Ajay Narula
Sterling Heights,MI
Summary
Strategic Media Leader with over 10 years in media planning and digital strategy, specializing in integrated media solutions that drive brand and business outcomes. Demonstrated success in developing and executing media strategies, optimizing digital campaigns, and managing cross-functional teams. Proven ability to leverage data insights for targeting strategies and campaign optimization, ensuring alignment with overall marketing objectives.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Strategy
SCG LLC
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Cut material costs by 63% for an early-stage solar company by leading a procurement optimization project, restructuring supply chains, and renegotiating vendor agreements
- Reduced energy costs by up to 40% for high-consumption businesses by designing and executing sustainability strategies that improved operating margins while aligning with client tax strategy
- Secured $5M in capital by developing and implementing a business plan for a residential solar venture, integrating AI-driven customer acquisition strategies to accelerate growth
- Delivered 143%+ revenue growth in year one for a commercial glazing company through targeted revenue acceleration initiatives and operational improvements
- Implemented AI-driven systems integrated with digital lead generation, enhancing performance metrics boosting lead generation and conversion rate by 94%
Strategy & Business Development Manager – North America
Guardian Industries
01.2018 - 01.2018
- Developed a 5-year strategic plan for North American operations by engaging cross-functional stakeholders and building a financial model that quantified long-term growth projections for leadership
- Led due diligence and business planning for a new glass technology with a projected $5B global revenue potential, including drafting acquisition contracts and negotiating key terms
- Evaluated and recommended M&A targets, aligning acquisition and divestiture opportunities with corporate strategy under new ownership
Associate
Oliver Wyman
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Built financial forecasts and business plan to support a private equity buyout, conducting comprehensive commercial due diligence on target company
- Consolidated and analyzed enterprise-wide spend data for a leading industrial gas supplier, utilizing Python to analyze procurement data and created tools and insights that enhanced procurement and budgeting decisions at the executive level
- Delivered a heavy vehicle market assessment to support a PE client’s sale process, providing actionable insights that informed investment decisions
- Performed voice of customer due diligence to support PE exit of commercial vehicle manufacturer
Strategy Consultant Manager
Plante Moran
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Launched and grew the firm’s commercial due diligence practice, advising private equity clients through market intelligence, customer interviews, and operational assessments
- Directed marketing and thought leadership for the automotive practice, representing the firm at industry events, publishing content, and strengthening client engagement
- Identified margin improvement opportunities for a Tier 1 auto supplier by conducting cost analysis of injection-molded components and recommending KPIs for continuous improvement
- Advised on $1.2B in strategic acquisitions by producing competitive landscape analyses for auto suppliers
- Simplified procurement operations for a Tier 1 supplier by consolidating its vendor base across 21 plants, eliminating more than 100 redundant suppliers
Senior Strategy Consultant
Plante Moran
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Supported $1.6B in acquisitions by conducting industry benchmarking and advising on supplier selection
- Developed a $360M onshoring business plan for wheel manufacturing, enabling a shift from China to domestic production
- Projected a $4.8B market cap increase for a chemical company by evaluating and re-purposing an alternative energy venture, preventing costly shutdowns
- Advised an EV OEM on supplier strategy to ensure sourcing readiness ahead of a major product launch
- Partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ATVM loan applicants, creating compliant business plans that met complex regulatory and funding requirements
Education
Masters in Science of Engineering - Artificial Intelligence
University of Pennsylvania – Penn Engineering
01-2027
Masters in Computer and Information Technologies -
University of Pennsylvania – Penn Engineering
01-2026
Masters in Accounting -
University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
Ann Arbor, MI01.2014
Bachelors in Finance - Finance
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI12.2010
Skills
- Digital media strategy
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Campaign optimization
Websites
Timeline
Head of Strategy
SCG LLC
01.2019 - 01.2025
Strategy & Business Development Manager – North America
Guardian Industries
01.2018 - 01.2018
Associate
Oliver Wyman
01.2017 - 01.2018
Strategy Consultant Manager
Plante Moran
01.2014 - 01.2017
Senior Strategy Consultant
Plante Moran
01.2014 - 01.2017
Masters in Science of Engineering - Artificial Intelligence
University of Pennsylvania – Penn Engineering
Masters in Computer and Information Technologies -
University of Pennsylvania – Penn Engineering
Masters in Accounting -
University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
Bachelors in Finance - Finance
Michigan State University