Top 100 Rising Stars in Alliances & Partnerships: Edition 2026

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, growth is increasingly driven by strong ecosystems and strategic collaborations rather than standalone efforts. The Top 100 Rising Stars in Alliances & Partnerships: Edition 2026 recognizes a new generation of professionals who are redefining how partnerships fuel scale, innovation, and revenue across industries. From D2C and e-commerce to hospitality, media, and consumer brands, these individuals are blending data, creativity, and execution to build high-impact alliances that go beyond traditional deal-making. Carefully curated based on their impact and potential, this list highlights emerging leaders who are shaping the future of partnership-led growth in India’s dynamic and competitive ecosystem.

Benedict Farrel (Manager- Partnerships & Alliances, Landmark Group): A logistics and supply chain specialist, Benedict Farrel brings over four years of experience in driving operational efficiency across transportation, freight, and international trade functions. Known for optimizing costs and streamlining material management, he combines cross-functional coordination with a strong execution mindset. His ability to integrate technology with supply chain strategies positions him as a rising force in partnership-led operational excellence.

 

Vikas Rajput (Director of Operations, Sanghvi Brands): Vikas Rajput is a hospitality-focused operations leader with a strong inclination toward building long-term, scalable business outcomes. With a hands-on approach to execution and team leadership, he has consistently delivered operational excellence across dynamic environments. His commitment to taking on challenging roles and driving mutual growth underscores his emerging influence in strategic alliances within the hospitality ecosystem.

 

Atika Mehndiratta (Head- Partnerships, Unilever- Lakme Lever): A seasoned marketing and partnerships leader, Atika Mehndiratta brings over a decade of experience in brand building, category growth, and strategic collaborations. She has successfully driven multi-brand campaigns and large-scale activations across 250+ locations, delivering measurable business impact. With expertise spanning P&L management to consumer insights, she is recognized for blending creativity with data to unlock high-impact partnerships.

 

Moizuddin Ahmad (e-Commerce Lead, Lenovo): Moizuddin Ahmad is a results-driven e-commerce and marketing professional known for spearheading Lenovo’s direct-to-consumer platform for India’s consumer and SMB segments. With a strong foundation in pricing strategy, campaign execution, and segmentation, he has consistently enhanced brand reach and customer acquisition. His ability to align digital strategy with business outcomes makes him a key player in partnership-led growth.

 

Abhilash Kumar Behera (DGM- Digital Marketing, Country Delight): Abhilash Kumar Behera leads digital growth at Country Delight, driving customer acquisition and revenue through performance marketing and strategic partnerships. With a sharp focus on data-led decision-making, he has played a pivotal role in scaling campaigns and strengthening brand equity. His expertise in blending marketing innovation with efficiency positions him among emerging leaders in alliance-driven growth.

 

Akash Agarwal (Business Head, Eatsure): Akash Agarwal is a growth and P&L leader driving the expansion of EatSure, Rebel Foods’ owned platform, across online and offline channels. With end-to-end ownership of business strategy, he combines analytics, product innovation, and monetization to deliver profitable growth. Leading a cross-functional team, he exemplifies how partnerships and platform thinking can unlock scalable consumer ecosystems.

 

Shashank Dubey (Business Development Manager, Swiggy): Shashank Dubey is a data-driven business development professional at Swiggy, specializing in analytics-led growth and strategic partnerships. With over six years of experience, he has successfully scaled user acquisition, improved retention, and driven GMV growth through multi-channel initiatives. His expertise in leveraging data tools and building high-impact collaborations highlights his role in shaping next-gen partnership strategies.

 

Bhuvan Rustagi (Partnership Manager, Boat): Bhuvan Rustagi is an affiliate marketing and partnerships expert with a strong track record in driving revenue through strategic alliances and influencer ecosystems. Having delivered impactful campaigns across consumer brands, he brings deep expertise in performance marketing and P&L management. His data-driven approach and ability to scale partnerships position him as a rising leader in the digital commerce landscape.

 

Vignesh V (Growth Manager, Mokobara): Vignesh V is a growth-focused professional at Mokobara, driving brand expansion through data-led strategies and customer-centric initiatives. With a sharp understanding of consumer behavior and digital channels, he contributes to scaling modern D2C growth engines. His ability to align growth with strategic partnerships marks him as an emerging name in the alliances ecosystem.

 

Akash Basak (Marketing Manager, Sugar Cosmetics): Akash Basak is a brand-first marketer with experience in building and scaling D2C businesses across e-commerce platforms. Currently driving growth at SUGAR Cosmetics, he brings a strong understanding of brand storytelling and performance marketing. His entrepreneurial background and deep interest in consumer behavior position him as a promising contributor to partnership-led brand growth.

 

Kanika Gupta (Sr Manager- Performance Marketing, Havas Media- Harman International (JBL)): Kanika Gupta stands out as a performance-driven marketing leader who blends data precision with creative strategy to unlock scalable growth. At Havas Media, she plays a key role in driving high-impact campaigns for Harman International’s JBL brand. Known for building high-performing teams and consistently exceeding targets, she brings a sharp focus on ROI-led execution and continuous optimization. Her approach reflects a balance of analytical rigor and innovative thinking in today’s evolving digital ecosystem.

 

Ishani Sharma (Brand and Partnerships, Ferns N Petals): Ishani Sharma brings a holistic brand-building lens to partnerships, combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution across diverse sectors. At Ferns N Petals, she has been instrumental in driving full-funnel campaigns and scaling D2C growth through integrated collaborations. Her expertise spans digital, ATL/BTL activations, and storytelling-led strategies that translate into measurable business outcomes. She is recognized for seamlessly merging creativity with data to build impactful brand alliances.

