Dec 2021 – Present · 4 yrs 4 mos

• Have been supporting C2L Biz as Marketing Consultant and Virtual CMO .

Jul 2019 – Present · 6 yrs 9 mos · Mumbai

• At StoryFirst, we believe clarity is the foundation of every great brand.
• We help founders, brands, and organizations simplify their message, tell their story clearly, and build marketing that works.
• From Fractional CMO leadership to a team that helps you execute story-led marketing, we bring strategy and storytelling together - guiding you from confusion to clarity, from noise to narrative.
• Because in a crowded market, only the stories that stand out are heard.
• With proven brand storytelling frameworks and over 35 years of marketing experience, we help you craft a story that connects hearts, inspires action, and drives growth.
• When your story is clear, your customers listen, your team aligns, and your brand grows.

Dec 2016 – May 2019 · 2 yrs 5 mos · Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

• (Cashless Technologies India Limited (CTIL), a start-up incubated by software solutions firm, Mastek Ltd. (a global software solutions firm), in early 2016. Benow was one of 21 successful start-ups (among over 1000 applicants) that was mentored under Reliance’s GenNext Accelerator programme. The start-up was recognised as ‘The Best In-Store Payment Solution’ at the Payments & Cards Summit 2017 in Mumbai.)
• Co-Founder, Head of Marketing and Digital
• Led the Digital strategy and helped enroll over 25,000 merchants on the social commerce platform.
• Built strong media relations and ensured good coverage for the brand.
• Won the best in-store payments solution award for second consecutive year at Payments and Cards summit
• Provided marketing support for rapid ramp up of merchants to cross 1,00,000 mark.
• Was responsible for Public Relations, marketing Digital Strategy. Led two business verticals – Social Commerce Platform for home and small businesses and for crowdfunding platform ‘GivNow’ for NGOs.

May 2000 – Present · 25 yrs 11 mos · Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

• Co Founded Mastek Foundation , led the foundation while at Mastek and continue to be a Trustee and Board member at Mastek Foundation.

May 1999 – Dec 2016 · 17 yrs 7 mos · Mumbai Area, India

• Set up the Corporate Communications and marketing team and was responsible for marketing communications , public relations , internal employee communications and culture initiatives , employer branding and corporate social responsibility functions. Initiated and implemented rebranding exercise and implementation across communication mediums. Worked with the CEO supporting cross functional teams with corporate and marketing communications.
• Built strong media relations resulting in positive media coverage . Managed crisis communications .
• Innovations in internal communications included Mastek anthem which captures the values and culture of Mastek , TekTalk to promote innovation culture and introduced the video newsletter. Won the best Corporate film award.
• Led customer engagements like the International Customer meets which were highly appreciated for building deeper relations with customers.
• As head of CSR was responsible for managing the grants and reporting to the board as per CSR act . Conceptualised the lead the innovative initiative Project Deep Blue contest in which students from campus are mentored by Mastek employees to implement IT solutions for real social sector problems. this has become a huge hit with over 800 teams participating in the latest season.
• Mastek Foundation Run and Inspired annual fundraiser are two innovations for fundraising . The Spirit of Mastek award aims to introduce social leaders to Mastekeers. The social initiatives has resulted in over 90% employee participation in payroll giving.

May 1996 – May 1999 · 3 yrs

• Founded Mnet a division of Adfactors.
• Responsible for building the first pan India integrated marketing communications company ,acquiring clients , pitching ideas and execution of integrated marketing communications.
• Achievements
• Helped build first of-its-kind pan-India Integrated Marketing Communications network
• Profitable venture in the very first year
• Acquired leading client brands and built good relations – Parle Products, Marico, Pepsi India , Sony India , Elf Lubricants
• Highly successful Integrated communication event for Parle Products in Chennai with Shaktiman character that helped shift sales for Parle G biscuits
• Conceptualised and executed Highly successful World Cup campaign for Parle Products pan India
• Multi city roadshows for Elf Lubricants that got good visibility and media coverage
• Creating and executing successful syndicated events in Hair Care and Interior Design segment

Jan 1989 – Jan 1996 · 7 yrs · Mumbai Area, India

• Started my career as a product executive tasked with designing and selling the idea of a computer course for chartered accountants. This went on to become the largest grosser course for the institute.
• Was promoted as branch manager and turned around a loss-making centre to grow at 300% . Went on to head region and then Marketing function . Won multiple awards for driving rapid business growth.
• was responsible for introducing War Zone marketing strategy to take on the leader in the space . This was highly successful helped the institute to grow from 12 branches to 128 branches across India and feature in NASSCOM top 20 list.