I'm Pankaj Desai, a Marketing Strategy & Communications Leader with 20+ years of experience delivering integrated, multi-channel campaigns across financial services, telecom, and technology markets. I excel in go-to-market strategy, digital marketing initiatives, and employer branding, backed by collaborative leadership and audience-focused storytelling that drives measurable results. I’ve delivered 24% business growth, 50%+ lift in brand visibility, and a 35% increase in qualified pipeline, while building governance and cross-functional alignment across diverse stakeholders.

Pankaj Desai

I'm Pankaj Desai, a Marketing Strategy & Communications Leader with 20+ years of experience delivering integrated, multi-channel campaigns across financial services, telecom, and technology markets. I excel in go-to-market strategy, digital marketing initiatives, and employer branding, backed by collaborative leadership and audience-focused storytelling that drives measurable results. I’ve delivered 24% business growth, 50%+ lift in brand visibility, and a 35% increase in qualified pipeline, while building governance and cross-functional alignment across diverse stakeholders.

Available to hire

I’m Pankaj Desai, a Marketing Strategy & Communications Leader with 20+ years of experience delivering integrated, multi-channel campaigns across financial services, telecom, and technology markets. I excel in go-to-market strategy, digital marketing initiatives, and employer branding, backed by collaborative leadership and audience-focused storytelling that drives measurable results. I’ve delivered 24% business growth, 50%+ lift in brand visibility, and a 35% increase in qualified pipeline, while building governance and cross-functional alignment across diverse stakeholders.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate

Work Experience

Head of Strategy, Marketing and Growth (Title - Chief Strategy & Growth Officer) at Lytus Group / Lytus Technologies / Lytus Fintech
April 1, 2024 - November 21, 2025
Led organizational growth strategy and end-to-end marketing communications for multiple business verticals, overseeing campaign briefing, creative development, digital activation, and go-to-market execution across North American and Asian markets. Directed brand governance for Studios and Fintech divisions, ensuring alignment to brand identity and messaging frameworks while launching campaigns that increased market visibility by 50% and secured 10+ strategic partnerships. Managed a 5-member marketing team and external agencies delivering PR, internal communications, social media, digital advertising, and brand positioning initiatives, resulting in a 20% increase in lead generation and a 50% improvement in brand awareness. Implemented data-driven marketing measurement systems to track ROI, achieving 200% improvement in campaign performance and a 35% rise in marketing-qualified leads. Ensured creative review and brand compliance across all messaging, visual design, and communications mat
Marketing and Brand Consultant & Business Head at Pitchfork Partners Strategic Consulting
March 1, 2024 - March 1, 2024
Designed and led integrated marketing and communications programs for 60+ global and national brands across financial services, telecom, and technology. Launched and scaled an Employer Branding vertical (EVP, storytelling content, recruitment marketing) contributing to revenue in year one and driving high client retention. Directed cross-channel brand and content strategies, refreshed brand identities, and stakeholder engagement programs, delivering 85%+ client retention and 20% average client growth while improving delivery timelines and cost efficiency through vendor partnerships.
Mentor & Advisor at Canada Leadership Watch
November 1, 2024 - November 21, 2025
Generated 1M+ views and 300% month-over-month engagement growth within 3 months through strategic content marketing and LinkedIn thought leadership. Built a premium audience base of 95% C-suite executives and senior Canadian leaders. Developed editorial content strategy and brand positioning framework, achieving a 1200% increase in follower quality and a 50% improvement in engagement rates.
Senior Vice President and Member, Leadership Team at MSL (Part of Publicis)
July 1, 2015 - July 1, 2015
Built MSLGROUP CREATIVE+ from concept to a 100+ member business unit across 3 locations, contributing 24% of total company revenue and achieving 1100% growth with 35% profit margin. Maintained sub-10% attrition rate and earned Best Team of the Year awards (2012–2014) for consistent performance and cross-functional leadership across global clients.

Education

Global Executive MBA (PGP MAX) at Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad - India
January 11, 2030 - November 21, 2025
MBA | Marketing at University of Pune - India
January 11, 2030 - November 21, 2025

Qualifications

Competitive Marketing Strategy and Corporate Development: Mergers and Acquisitions
July 1, 2016 - November 21, 2025
Strategic Value Addition through Financial Analysis and Ethics & Stakeholder Communication
July 1, 2016 - November 21, 2025

Industry Experience

Financial Services, Software & Internet, Telecommunications, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other