Avinash Srivastava (Head- Ecommerce, Superdry): Avinash Srivastava is a seasoned e-commerce leader driving digital growth and strategic partnerships for Superdry in India. With over a decade of experience, he leads omnichannel expansion across platforms like AJIO and D2C, while optimizing performance through data-driven insights. His deep expertise across supply chain, merchandising, and marketplace strategy positions him as a key enabler of scalable alliances. Avinash also actively contributes to emerging ecosystems like ONDC, reinforcing his forward-looking approach.

 

Sweta Kumari (Strategic Alliance Specialist, Clovia): Sweta Kumari brings a strong foundation in strategic partnerships and marketing consulting, with a track record of driving impactful alliances. At Clovia, she focuses on building and managing collaborations that enhance brand visibility and business growth. Her expertise spans media planning, vendor management, and business development, enabling integrated partnership strategies. With a sharp understanding of consumer engagement, she continues to create value through well-aligned alliances.

 

Shreyansh Tanna (Growth Marketing Manager, Pep Technologies- Hyphen/ mCaffeine): Shreyansh Tanna is a growth-focused marketing professional driving high-impact collaborations in the digital-first D2C space. At Pep Technologies, he works at the intersection of performance marketing and partnerships to scale brands like mCaffeine and Hyphen. His strength lies in leveraging data, experimentation, and strategic alliances to accelerate customer acquisition and retention. Shreyansh represents a new-age marketer shaping growth through integrated partnership ecosystems.

 

Siddhant Dani (Manager- Alliances & Monetisation, Pepperfry): Siddhant Dani is at the forefront of building strategic alliances that directly contribute to revenue and customer growth at Pepperfry. He leads partnerships across banking, fintech, and brand ecosystems, structuring high-value collaborations and co-funded campaigns. His cross-functional approach ensures seamless execution across online and offline channels. Known for unlocking monetisation opportunities, Siddhant plays a pivotal role in driving measurable business impact through partnerships.

 

Yash Ahuja (Marketing Manager, Flixbus): Yash Ahuja is a dynamic marketing leader specializing in partnerships, content, and brand storytelling. At FlixBus, he drives high-engagement campaigns through strategic collaborations and innovative content formats. With a strong background in social media and influencer-led initiatives, he consistently delivers campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive business outcomes. His creative-first yet ROI-driven approach positions him as a rising force in partnership-led marketing.

Madhav Garg (D2C Partnerships & Alliances, The Man Company): Madhav Garg plays a key role in building and scaling strategic partnerships for The Man Company’s D2C growth journey. Focused on alliances that enhance customer acquisition and brand reach, he works across platforms and ecosystems to unlock new growth avenues. His approach combines commercial acumen with a strong understanding of digital consumer behavior. Madhav is emerging as a key contributor in shaping partnership-led expansion in the grooming space.

 

Hridya George (EIR- CEO’s Office, goStops): Hridya George brings a multidisciplinary perspective to partnerships and business strategy, shaped by her diverse experience across HR, operations, and startup leadership. At goStops, she works closely with the leadership team to drive strategic initiatives and ecosystem collaborations. Her ability to integrate people, processes, and partnerships enables scalable growth in a fast-evolving startup environment. Hridya represents the new wave of operators contributing to alliance-driven business building.

Rio Fernandes (Marketing Associate, Kapiva): Rio Fernandes is a creative marketing professional leveraging content, media, and partnerships to elevate brand engagement at Kapiva. With a strong foundation in visual storytelling and digital campaigns, he crafts impactful collaborations that connect with modern consumers. His expertise spans social media strategy, performance marketing, and content production. Rio’s ability to merge creativity with technical precision makes him a promising talent in partnership-led brand building.

 

Saket Singh (Director- Subscription Strategy & Partnerships, Zee5): Saket Singh is driving ZEE5’s subscription growth through a sharp focus on strategic partnerships across telcos, ISPs, DTH, and digital platforms. He leads the end-to-end distribution, pricing, and product roadmap to accelerate subscriber acquisition. With a strong command over analytics and partner ecosystems, he is building scalable, partner-led revenue streams. His work is central to expanding ZEE5’s footprint in India’s competitive OTT landscape.

 

Udayvir Singh Bahri (E-Commerce & Marketing, Angad Creations): Udayvir Singh Bahri brings a performance-driven approach to e-commerce growth, combining SEO, content, and digital marketing to deliver strong business outcomes. He has scaled global-facing online stores with consistent YoY growth and improved customer engagement metrics. His expertise spans website optimization, paid campaigns, and analytics-led decision-making. At Angad Creations, he plays a key role in driving conversion, brand visibility, and customer satisfaction.

 

Sweta Rudra (Heading Marketing & Growth, Planet Paaduks): Sweta Rudra is a seasoned marketing leader with a decade of experience scaling D2C brands across digital and offline channels. She blends performance marketing with brand-building, optimizing key metrics like ROAS, CAC, and LTV. Having worked across fashion, FMCG, and personal care, she brings a cross-sector perspective to growth strategy. At Planet Paaduks, she is focused on building a resilient, omnichannel brand.

Shyamli Singh (Marketing Executive, Photojaanic): Shyamli Singh is an emerging marketing professional contributing to brand visibility and customer engagement at Photojaanic. She supports digital campaigns and content initiatives aimed at strengthening customer connections. With a growing understanding of performance marketing and user behavior, she is building a strong foundation in brand communication. Her role reflects the next generation of agile marketing talent in digital-first businesses.

 

Dhheeraj Bhatia (Head of Brand, Mr button): Dhheeraj Bhatia has built and scaled D2C fashion brand Gritstones into a multi-million-dollar business, showcasing strong expertise in brand, performance marketing, and operations. At Mr Button, he leads brand strategy, growth, and profitability across D2C and marketplaces. His approach combines data-driven marketing, omnichannel expansion, and efficient P&L management. He continues to strengthen brand positioning while driving sustainable growth.

