Rahul Balyan

Head of Market Strategy & Operations - SAMEA (South Asia, Middle East and Africa)

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Professional Overview
Rahul Balyan is an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of experience across the entertainment, consumer goods, and digital media industries. As the Head of Market Strategy & Operations for the SAMEA (South Asia, Middle East and Africa) region at Spotify, he is responsible for driving strategic initiatives, overseeing operations, and expanding the company's footprint in these key markets.

Experience Summary

Current Role
Rahul currently serves as the Head of Market Strategy & Operations - SAMEA at Spotify, a position he has held since January 2024. In this role, he is instrumental in shaping the company's market expansion strategies, optimizing operational efficiency, and delivering impactful results. Rahul's deep understanding of the regional dynamics and his ability to navigate complex business environments have been crucial in driving Spotify's growth across the SAMEA markets.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Rahul held various leadership positions at Spotify and Radio Mirchi, a prominent media conglomerate in India. As the Head of Music - India at Spotify, he successfully led the company's market entry and content strategy, significantly increasing user adoption and revenue. As the Chief Digital Officer and EVP, Head - Digital Initiatives at Radio Mirchi, Rahul was instrumental in spearheading the company's digital transformation and diversifying its revenue streams.

Earlier in his career, Rahul held sales and marketing roles at Asian Paints and The Coca-Cola Company, where he honed his skills in strategic planning, execution, and driving business growth.

Academic Background
Rahul holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, where he specialized in Marketing and Strategy. He also earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree in Electronics and Communication from the University of Pune.

Areas of Expertise

• Strategic market planning and execution

• Digital transformation and revenue diversification

• Operational excellence and process optimization

• Talent management and team leadership

• Data-driven decision making and analytical capabilities

Professional Impact
During his tenure at Spotify, Rahul has been instrumental in driving the company's expansion across the SAMEA region, leading to a significant increase in user base and revenue contribution. He has also spearheaded the development of innovative content and monetization strategies, positioning Spotify as a market leader in the region.

At Radio Mirchi, Rahul's digital initiatives and strategic leadership were pivotal in the company's successful transition to a multi-platform media conglomerate, enabling it to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

Conclusion
Rahul Balyan is a seasoned business executive with a proven track record of driving growth, operational efficiency, and digital transformation in the entertainment and media industries. His strategic acumen, regional expertise, and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset in his current role as the Head of Market Strategy & Operations - SAMEA at Spotify.