Shahbaaz Kara-Virani
Vice President, Growth | New York, New York, United States
Professional Overview
Shahbaaz Kara-Virani is an accomplished growth executive with extensive expertise in the cannabis and technology industries. As the Vice President of Growth at BLAZE®, he spearheads strategic initiatives to drive sustainable business expansion and revenue generation. With a proven track record of success, Kara-Virani leverages his industry knowledge, sales leadership, and entrepreneurial mindset to support the growth and profitability of his clients and ventures.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Vice President of Growth at BLAZE®, Kara-Virani oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive growth strategies. He collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities, optimize sales and marketing processes, and enhance customer experience. Under his leadership, BLAZE® has achieved significant year-over-year revenue growth and expanded its market presence.
In addition to his role at BLAZE®, Kara-Virani is a Principal at SKVentures, a co-founder of CannAcquire, and a co-founder of the Cannabis Collective. In these capacities, he leverages his extensive industry expertise to provide strategic guidance, facilitate strategic partnerships, and support the growth and development of pioneering cannabis-related businesses.
Career Progression
Kara-Virani's diverse background includes leadership roles at prominent cannabis and technology companies. He previously served as the Host/Moderator at Business of Cannabis, a Member of the Ontario Cannabis Policy Council at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and held various sales and business development positions at dutchie, Lift & Co., and Salesforce. Throughout his career, Kara-Virani has demonstrated a keen ability to drive revenue growth, foster collaborative partnerships, and navigate complex regulatory environments.
Academic Background
Kara-Virani holds a bachelor's degree from a prestigious university, where he specialized in business administration and entrepreneurship. His academic achievements and passion for innovation have been instrumental in shaping his successful career trajectory.
Areas of Expertise
- Cannabis industry strategy and business development
- Sales leadership and team management
- Digital transformation and technology adoption
- Regulatory compliance and government relations
- Entrepreneurship and venture building
- Strategic partnership and collaboration
Professional Impact
Kara-Virani's contributions to the cannabis and technology sectors are marked by his ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends. He has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of several industry-leading organizations, leveraging his expertise to drive revenue growth, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Shahbaaz Kara-Virani's diverse background, industry expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit make him a valuable asset to BLAZE® and his other professional endeavors. Committed to driving innovation and sustainable growth, he continues to make significant contributions to the rapidly evolving cannabis and technology landscapes.