 

 

Vishwajeet Singh (Manager-Affiliates & Partnerships, Kerala Ayurveda): With over eight years of experience in affiliate marketing and strategic alliances, Vishwajeet Singh has built a strong track record in driving partnership-led growth across digital ecosystems. Currently contributing to Kerala Ayurveda’s affiliate and partnerships function, he focuses on sourcing high-impact collaborations and strengthening partner networks. His expertise in B2B partnerships and performance-driven strategies has enabled improved engagement and measurable ROI. Known for aligning partnerships with business objectives, he continues to play a key role in scaling sustainable revenue channels.

 

Hemang Jain (Co-Founder, The Love Co.): Hemang Jain is redefining India’s body care category through The Love Co., a fragrance-led brand built on science-backed formulations and emotional storytelling. He is focused on creating structured body care systems that go beyond traditional skincare approaches. With a strong D2C and marketplace strategy, he is scaling the brand across India and international markets. His vision is to build a category-defining, globally competitive beauty brand from India.

Tarang Indrayan Vaish (Independent Director, Vivarang): Tarang Indrayan Vaish combines entrepreneurial and academic expertise to build sustainable platforms for artisans. Through Vivarang, he supports livelihoods for hundreds of weavers and craftsmen by connecting them to modern markets. With over two decades of experience in marketing, he brings both strategic and grassroots insights. His work reflects a strong commitment to inclusive growth and cultural preservation.

 

Anshuman Srivastava (CEO, IndieHaat): Anshuman Srivastava is building IndieHaat as a scalable, asset-light infrastructure layer for India’s fragmented handmade economy. By connecting artisan clusters with digital demand, he is enabling authentic products to reach modern consumers efficiently. His zero-inventory, trust-led model addresses key challenges in sourcing and scalability. Through IndieHaat, he is shaping a new approach to cultural commerce and premiumization.

 

Kanika Chopra (Senior Brand & Marketing Manager, Flourasoul Ayurveda): Kanika Chopra leads brand and digital marketing initiatives at Flourasoul Ayurveda, focusing on building a strong, consumer-centric brand presence. She drives social media strategy, influencer collaborations, and CRM-led engagement programs. With a sharp focus on performance metrics and user experience, she ensures consistent growth across digital channels. Her work bridges brand storytelling with measurable business impact.

 

Krithika Govindarajan (Founder & CEO, Puja Celebrations): Krithika Govindarajan is building Puja Celebrations into a differentiated gifting platform focused on festive and return gifting. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10K Women Entrepreneurs programme at IIM Bangalore, she brings a strong blend of customer-centricity and pricing strategy. Her approach centers on making culturally rooted gifting more accessible and seamless. Through strategic partnerships, she is shaping a scalable, experience-led gifting brand.

 

Parul Kapur (Founder & CEO, Floweronwheels): Parul Kapur brings over two decades of experience across global media and luxury brand ecosystems into her entrepreneurial journey with Floweronwheels. Having led commercial strategy roles at Vogue, ELLE, and ITP Media Group, she combines deep expertise in partnerships and revenue growth. Her current focus lies in building a digitally driven gifting platform with strong brand alliances. Parul continues to leverage her network to drive meaningful collaborations and market expansion.

 

Saumya Pankaj (Founder, The India Craft Project): Saumya Pankaj is redefining partnerships at the intersection of design, sustainability, and social impact through The India Craft Project. She collaborates closely with artisan communities to co-create products that blend heritage with contemporary branding. Her work is rooted in storytelling, design innovation, and grassroots partnerships across India. By aligning brands, artisans, and consumers, she is building a purpose-led ecosystem for craft revival.

Divya Jain (Founder, Jhakhas): Divya Jain brings over 15 years of experience in enterprise sales and business development into building Jhakhas, an ethnic wear e-commerce platform. With expertise spanning product management, market analysis, and digital marketing, she drives growth through structured partnerships and customer insights. Her ability to integrate sales strategy with brand positioning has enabled steady expansion. Divya continues to focus on scaling the brand in India’s competitive fashion ecosystem.

Rushabh Vora (Chief Marketing Officer, Greensole): Rushabh Vora combines entrepreneurial thinking with marketing strategy in his role at Greensole. With experience across Media.net, OYO, and family-run ventures, he brings a well-rounded approach to partnerships and growth. His work focuses on driving market expansion through strategic collaborations and sustainable initiatives. As a leader, he emphasizes execution-driven strategies that align brand purpose with business outcomes.

 

Shreyas Trivedi (Head – Growth & Partnerships, Ekam Eco): Shreyas Trivedi is driving sustainable impact through strategic partnerships at Ekam Eco Solutions. With a background in engineering and operations, he leads initiatives in water conservation and sanitation in collaboration with corporates and institutions. His role spans business development, stakeholder alignment, and CSR-led growth strategies. Shreyas is focused on building scalable partnerships that deliver both environmental and business value.

 

Prajwal Suhas (Founder, Jumkey): Prajwal Suhas is building Jumkey as a global platform for jewellery and accessories, rooted in innovation and creator empowerment. With over a decade of experience in e-commerce, he leverages technology, AI-led design, and global distribution partnerships to scale the brand. His vision extends to enabling artisans and small creators to access international markets. Through strategic alliances, Prajwal is shaping a globally competitive, impact-driven brand.

 

Suraj Kumar Prasad (Asst Manager Digital Marketing, Gandhar Oil Refinery India Ltd): With over five years of experience spanning marketing, sales, and digital strategy, Suraj Kumar Prasad is steadily emerging as a dynamic force in partnerships and growth. At Gandhar Oil Refinery, he brings a performance-driven approach, optimizing both paid and organic channels to deliver measurable ROI. His evolving expertise in business analytics, backed by hands-on experience in tools like Tableau and Power BI, enables sharper, data-led decision-making. Combining strategic thinking with executional depth, Suraj is well-positioned to build impactful alliances that drive scalable and sustainable business outcomes.

