Rakesh Narayana

Global Vice President of Strategy & Business Development

Professional Overview
Rakesh Narayana is a seasoned global business leader with extensive expertise in strategy, business development, and driving transformational change. As the Global Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at Mars, he leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic acumen to spearhead the company's long-term growth initiatives. Rakesh also serves as a Member of the Impact Council at Fast Company, where he provides strategic guidance and insights to shape the future of the organization.

Experience Summary

Current Role
In his current role as Global Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at Mars, Rakesh is responsible for developing and executing the company's strategic vision across its diverse portfolio of consumer brands. He leads cross-functional teams to identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities, drive innovation, and optimize operational efficiency. Under his leadership, Mars has successfully launched several high-impact initiatives that have delivered significant revenue growth and improved market share.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Rakesh held various leadership positions at Reckitt, where he demonstrated his ability to drive strategic transformation and deliver exceptional business results. As the General Manager, he led the company's operations in key markets, overseeing all aspects of the business, from marketing and eCommerce to financial management. Earlier in his career, Rakesh was a Strategy Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he advised global clients on complex strategic challenges and implemented data-driven solutions to drive sustainable growth.

Academic Background
Rakesh holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Oxford, where he specialized in strategic management and innovation. He also completed a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), graduating with distinction.

Areas of Expertise

• Strategic planning and business development

• Transformational leadership and change management

• Consumer insights and market analysis

• Digital transformation and eCommerce

• Financial optimization and capital allocation

Professional Impact
At Mars, Rakesh has spearheaded the company's entry into new markets, leading cross-functional teams to launch successful product lines that have captured a significant share of the global consumer base. Under his guidance, the organization has achieved double-digit revenue growth and improved operational efficiency by 25%. Additionally, Rakesh's contributions to the Fast Company Impact Council have helped shape the organization's strategic direction and amplify its influence in the global business community.

Conclusion
Rakesh Narayana is a seasoned global business leader with a proven track record of driving strategic growth and transformation. His deep industry expertise, coupled with his ability to navigate complex challenges and inspire high-performing teams, make him a valuable asset to the organizations he serves. As he continues to shape the future of Mars and contribute to the impact of Fast Company, Rakesh remains committed to leveraging his skills and experience to create sustainable value for all stakeholders.