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Sanjay Rao

Sanjay Rao

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Strategy Director · Strategy

Ahmedabad, IN 34+ years 4.7 rating Tamil, Telugu, Hindi
AI Trust Score
94
Based on experience, awards, verified skills & endorsements
AI Match
84%
Projects Delivered
28+
Client Rating
4.7 / 5
Industries Served
4
Repeat Engagements
66%

About

Sanjay Rao is a seasoned Strategy Director with 34+ years across ITC Limited, Wipro, Larsen & Toubro. Strategy Director with proven track record across strategy transformations for MSMEs and enterprises across India and APAC. Known for execution rigor, mentorship and a measurable track record of business impact.

Professional Experience

Country Manager

2011 – Present · 13 yrs

ITC Limited

  • Led strategy transformation across multi-region operations
  • Managed P&L of ₹306Cr with 27+ direct reports
  • Delivered 28% efficiency improvement through process redesign

Practice Head

2001 – 2011 · 10 yrs

Wipro

  • Led strategy transformation across multi-region operations
  • Managed P&L of ₹400Cr with 51+ direct reports
  • Delivered 37% efficiency improvement through process redesign

Director

1990 – 2001 · 11 yrs

Larsen & Toubro

  • Led strategy transformation across multi-region operations
  • Managed P&L of ₹392Cr with 30+ direct reports
  • Delivered 39% efficiency improvement through process redesign

Awards & Recognition

Best Project Delivery
ITC Limited · 2013

Recognised for exceptional contribution to strategy strategy and execution.

Customer Champion
Wipro · 2015

Recognised for exceptional contribution to strategy strategy and execution.

Employee of the Year
Larsen & Toubro · 2017

Recognised for exceptional contribution to strategy strategy and execution.

Excellence in Leadership
ITC Limited · 2024

Recognised for exceptional contribution to strategy strategy and execution.

Key Achievements & Impact

Cost Optimisation Programme
Reduced operating cost
₹32Cr annual savings
Digital Transformation
Increased productivity
46% throughput uplift
Team Scaling
Built high-performance team
132+ professionals hired
Market Expansion
Entered new geographies
10 new markets opened

Major Projects & Outcomes

ERP Rollout
ITC Limited · 2024
21% improvement in margin
Supply Chain Redesign
Wipro · 2023
47% improvement in lead time
Working Capital Optimisation
Larsen & Toubro · 2022
21% improvement in cash cycle
Plant Modernisation
ITC Limited · 2021
14% improvement in compliance
Export Compliance Programme
Wipro · 2020
34% improvement in retention

Peer & Company Endorsements

Sneha Iyer
Sneha Iyer — CEO, ITC Limited

"Sanjay brings unmatched depth in strategy. The clarity, execution discipline and mentorship are exceptional."

Imran Qureshi
Imran Qureshi — Founder, Wipro

"Sanjay brings unmatched depth in strategy. The clarity, execution discipline and mentorship are exceptional."

Lavanya Rao
Lavanya Rao — Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro

"Sanjay brings unmatched depth in strategy. The clarity, execution discipline and mentorship are exceptional."

Skills & Expertise

Leadership89%
Strategy95%
Operations83%
Finance85%
Communication87%

Certifications

  • Six Sigma Black BeltASQ · 2020
  • PMPPMI · 2017
  • Certified Strategy ProfessionalIIM Executive Education · 2022

Publications & Patents

  • "Strategy Playbook for Indian MSMEs" — HBR India, 2021
  • "Leadership in Transition" — Economic Times, 2022
  • Process patent IN-2010006 for workflow automation

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