 

Himanshu Prabhakar (Brand Manager, Powersutra)): Himanshu Prabhakar is a brand-focused marketer driving growth through integrated campaigns and creator partnerships at Powersutra. With experience across D2C and FMCG sectors, he blends storytelling with data-driven strategies. His work emphasizes building strong brand communities while delivering measurable outcomes. Himanshu continues to strengthen brand positioning through strategic collaborations and digital-first initiatives.

 

Misha Gudibanda (Co- Founder, Sky Goodies): Misha Gudibanda brings creativity and entrepreneurial depth to Sky Goodies, a brand rooted in design and artistic expression. With a background in graphic design and paper art, she has built ventures that merge creativity with commerce. Her partnerships focus on delivering unique, design-led gifting experiences. Through consistent innovation, Misha is expanding the brand’s reach across audiences and occasions.

 

Himanshu Khera (Head Of Partnerships, Swiggy): Himanshu Khera is a seasoned partnerships leader driving high-impact collaborations at Swiggy. With over 13 years of experience across e-commerce, fintech, and quick commerce, he specializes in building scalable, win-win alliances. His approach combines strategic thinking with execution excellence, enabling platform growth and user value creation. Himanshu continues to play a key role in expanding Swiggy’s ecosystem through innovative partnerships.

 

Karan Sood (Brand Partnership Manager, KFC): With over 14 years of experience across enterprise sales, alliances, and analytics-driven strategy, Karan Sood brings a sharp commercial lens to brand partnerships. His cross-sector exposure spanning e-commerce, fintech, and digital payments enables him to drive scalable collaborations and revenue growth. Known for his strong client-facing approach and P&L ownership, he has consistently delivered on business expansion and account management mandates. His resilience and execution mindset make him a standout in high-impact partnership roles.

 

Vikas Diwaker (Deputy Manager, McDonald’s): Vikas Diwakar has built a strong career at McDonald’s India, rising from frontline operations to a strategic role in digital marketing and partnerships. His experience gives him a deep understanding of customer behavior and brand execution at scale. He plays a key role in enabling impactful brand collaborations that enhance visibility and engagement. With a hands-on and execution-driven approach, he contributes to alliance-led campaigns across platforms. His journey reflects consistent growth, operational excellence, and a sharp focus on partnership-driven impact.

 

Malvika Sujan (Associate Director – Strategic Partnerships, Pocket FM): With over 15 years across media, lifestyle, and entertainment, Malvika Sujan has built a strong reputation as a partnerships strategist driving consumer growth. At Pocket FM, she leads high-impact alliances focused on scaling installs, MAU, and paid user acquisition. Her expertise lies in crafting innovative, brand-led collaborations that unlock mutual value. She continues to play a key role in shaping growth narratives within India’s fast-evolving audio OTT ecosystem.

Amneet Malhotra (Sr. Manager, Partnerships, Jio Saavn): Amneet Malhotra is a dynamic partnerships professional focused on building scalable, win-win collaborations that drive user engagement and brand visibility. At JioSaavn, she works with leading brands to integrate music into everyday consumer journeys. Her diverse background spans co-working, startups, and global talent platforms, bringing a well-rounded approach to alliances. She is known for blending creativity with execution to deliver measurable growth.

Shyam Gupta (Head of Affiliates & Alliances, AJIO): A results-driven growth leader, Shyam Gupta has redefined performance-led partnerships at AJIO through innovative affiliate, influencer, and OEM-led strategies. He has successfully built high-ROI channels from scratch, significantly scaling revenue while reducing platform dependency. With deep expertise in marketing tech, attribution, and cross-functional execution, he stands out for driving measurable business outcomes. His work reflects a strong blend of strategic thinking and operational excellence.

 

Aashish Koul (Marketing Head, Taco Bell): Aashish Koul brings sharp marketing acumen and brand-building expertise to his role at Taco Bell India. Known for crafting culturally relevant campaigns, he has consistently driven consumer engagement and brand affinity among younger audiences. His approach blends innovation with data-led insights to strengthen market positioning. Through strategic partnerships and bold storytelling, he continues to elevate Taco Bell’s presence in India’s competitive QSR landscape.

 

Harman Saluja (Barter Marketing Strategies | Partnerships, Netmeds): Harman Saluja is a seasoned partnerships and barter marketing professional with experience across e-commerce, gaming, and emerging digital sectors. At Netmeds, he focuses on strategic collaborations that enhance brand visibility and unlock cost-efficient growth. With a strong foundation in marketing and technology, he brings a structured, results-oriented approach to alliances. His ability to navigate diverse industries makes him a versatile growth enabler.

 

Varun Moolchandani (Executive Director, Archies): Varun Moolchandani has been instrumental in steering Archies’ legacy as a leading gifting brand in India through innovation and retail excellence. With a strong focus on customer-centric experiences, he has helped the brand stay relevant across generations. His leadership emphasizes creativity, emotional connection, and product evolution. Under his direction, Archies continues to transform everyday moments into meaningful celebrations.

 

Lokesh Negi (Brand Partnership Manager, Bombay Shaving Company): Lokesh Negi is driving impactful brand alliances at Bombay Shaving Company, focusing on collaborations that boost visibility and engagement. He brings a strong grasp of the D2C ecosystem, aligning partnerships with clear business outcomes. His approach blends creative storytelling with strategic execution. Lokesh stands out as a rising partnerships leader shaping modern brand collaborations in India.

 

Sunil Das (Manager – Affiliate Marketing, IGP): Sunil Das is a results-oriented affiliate marketing leader with a strong track record of building high-performing partner ecosystems. He specializes in leveraging data insights to optimize affiliate programs and unlock sustained revenue growth. With a relationship-first approach, he has successfully nurtured strategic collaborations that deliver mutual value. His expertise lies in blending performance marketing with innovative partnership strategies to consistently exceed business goals.

