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Ravi K Rayavaram
Class of 2003
ITC LTD
Regional Head - West (FMCG)
What was your job profile before the ISB?
I am an Engineer by qualification and when I joined the ISB, I had around 6 years of experience in Sales and Marketing for 3M’s Industrial tapes and adhesives business.
Please tell us a little bit about your ISB experience.
I am from the second batch of PGP. In those days the school was in its early stages and the batch strength was 167 students. I was closely involved with “ISB- Responsible Task Force” – the idea behind this task force was to promote responsible usage of resources on campus. I played an active role in formalising the structure of various clubs and was also involved closely with setting up the Wellness Centre.
I have an avid interest in badminton and during my stay at the ISB, I managed to squeeze time to religiously pursue my interest in sports. I firmly believe that my regular interactions with faculty members went a long way in enhancing my learnings and business awareness. The diversity of the batch, particularly in my study group, also enhanced my perception and improved my ability to look at issues from different perspectives.
Tell us about your current role.
I joined ITC in the FMCG business vertical in a sales and marketing role post ISB. I was passionate about sales and marketing and was abundantly clear in my goal of transitioning into the FMCG sector since my ISB days. In the last 7 years with the organization, I have had the opportunity to contribute in both the sales and marketing functions. Currently I head ITC’s FMCG business for the Western region with a team of close to 500 people. I report to the National Sales Head. The position is a very responsible leadership role. In addition to providing leadership to our team in achieving our short term and long term business objectives, I am also the representative of the organization in the region w.r.t. our interface with external bodies.
What are the learnings and challenges in the role?
Some of the learnings and challenges in this role are Resource Management, Lessons in Leadership, Career development of others, Development of a long term holistic perspective, Change management, Public Relations, and the Transition from a Manager to a Coach
What would be your advice for students looking for careers in sales and marketing?
Have a firm grip on concepts and focus on gaining knowledge; Make use of every opportunity to go into the field and gain hands on learning experience; Connect with people in an informal setting and learn from their experiences; Touch base with alums and look for opportunities which will provide real time learning experience
Remember that preparedness and clarity of purpose is needed to venture into Sales and Marketing roles; Recruiters look at demonstrated interest in the field- students should adequately prepare themselves; Be well versed with the company’s profile and understand the role offered.
I am an Engineer by qualification and when I joined the ISB, I had around 6 years of experience in Sales and Marketing for 3M’s Industrial tapes and adhesives business.
Please tell us a little bit about your ISB experience.
I am from the second batch of PGP. In those days the school was in its early stages and the batch strength was 167 students. I was closely involved with “ISB- Responsible Task Force” – the idea behind this task force was to promote responsible usage of resources on campus. I played an active role in formalising the structure of various clubs and was also involved closely with setting up the Wellness Centre.
I have an avid interest in badminton and during my stay at the ISB, I managed to squeeze time to religiously pursue my interest in sports. I firmly believe that my regular interactions with faculty members went a long way in enhancing my learnings and business awareness. The diversity of the batch, particularly in my study group, also enhanced my perception and improved my ability to look at issues from different perspectives.
Tell us about your current role.
I joined ITC in the FMCG business vertical in a sales and marketing role post ISB. I was passionate about sales and marketing and was abundantly clear in my goal of transitioning into the FMCG sector since my ISB days. In the last 7 years with the organization, I have had the opportunity to contribute in both the sales and marketing functions. Currently I head ITC’s FMCG business for the Western region with a team of close to 500 people. I report to the National Sales Head. The position is a very responsible leadership role. In addition to providing leadership to our team in achieving our short term and long term business objectives, I am also the representative of the organization in the region w.r.t. our interface with external bodies.
What are the learnings and challenges in the role?
Some of the learnings and challenges in this role are Resource Management, Lessons in Leadership, Career development of others, Development of a long term holistic perspective, Change management, Public Relations, and the Transition from a Manager to a Coach
What would be your advice for students looking for careers in sales and marketing?
Have a firm grip on concepts and focus on gaining knowledge; Make use of every opportunity to go into the field and gain hands on learning experience; Connect with people in an informal setting and learn from their experiences; Touch base with alums and look for opportunities which will provide real time learning experience
Remember that preparedness and clarity of purpose is needed to venture into Sales and Marketing roles; Recruiters look at demonstrated interest in the field- students should adequately prepare themselves; Be well versed with the company’s profile and understand the role offered.