Ankur Sabharwal – Class of 2004
Colgate - Palmolive (India) Ltd
Senior Product Manager

Tell us about your organisation/profession and the key challenges that you face at work
I currently work in the marketing function in Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd as a Senior Product Manager. My responsibilities include managing the P&L of the value segment of the toothbrush category to deliver revenue and profit goals, and leading a cross-functional commercial team to develop and execute the brand strategy. The key challenge in my work is to increase category consumption: make people brush their teeth twice a day!

What made you choose a career in marketing?
I believe I entered the ISB with an aptitude for marketing. I fancied the world of consumers, brands, advertising, competition, etc. more than, say, fixed income securities or options and futures! The ISB experience just helped re-affirm my career choice.

What were your key takeaways from the ISB?
Most of all, the ISB taught me how to appreciate and value diversity.

In the year book, you list film making as your alternate profession. Any plans in that direction?
Well, for the moment, I'm learning how to make ad films. Perhaps some day, I can be associated with a feature film.

What is your vision for the school?
As India finds its place in the global economy in the years to come, I would like to see the ISB grow not merely into a rich source of talent but into an institution that plays an important role in shaping the business environment as well.

What are the strengths that the school can leverage upon and areas that it can improve on?
ISB's strengths lie in its first mover advantage in India as well a growing network of well-placed alumni. In my opinion, the ISB still needs to make large strides in establishing a global equity for itself.

What role can the alumni play in building the school?
I think alums can actively participate in the school's funding, management, placements, teaching and mentoring.

What do you think is an area you can contribute in?
I would be particularly keen on contributing to the ISB's marketing strategy.