 

 

Shiv Shukla (Manager – Loyalty & CRM, Bikanervala): Shiv Shukla brings strong operational depth to customer engagement and loyalty within the food retail space. At Bikanervala, he has been instrumental in strengthening CRM frameworks and enhancing customer lifecycle management. His expertise spans retail operations, training, and new store launches, making him a key driver of consistent customer experience. With a sharp focus on retention and relationship-building, Shiv continues to elevate brand loyalty in a competitive F&B landscape.

Anoop Asthana (Head – Brand Alliances, Ixigo): Anoop Asthana is a strategic alliances leader shaping high-impact brand partnerships at Ixigo. With over a decade of experience, he has successfully built and scaled marketing alliances across affiliate, influencer, and co-branded ecosystems. Known for crafting innovative campaigns and unlocking new revenue streams, Anoop plays a pivotal role in expanding Ixigo’s partner network. His ability to blend creativity with strategic execution makes him a standout force in the alliances space.

 

Ram Rattan Suthar (Sr. Manager Digital Marketing, Bakingo and Floweraura): Ram Rattan Suthar is a growth-focused digital marketing leader driving customer acquisition and retention for Bakingo and FlowerAura. With over 12 years of experience, he specializes in performance marketing and lifecycle strategies that deliver measurable business outcomes. His ability to scale digital channels while optimizing customer journeys has made him a key contributor to brand growth. Ram’s data-led approach positions him at the intersection of marketing and partnerships.

 

Anupam Bhatt (National Head – Partnerships and Alliances, AbhiBus): Anupam Bhatt leads partnerships and alliances at AbhiBus, where he drives strategic growth through high-impact collaborations. With cross-industry experience spanning fintech, travel, and consumer brands, he brings a sharp business development lens to alliances. His expertise in building scalable partner ecosystems and unlocking new revenue opportunities sets him apart. Anupam’s proactive approach and strong execution capabilities continue to fuel AbhiBus’s expansion.

Pankaj Arora (Head of Customer and Martech Strategies, Wow Momo): Pankaj Arora is a seasoned MarTech and customer strategy leader powering data-driven growth at Wow! Momo. With over 16 years of experience, he specializes in building omnichannel customer journeys that enhance acquisition, retention, and lifetime value. His expertise in CRM, automation, and customer data platforms enables deeply personalized brand experiences. Pankaj’s focus on loyalty, CX innovation, and reputation management makes him a key architect of modern food-tech engagement strategies.

Deepika Bhakoo (Senior Manager, Hungama): Deepika Bhakoo brings over eight years of expertise in digital strategy, international marketing, and OTT partnerships. At Hungama, she drives collaborations with leading platforms such as Wynk, Airtel Xstream, and Zee5, while also spearheading digital initiatives for NGOs and global brands. Her experience spans high-impact campaign execution, digital adoption consulting, and content-led growth strategies across international markets. With a strong focus on analytics and client relationships, she continues to shape scalable digital ecosystems.

Amrendra Kumar Singh (Growth Manager, HT Digital Streams): Amrendra Kumar Singh is a growth and retention specialist driving measurable impact across leading digital media platforms including Mint and Hindustan Times. Combining product-led growth with performance marketing, he has contributed significantly to subscriber expansion and recurring revenue. His data-driven approach to lifecycle marketing, automation, and monetization has unlocked new growth avenues across diverse user segments. With a strong focus on ARPU and engagement, he represents the new wave of growth leaders in digital media.

 

Rohit Mehrotra (Founding Member, Charcoal Eats): Rohit Mehrotra brings a unique blend of banking and hospitality experience, contributing to the growth journey of Charcoal Eats as a founding member. With over a decade of cross-industry exposure, he has played a key role in building operational and strategic foundations for the brand. His understanding of consumer business dynamics and execution at scale positions him as a valuable contributor in the food and hospitality ecosystem. His journey reflects a strong balance of financial acumen and customer-centric thinking.

 

Saurabh Assija (Head of Partnership, Stage): Saurabh Assija is a seasoned partnerships leader specializing in B2B business development within the OTT ecosystem. At STAGE, he has been instrumental in driving regional market expansion across North India through strategic alliances and scalable business models. His expertise in sales optimization and stakeholder management has enabled sustained revenue growth and market penetration. With a strong grasp of digital transformation, he continues to build impactful partnerships in the evolving streaming landscape.

 

Oves Qureshi (Product Head – Mobility, Akbar Travel): Oves Qureshi brings over 15 years of experience across product, operations, and technology in the travel industry. Leading the B2C mobility vertical at Akbar Travels, he oversees end-to-end product strategy across app and web platforms. His expertise in payment integrations, analytics, and customer-centric feature development has driven seamless user experiences at scale. With a strong command over cross-functional execution, he continues to shape innovative travel solutions for a growing digital audience.

 

Punit Chauhan (Digital Marketing Executive, The Natural Wash): Punit Chauhan is an emerging talent in the alliances and digital growth ecosystem, currently driving performance at The Natural Wash. With a strong command over SEO and Google Ads, he has directly contributed to revenue growth while seamlessly managing the brand’s Shopify operations and inventory workflows. His role reflects a blend of marketing precision and operational ownership, making him a valuable asset in building scalable brand partnerships. As he continues to expand his capabilities, Punit represents the new wave of professionals aligning digital execution with strategic collaboration.

 

Bilal Shah (Senior Product Support Manager, Playbox TV): Bilal Shah combines technical expertise with leadership capabilities to drive product support and operational excellence at Playbox TV. With a background in electronics and telecommunications, he brings a structured approach to program management and client support. His ability to bridge technical and business functions ensures seamless product delivery and customer satisfaction. A strong team builder, he continues to contribute to scalable and efficient product ecosystems.

 

Abul Hussnain (Marketing Manager, Duroflex): Abul Hussnain is a rising talent in partnerships and alliances, driving revenue through high-performing affiliate collaborations at Duroflex. He combines performance marketing with data-driven retention strategies to deliver measurable growth. Leveraging tools like Salesforce Marketing Cloud, he creates personalized campaigns that enhance customer engagement. His focus on website optimization and seamless payment integrations further strengthens conversion and user experience.

