Ajith Krishnankutty
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Accomplished and seasoned marketing executive with over 18+ years of progressive experience in multiple geographies. Combines human-centered design with leading-edge digital technologies to deliver compelling client experiences that transform client relationships through memorable moments. Business transformation leader with diversified experience in strategy & operations, adept at managing complex event experiences globally. Subject matter expert in all aspects of event marketing/management - operations, content, client experiences, logistics, technology, and data. Hands-on expertise in managing multiple hundred events with a wide variety of clients in the financial, retail, and technology space worldwide. Recognized as an industry thought leader and sought-after speaker.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Event Marketing
Capital Group of Companies
04.2018 - Current
- Drove comprehensive transformation of Capital Groups event experience and operations through market research implementation, development of a multi-year transformation roadmap, digitization of operate smart goals; created strategic framework including events blueprint, event tier model and playbook along with efficient capacity model methodology. Generated significant enhancements to Capital Groups event experience and operations by spearheading market research projects that informed the creation of a multi-year transformation roadmap. Orchestrated the digitalization of current processes to optimize efficiency while developing insightful operate smart goals. Established key tools including an events blueprint, event tier model, playbook alongside a robust capacity model for accurate planning.
- Implemented contribution margin models and ROI frameworks.
- Transformed event planners into experiential marketers, aligning their roles and goals with the new industry trend.
- Executed the unified client experience strategy on a global scale
- Implemented an organized and scalable event execution plan that was replicable across the organization
- Designed and executed an effective data unification strategy focused on driving real-time reporting, integrating data with SFDC, and strengthening ROI strategy.
- Implemented real-time Power BI reporting to transform business planning from reactive to proactive
- Manages a team of 30 experiential marketers and 15 Contractors, driving over 600 hosted and sponsored event experiences. Accountable for a budget of $15M+ for events and $4M+ for Marketing Operations.
- Event Channel touches 200K+ Financial advisors and drives growth and retention of Capital Group's AUM
- Drives Wealth Management, Institutional Retirement, and Private Client group event strategy helps generate 30K+ leads through hosted and sponsored events
- Accountable for all the Industry & Dealer event sponsorship strategies
- Successfully onboarded and integrated multiple event platforms including Cvent, PGI, Bizzabo and Goldcast, while strategically enhancing the technology roadmap to adapt to hybrid and virtual experiences with increased agility
- Established myself as a respected thought leader in the event marketing industry, representing Capital
- Accountable to manage capital group video production and broadcasting studio - 6 associates and 4 channel partners producing 500+ video assets and live events productions.
Director
ARK Consulting Group
01.2017 - Current
- ARK is a startup venture founded focused on Customer Experience Consulting
- Since the inception ARK had managed multiple client initiatives globally
- This is a venture I still hold close to my heart since this is more a passion than a business
- I have a team in India who now handles day to day operations of this firm
- ARK Manages Corporate travel & events for small and medium companies.
Director
UST
11.2007 - 12.2016
- UST is an American multinational provider of Digital, IT services, and solutions, headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California
- UST Global offers a host of services in areas like Digital, Consulting, Managed Innovation, Human-Centered Design, Advanced Analytics, Algorithms, Cyber Security, Engineering Services, Embedded Engineering Product development, Tech build, Application Development, Enterprise Quality Assurance, Infrastructure, e-Commerce, Business Intelligence, Data Management, and BPO services
- Founded in 1999 UST has grown to a 17000-people organization and operates in more than 20+ Countries.As the Director of Customer Experience, my accountability was to protect the brand and reputation of UST by delivering unique experience both internally to the Associates and customers
- While the primary focus was external clients, the role also included building a world-class innovation lab and delivering curated digital client experiences in these labs
- Managed 45M + USD budget Portfolio yearly - Accountable for Marketing and Customer Events across the Globe
- 10M USD sales target through Events and Customer Experience Management - Managed Sponsorships [Formula1 Virgin Racing, Chennai Super Kings - India IPL Cricket and The Kentucky Derby] - Managed 21 Work locations of UST Global in Africa, Europe & Americas - Managed complex real estate deals and was an integral part of building UST Global's 1M Sq
- Ft
- Campus in India and Several other real estate projects across the globe - Established 15 new geographies for UST Global in 24 months - Established a global network of Innovation Center knows as "INFINITY LABS" (Concept to Creation)
- Launched Labs in Aliso Viejo, Bentonville, Israel, London, Madrid and Trivandrum in 18 months - Managed Global Corporate travel for UST (21 M+ USD budget)
Operations Executive
UST Global
06.2002 - 11.2007
- Set up UST Global's first global operations team - Managed 1M+ USD yearly budget
Education
Certificate of Business Excellence - Business Management
Haas School of Business University of California
San Francisco, CA08.2024
MBA - Business Management
UCLA ANDERSON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Los Angeles, CA10.2015
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting And Business Management
MAR IVANIOS COLLEGE KERALA UNIVERSITY
India07.2002
Skills
- Cvent
- Bizzabo
- Goldcast
- PGI / Global Meet
- SFDC/SFMC
- Shoflo
- PowerBI
- Vidyard
- Frameio
- Drift
- Adobe
- Power BI
Certification
- Facility Management Professional (FMP) - IFMA - International Facility Management Association
- Travel Professional Certification - The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Amadeus GDS - Certified Amadeus GDS Professional
- Cvent Advanced Certification - Event management advanced certification
Timeline
Head of Event Marketing
Capital Group of Companies
04.2018 - Current
Director
ARK Consulting Group
01.2017 - Current
Director
UST
11.2007 - 12.2016
Operations Executive
UST Global
06.2002 - 11.2007
Certificate of Business Excellence - Business Management
Haas School of Business University of California
MBA - Business Management
UCLA ANDERSON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting And Business Management
MAR IVANIOS COLLEGE KERALA UNIVERSITY