branding
  • Marketing strategies
  • Public and media relations
  • Visual storytelling
  • Marketing analytics

LANGUAGES

English Native
Hindi Native
Malayalam Native
Tamil Intermediate
Kannada Intermediate

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Successful Campaigns: Led high-impact marketing campaigns across various sectors, including Idea Cellular, Landmark Group, MGM Healthcare and HCG, driving increased brand awareness and market share.
  • GTM Success: Developed and implemented Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies for brands like Pizza Corner, Gleneagles Global, Just Buy Cycles and in recently for Healthcare Global and HSIPL contributing to significant revenue growth.
  • Brand Repositioning: Played a key role in the successful repositioning of brands such as Pizza Corner and HCG, enhancing their competitive market stance.
  • Team Leadership: Managed and mentored cross-functional teams at HSIPL, Little Things Asia, HCG, driving marketing excellence across ATL, BTL, Digital, and PR channels.
  • Client Retention & Business Development: Strengthened client relationships at Little Things Asia, Brand Consultant and Pronto Communications leading to long-term partnerships and successful new business acquisitions.
  • PR & Media Exposure: Increased media coverage for HCG, positioning it as a premier healthcare provider through effective PR strategies.
  • Product & Service Launches: Successfully launched new oncology services at HCG and spearheaded HSIPL's D2C entry through e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
  • Creative Campaigns & Budget Management: Directed creative campaigns and ensured cost-effective solutions across sectors, at HCG and HSIPL, driving impactful results while managing lean budgets.
  • Market Analysis & Competitor Benchmarking: Conducted detailed market analysis at HCG and HSIPL, leading to optimized marketing strategies and improved market positioning.

Timeline

Brand Marketing Consultant

Own
12.2024 - Current

Head – Marketing

Hotel Shoppee India Pvt. Ltd. (HSIPL)
09.2023 - 10.2024

Head – Client Services & Brand Strategy

Little Things Asia
03.2021 - 08.2023

Brand Consultant

Own
03.2018 - 03.2021

Sr. Manager–Branding

HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd. (HCG)
05.2015 - 02.2018

Co-Founder

Pronto Communications
01.2012 - 02.2015

Brand Leader

McCann Worldgroup
06.2011 - 11.2011

Senior Brand Services Manager

Mullen Lowe Lintas
01.2009 - 11.2010

Sr. Account Executive – Brand Management

Mudra Communications
07.2007 - 11.2008

PG Certificate Course - Advertising & Marketing Communication

St. Xavier's College

B.Com - Commerce

Calcutta University
VIJU JANARDHANAN