 

Kushagra Singh (Manager- B2B Partnerships & Sales, Fitpass): Kushagra Singh is a dynamic partnerships and sales professional focused on driving B2B growth in the fitness and wellness ecosystem. At Fitpass, he plays a key role in building strategic alliances and expanding enterprise partnerships. His strength lies in identifying high-impact opportunities and converting them into scalable revenue channels. With a sharp focus on client engagement and market expansion, he represents emerging leadership in partnerships and alliances.

 

Chetna Dangi (Senior Partnership Executive, Foxtale): Chetna Dangi is a rising partnerships professional at Foxtale, where she plays a key role in building and nurturing brand alliances that drive growth and visibility. With a sharp focus on collaboration-led marketing, she contributes to expanding the brand’s ecosystem through strategic tie-ups. Her work reflects a strong understanding of digital-first consumer brands and partnership-led scaling. Chetna represents the new wave of partnership specialists powering D2C growth.

 

Saurabh Mishra (Head of Business Development, Clay Co.): Saurabh Mishra leads business development at Clay Co., spearheading strategic partnerships and growth initiatives across retail, B2B gifting, and digital channels. He has been instrumental in expanding the brand’s footprint across marketplaces and premium offline spaces. With a strong focus on influencer collaborations and performance-driven strategies, Saurabh is shaping Clay Co.’s premium positioning. His work reflects a blend of strategic thinking and execution-led growth.

 

Sanchit Wahi (Chief Marketing Officer, Larisa): Sanchit Wahi heads marketing at Larisa, driving brand strategy, partnerships, and revenue growth across its portfolio of hospitality brands. He plays a critical role in integrating marketing with business performance, enabling scalable growth. With a focus on innovation and customer experience, Sanchit is redefining how boutique hospitality brands engage with their audiences. His leadership continues to strengthen Larisa’s market positioning.

 

Shilpa Singh (Manager- Brand and product management, Oracure): Shilpa Singh stands out as a dynamic brand and product leader driving cross-functional collaboration and market-focused growth at Oracure. With six years of experience, she has consistently delivered high-impact initiatives by blending strategic pricing, stakeholder alignment, and UI/UX-led execution. Her ability to translate market insights into actionable campaigns has strengthened product positioning and sales performance. Backed by an MBA and a foundation in engineering, she represents a new wave of data-driven partnership and brand leaders.

 

Jehangir Alam (Partnership & Affiliate, Klook): Jehangir Alam is a seasoned partnerships professional with over eight years of experience in building strategic alliances and optimizing in-market campaigns. At Klook, he plays a pivotal role in driving affiliate growth and enhancing customer retention through data-backed marketing strategies. Known for his analytical approach and strong client collaboration, he brings precision to campaign execution and partnership scaling. His expertise across strategic alliances and product marketing positions him as a key contributor to Klook’s growth ecosystem.

 

Prakul Dhir (Founder, Infire): Prakul Dhir is an emerging entrepreneur redefining partnerships through innovation-led growth at Infire. As a founder, he is focused on building scalable collaboration frameworks that align business strategy with execution. His work reflects a strong understanding of digital ecosystems and partnership-driven expansion. With a sharp focus on agility and market relevance, Prakul represents the next generation of founders leveraging alliances as a core growth lever.

 

 Harsh Bhandari (Brand Manager, Elver): Harsh Bhandari is part of the founding team at Elver, where he leads brand strategy and partnerships from the ground up. He has been pivotal in launching new product lines and executing go-to-market strategies that fuel growth. His expertise in integrated marketing campaigns and digital storytelling has helped amplify the brand’s presence. Harsh’s role underscores the importance of partnerships in building emerging consumer brands.

 

Arya Jha (Growth Associate, Ten X You): A dynamic and intellectually curious business professional, Arya Jha represents the new wave of alliance builders who blend strategic thinking with a strong people-first approach. At Ten X You, she actively contributes to growth initiatives while fostering meaningful partnerships rooted in trust and collaboration. With a deep interest in storytelling disciplines like history, architecture, and design, she brings a unique, multidisciplinary lens to relationship-building. A strong advocate for mental well-being and inclusive environments, Arya stands out for her ability to connect, communicate, and create value across diverse stakeholder ecosystems.

 

Anil Kumar (Performance Manager, Yes Madam): Anil Kumar drives performance marketing and growth initiatives at Yes Madam, managing multi-channel digital strategies across SEO, SEM, and analytics. With experience across 100+ projects, he brings deep expertise in campaign optimization and lead generation. His ability to align marketing performance with business goals makes him a key contributor to scalable growth. Anil represents the data-driven side of modern partnership and growth ecosystems.

 

Arun Gowda (Brand Alliance Manager, Cross beats): Arun Gowda is a seasoned brand and partnerships professional with over 12 years of experience in digital-first and D2C ecosystems. At Crossbeats, he drives end-to-end marketing and alliance initiatives, from product launches to influencer and partnership strategies. Known for his execution-focused approach, he consistently turns ideas into measurable impact. A published author and Kindle bestseller, he brings storytelling and consumer insight into brand building. His work centers on creating meaningful brand connections that accelerate growth.

Garima Baweja (Marketing Associate, Nat Habbit): Garima Baweja brings a unique blend of supply chain understanding and marketing execution to her role at Nat Habit. With experience across Indian and global markets, she contributes to building strategic relationships and operational efficiency. Her background in key account management enables her to bridge sales and partnerships effectively. Garima is part of a new generation of professionals integrating commerce and collaboration.

 

 

Rashita Jaggi (D2C Executive, Blue Tea): Rashita Jaggi is emerging as a sharp force in the D2C ecosystem, driving strategic partnerships at Blue Tea with a clear focus on brand visibility and distribution scale. She plays a pivotal role in building high-impact alliances across marketplaces, wellness platforms, and lifestyle brands. Known for blending consumer insight with execution agility, she has helped position Blue Tea as a differentiated player in the herbal tea category. Her approach reflects a new-age partnerships mindset, where collaboration directly fuels growth and brand equity.

