Rajesh Srivastava Email and Phone Number

With a rich well rounded multi-industry experience, and experiments with Management of business and people for over 44 years, the Consulting/Advisory services has a clear objective of "Adding value" to people and businesses. Key focus is on transformations, business strategy, organization structuring, creating framework for policies & processes and people development. Can direct the setting up of startups and new projects.

As Chief Commercial Officer with Vodafone Idea, as a merged entity (the second largest Telco in the world by size of operations on the date of merger), I was a member of the Executive Committee (the apex management body), reporting to the CEO & MD. I have actively led and contributed to the multifold growth of the business. I have continuously also held responsibility for spends of US$ 2-3 Billion per year – both in the nature of Capex (Projects) and Opex (Marketing promotions, Media/Advertising, Services etc.). I am also a member of the SLT (Senior Leadership Team) of Vodafone global.In 2018, I was awarded the top prestigious award of the “Outstanding Leader” in Aditya Birla Group (a $ 48 Bn. Multinational conglomerate operating in around 40 countries). I have also successfully handled possibly the largest ever Capex RFP and Contracts finalization worth $ 4 Bn. in the telecom business with globally best prices and credit terms in 2018. Successfully handled merger of totally overlapping companies (Idea & Vodafone), streamlining all systems and processes, setting industry benchmarks in Supply Chain and Contracting.

As Chief Commercial Officer with Idea Cellular, I was a member of the Executive Committee (the apex management body), reporting to the CEO & MD and have actively led and contributed to the multi-fold growth of the business including its ‘transformation’ at various stages and a unique experience of participating at the top management level in merger of two large organizations through 2017 & 2018. Major re-structuring resulted in optimum manpower resources and highly efficient operations. From 2006 to 2016 Idea Cellular was the fastest growing Telco in the country and one of the most profitable ones. As a member of the top management body, the Executive Committee/National Leadership Team of these companies, I have driven strategy build up, and decision making for the companies and have been one of the leading proponents of change.Set industry benchmarks in procurement pricing, supply chain systems, auditory controls and execution on a national basis (6 years of ISO certifications without any non-compliance).

Responsible for Commercial, New Projects, Export ops and IT functions. Streamlined the SCM operations, Set up 3 greenfield pharma factories. Promoted exports operations of products in Europe and African continents.

Also worked as an Advisor to Cengrow Consultants (www.cengrow.com). Advised large groups (Bharti, Duncans, Trident) on Organisation and Management reorganization/re-structuring.

As the General Manager & CEO of the Telecom and Internet businesses of the largest non-oil group in the country, I was responsible for setting up the company from its inception, Project implementation, Policy framing and subsequently managing the entire Business operations. This entailed developing the business plan, finalizing all contracts and services, recruitment of personnel and setting up of all functions such as Sales/Marketing, Finance, HR, Customer Services, Call Center etc. Implemented several ‘firsts’ in Kuwait enabling us to attain leadership in retail and corporate markets in a very short time.

As the Chief Commercial and HR Officer and a member of the Management Committee for Telecom operations (PSTN in one circle and mobile networks in 5 circles covering almost the whole of north India; (with a total investment of over $2 billion), I held various responsibilities and managed a team of over 1200 people. Negotiated the initial contracts in a then nascent telecom industry, of over $ 600 million with reputed international and Indian vendors.The responsibilities also included Project management, Human Resources, Real Estate acquisition and management, General Administration, Licensing and Imports, Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Legal (including licensing & regulatory issues with Government) and Sales Distribution set up. In almost a ‘first’ in India then, I pioneered the concept of “Customer Sales and Service Centers” to provide a unique experience in Customer Services. This enabled rapid expansion of Retail operations and Franchisees to provide easy access to customers in their vicinity. This model was widely adopted by the industry and is still prevalent

As Vice President and a member of the Management Committee at the Head Office of the group I was responsible for all Commercial activities, New Hotel Projects and all related contracts (we set up 10 new hotels in 2 years – an all time high for the group), IT for the group, Government liaison on Licensing issues, Import regulations and policy (with frequent interaction as an industry rep with Director General of Foreign Trade).Simultaneously for 2 years I worked closely with consultants McKinsey & Co. UK, for development of Vision & Mission statements and creating various Policies and Processes for the group. This was a highly enriching experience

a) Unilever: Asia Region (1993-1995): As a member of the Global Sourcing team of Unilever and the Head - Sourcing of Unilever in the region, I was responsible for identification of cross border business opportunities and brand extensions, i.e. Sourcing of Unilever brands, Supply chain initiatives and international trading of Chemicals, Packaging & Machinery including those for setting up new manufacturing facilities in Asia, Middle East and Africa, Development of new sources to meet rapid growth of Unilever’s product portfolios in these regions and ‘Cost effective’ measures. Introduced 'Detergents' into African countries through exports followed by manufacturing locally.Hindustan Lever Ltd (1981-93): Handled several Techno-Commercial activities during my tenure, eventually as the Head of Materials & Procurement (Supply Chain) at the corporate Head Office of the company in India and was also a Core member of the team to lead Marketing initiatives including product launches/relaunches and developing strategies to inhibit growth of competitors. In addition, I was given the business responsibility for setting up of Liquid Soaps in India, as a separate Profit Center. Special focus was also given on Quality Improvement initiatives for input materials (a combination of JIT and TQM) - conceived and implemented the ‘Star Supplier’ concept, which was eventually extended by Unilever globally.

I began my career with DCM (a large diversified Indian group) in their Chemicals, PVC and Fertilizers complex as Senior Management Trainee (then rated as the top MT program for young professionals in India), eventually growing from Chemical Projects to Sales/Marketing Management. I also handled Personnel Administration at the factory (2500 workers) for 1 year.