 

Sourabh Solanki (Manager- Growth & Retention, BeYoung): Sourabh Solanki leads growth and retention at BeYoung, leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize customer journeys and marketing performance. With expertise across analytics tools, CRM systems, and omnichannel campaigns, he plays a key role in scaling the brand’s digital presence. His strong focus on partnerships, automation, and performance marketing drives measurable outcomes. Sourabh exemplifies the intersection of data, growth, and strategic alliances

 

Muskan Yadav (Marketing Manager, Nariyal Cosmetics): Muskan Yadav is a creative marketing professional at Nariyal Cosmetics, known for crafting high-impact content and influencer-led campaigns. She combines storytelling with performance insights to drive engagement and brand recall. From viral content creation to strategic collaborations, Muskan is building a strong digital voice for the brand. Her work highlights the growing importance of content-led partnerships in the D2C ecosystem.

 

Ishita Verma (Head Of Brand, Elemen): Ishita Verma leads brand and partnerships at Elemen, focusing on building a strong omnichannel presence across retail and e-commerce platforms. With a background in fashion management, she brings a sharp understanding of consumer behavior and brand positioning. She has been instrumental in driving digital sales through strategic collaborations and marketplace integrations. Ishita continues to shape Elemen’s brand narrative in a competitive landscape.

 

Inderpreet Singh (Partnership Marketing Executive, Toothsi): Inderpreet Singh is emerging as a dynamic force in partnership marketing, driving strategic alliances at Toothsi with a sharp focus on growth and brand synergy. He plays a key role in building high-impact collaborations that enhance customer acquisition and strengthen market positioning. With a keen understanding of digital-first consumer brands, Inderpreet bridges marketing and partnerships to unlock scalable opportunities. His ability to identify value-driven alliances and execute them effectively positions him among the rising talent shaping India’s partnerships ecosystem.

 

Rahul Maheshwari  (Growth Marketer – D2C, Salty): Rahul Maheshwari is a rising partnerships professional known for building high-impact growth alliances from the ground up at Salty. He has driven user acquisition and revenue through strategic collaborations with leading platforms like Zomato, GPay, CRED, and Amazon. With strong ownership of partnership P&L, he focuses on ROI-led execution across affiliate, ATL, and BTL campaigns. His work in loyalty, referral, and gift card programs further strengthens engagement and retention. Rahul is shaping partnerships into a core growth engine for modern D2C brands.

 

Bhavya Karnani (Partnership Executive, Giva): Bhavya Karnani is a partnerships professional at Giva, contributing to the brand’s alliance-building efforts and collaborative growth strategies. She works closely on identifying and executing partnerships that enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. With a keen interest in the evolving D2C ecosystem, Bhavya represents emerging talent in the partnerships space. Her role reflects the growing importance of strategic alliances in scaling modern brands.

 

Jayamma S (D2C Head, Asaya): Jayamma S has emerged as a strong force in D2C alliances and marketplace-led growth, playing a key role in scaling brands across platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and quick commerce channels. At Asaya, she drives revenue, P&L, and strategic partnerships while aligning marketing, inventory, and creative execution. Her ability to bridge performance marketing with platform collaborations has earned her multiple internal recognitions. Jayamma stands out for building high-impact, data-led partnerships in the evolving omnichannel ecosystem.

 

Neha T (Founder, Flurth): Neha T is redefining partnerships through a design-first, consumer-centric approach with Flurth, a new-age skincare brand. Her journey from media production to entrepreneurship reflects a deep understanding of storytelling, brand building, and market positioning. By combining clean formulations with innovative packaging, she is creating a differentiated ecosystem that naturally attracts collaborations across beauty, lifestyle, and retail. Neha’s vision positions Flurth as a modern brand built for both consumers and strategic alliances.

 

Manasvi Jain (D2C Growth And Retention Marketing, 4700 BC): Manasvi Jain leads lifecycle marketing and partnership-driven growth across multiple channels at 4700BC, spanning ecommerce, retail, HoReCa, and exports. With a strong command over CRM systems and full-funnel strategy, she integrates marketing, sales, and service to drive scalable growth. Her expertise in building brand alliances and optimizing customer journeys makes her a key contributor to omnichannel expansion. Manasvi’s work reflects a sharp focus on retention-led partnerships in a competitive D2C landscape.

Manan Sahai (Founder, Permea): Manan Sahai represents the new wave of D2C founders who combine product innovation with strategic partnerships. After building a successful haircare brand, he is now scaling Permea with a focus on advanced formulations and supply chain excellence. His hands-on approach across sourcing, manufacturing, and go-to-market strategy enables strong vendor and ecosystem collaborations. Manan’s ability to align product development with consumer insights positions him as a rising leader in partnership-driven brand building.

 

Hemavathi N (Marketing Executive, Bodycraft): Hemavathi N is building her presence in the partnerships and marketing ecosystem through her work at Bodycraft. With a focus on campaign execution and brand visibility, she contributes to strengthening collaborations across channels. Her growing experience in customer engagement and marketing operations reflects a strong foundation in alliance-driven growth. Hemavathi represents emerging talent shaping the next phase of brand partnerships.

 

Kalyani Mukherjee (Co-Founder, Studio Decorai): Kalyani Mukherjee brings over 15 years of experience across market research, CRM, and consumer insights into her entrepreneurial journey with Studio Decorai. She has built a niche, art-led brand that thrives on storytelling, design, and community-driven partnerships. By blending creativity with business development and PR, she has created a strong ecosystem around handcrafted lifestyle products. Kalyani’s work highlights the power of cultural and design-led collaborations in building differentiated brands.

Piyush Agarwal (Founder, Happy Cultures): Piyush Agarwal is driving purpose-led partnerships through Happy Cultures, a brand focused on sustainable livelihoods and handcrafted products. By connecting farmers and artisans to broader markets, he is building an ecosystem rooted in impact and scalability. His approach combines social entrepreneurship with strategic collaborations that benefit both producers and consumers. Piyush’s work reflects the growing importance of value-driven alliances in modern business models.

 

Deelip Kumar (Director, Giftalove): Deelip Kumar plays a key role in strengthening partnerships and business growth at Giftalove, a well-established gifting platform. With a focus on expanding market reach and enhancing customer experience, he contributes to building strong vendor and channel alliances. His leadership supports the brand’s ability to stay competitive in the evolving e-commerce gifting space. Deelip continues to drive collaborative growth through strategic relationship management.

Neha Rai (Assistant Manager, Healthkart): Neha Rai operates at the intersection of brand partnerships and strategic alliances at Healthkart, where she drives impactful collaborations and campaign integrations. With a strong foundation in market research and stakeholder management, she identifies and executes high-value partnership opportunities. Her role reflects a growing emphasis on data-driven alliance building in the health and wellness sector. Neha is steadily emerging as a key contributor to partnership-led growth.

 

Virang Dalal (Managing Director, Bianca Home): Virang Dalal has successfully transformed Bianca Home from an export-focused business into a leading domestic brand through strategic retail and platform partnerships. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded across 2,000+ stores and major online marketplaces, while securing key licensing collaborations. His ability to align product innovation with distribution alliances has strengthened Bianca’s market presence. Virang exemplifies how legacy businesses can scale through modern partnership strategies.

 

Aayush Goenka (Founder, Soxytoes): Aayush Goenka is redefining lifestyle branding through Soxytoes, turning an everyday functional category into a bold medium of self-expression. With a sharp focus on design-led differentiation, he is building a global brand that blends creativity with identity. His approach centres on sparking conversations and enabling individuality through vibrant, unconventional products. By positioning fashion as a confidence driver, he continues to carve a distinct niche in the lifestyle space.

Manju Dhojak (Founder, Baisa Crafts): Manju Dhojak is building purpose-driven brands that bridge the rural-urban opportunity gap through sustainable fashion. Through Baisa Crafts and Femaura Crafts, she empowers rural women artisans by creating dignified livelihoods rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Her work combines cultural preservation with modern design sensibilities, while also advancing environmental responsibility. Each creation reflects her larger vision of inclusive growth, sustainability, and grassroots impact.

 

Sahil Kewalramani (AVP- Finance, Fae Beauty): Sahil Kewalramani plays a strategic role in enabling scalable growth at Fae Beauty through data-led financial planning and operational discipline. With deep expertise across controllership and FP&A, he focuses on improving capital efficiency and strengthening financial frameworks. He positions finance as a core business partner, aligning numbers with long-term strategy. His work contributes to building resilient, growth-ready consumer brands.

Sourav Lodha (Founder, Kuber Box): Sourav Lodha is leading KuberBox’s evolution as a digital-first jewellery brand that blends thoughtful design with accessibility. With a strong focus on technology, lean operations, and customer-centricity, he is reimagining how fine jewellery is discovered and purchased. His entrepreneurial journey reflects a bias for execution and building for emerging markets. As he expands into new ideas for Bharat, his vision remains rooted in solving real retail challenges at scale.

Vivek Darji (Brand Manager,  Polka Tots): Vivek Darji is a brand builder focused on scaling D2C consumer businesses through consistent and insight-driven execution. At Polkatots, he works across brand strategy, content, and digital growth to create meaningful consumer connections. His hands-on approach spans creative direction, performance marketing alignment, and platform optimisation. With a strong grasp of storytelling and data, he contributes to building cohesive, high-impact brand experiences.

Amruta Patil (Assistant Manager- Digital Marketing, The Blissclub): Amruta Patil drives digital growth at The Blissclub through a blend of performance marketing and community-led engagement strategies. She focuses on strengthening brand visibility and customer journeys across digital channels. With a sharp understanding of consumer behaviour, she contributes to campaigns that balance creativity with measurable outcomes. Her work supports the brand’s larger mission of building a strong, relatable voice in the activewear space.

 

Karan Handa (General Manager Marketing, Ease my trip): Karan Handa stands out as a strategic force in driving high-impact brand alliances within India’s travel ecosystem. With over a decade of cross-industry experience, he has consistently leveraged partnerships and affiliate-led growth to unlock new revenue channels and scale brand visibility. At EaseMyTrip, he plays a pivotal role in crafting innovative collaborations, including entertainment and movie associations, that resonate with evolving consumer journeys. His strength lies in blending data-driven marketing automation with relationship-led deal-making to deliver sustained business outcomes.

 

As businesses continue to evolve in an increasingly interconnected world, the role of alliances and partnerships will only become more critical to sustainable growth. The professionals featured in this list are not just contributing to their organizations but are actively shaping how modern businesses collaborate, innovate, and scale. Their ability to build meaningful relationships, unlock new opportunities, and drive measurable impact reflects the future of growth leadership. As they continue to push boundaries and redefine partnership strategies, these rising stars are set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s next phase of ecosystem-led growth.

–Authored and edited by Sandhya Bharti

Disclaimer

The Top 100 Rising Stars in Alliances & Partnerships: Edition 2026 is a curated editorial selection based on a combination of research, industry inputs, and publicly available information. The evaluation considers factors such as professional impact, role in driving partnerships, industry presence, experience, and overall contribution to alliance-led growth. Given the dynamic nature of careers and industries, the selection process involves a degree of subjectivity and may not fully capture every individual’s complete body of work or achievements. Inclusion in this list does not constitute an endorsement, ranking, or guarantee of future performance. We acknowledge that there may be deserving professionals beyond this list and welcome constructive feedback to further strengthen future editions.