Deepakh H.

CEO

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India11 yrs 8 mos experience
AI Enabled

Key Highlights

  • Doubled business scale with 55% CAGR at Star Health.
  • Built AI-powered platform with 1,000+ enrollments in six months.
  • Achieved 80%+ course completion rates at upGrad.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Healthcare and EdTech growth specialist with strong P&L leadership experience.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

P&l OwnershipBusiness ScalingProduct DevelopmentMarket ExpansionEarly Stage InvestmentStrategic PlanningBusiness DevelopmentBusiness StrategySales & Marketing LeadershipSales Management

Other Skills

ProductTechnologyMarketingCustomer ExperienceServiceUnderwriting OperationsCRMTechnology-led executionMarket IntegrationOperational ExcellenceInvestmentStartup GrowthSector AnalysisStrategic AdvisoryRevenue Growth

About

I am a senior business leader with deep experience across large enterprises and high-growth startups, with a strong track record in P&L ownership, scaling businesses, product innovation, market expansion, and building high-performance teams. Currently, I lead the ~$300 Mn Digital (D2C & Partnerships) business at Star Health, India’s largest health insurance company, with end-to-end accountability across Product, Technology, Marketing, Sales, Customer Experience, Service, and Underwriting Operations. Over the last two years, I have more than doubled the scale of this business, delivering ~55% CAGR while materially improving profitability, unit economics, and capital efficiency—building the business into a sustainably profitable, 20%+ ROE digital growth engine. During this period, I drove a ~40% reduction in customer acquisition costs, significantly improved cost-to-revenue efficiency, and created operating leverage through technology-led execution and disciplined operating rigor. Previously, I served as CEO of Admission Box, where I built an AI-powered global admissions platform, connecting universities and students through a 3,000+ partner network, scaling to 1,000+ enrolments within six months of launch. Before that, as VP – Business at upGrad, I led the $100 Mn Working Professional segment, expanded the business across EMEA, APAC, and North America, improved referral-led growth, reduced costs, and achieved 80%+ course completion rates. Earlier in my career at BYJU’S, I led large-scale sales and e-commerce operations, scaling teams from 20 to 900+, launching new programs, and building a $75 Mn annual revenue business. I began my professional journey at Mahindra & Mahindra, managing OEM and dealer networks in the Genset division and driving market expansion through operational optimisation. I hold an MBA from ISB Hyderabad and a B. Tech from BIT Mesra. I am deeply passionate about building scalable platforms, applying technology to solve complex problems, and driving sustainable, profitable growth at scale.

Experience

11 yrs 8 mos
Total Experience
2 yrs 7 mos
Average Tenure
2 yrs
Current Experience

Star health and allied insurance co. ltd

3 roles

Chief Business Officer

Dec 2025Present · 5 mos · On-site

  • Leading the fastest-growing portfolio at Star Health, India’s largest health insurance company, with the highest ROE contribution. Responsible for building and scaling the business across Product, Technology, Marketing, Customer Experience, Customer Service, and Underwriting Operations, with a focus on sustainable and profitable growth.
  • Led a comprehensive transformation of Underwriting Operations, improving issuance rates by 10% while significantly reducing issuance TAT through workflow redesign and technology-driven automation. In parallel, spearheaded a large-scale CRM and ecosystem transformation, coupled with end-to-end workflow redesign, resulting in a 40% reduction in acquisition costs.
  • Applied technology, data, and influencer-led growth strategies to meaningfully improve conversion efficiency and strengthen unit economics versus prior periods.
  • Conceptualised and launched Super Star, a flagship retail health insurance product, in under two months from ideation to market. Enabled tight integration across the digital value chain—from website performance and proposal journeys to underwriting, policy issuance, and retention—driving operational excellence at scale.
ProductTechnologyMarketingCustomer ExperienceServiceUnderwriting Operations+4

Joint Executive President

Apr 2025Present · 1 yr 1 mo · On-site

Executive Vice President

Apr 2024Mar 2025 · 11 mos · On-site

Indian institute of commerce, lakshya

Strategic Advisor

Oct 2023Apr 2024 · 6 mos · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India · On-site

  • As a Strategic Advisor at Indian Institute of Commerce Lakshya, I led key institutional transformations that contributed to revenue growth from $10 Mn in FY24 to $22 Mn in FY25. I optimized core operations across key departments, including HR, admissions, marketing, finance, student support, and product development, enhancing both student satisfaction and operational efficiency. I led the implementation of a new website, LMS, and student management systems, streamlining processes across the institution.
  • I planned the launch of new professional courses such as CPA, CFA, and FRM for the upcoming academic year. Additionally, I introduced a granular student evaluation system and mentorship programs to improve pass percentages and rank holders. To better understand operational needs, I revamped the student-parent feedback surveys and internal review processes.
  • Through cost optimization, I reduced operational expenses by over 10% across products, including study materials. I also spearheaded organic channel growth through content marketing and enhanced communication with prospective students.
  • Furthermore, I expanded operations beyond Kerala into Rest of India and GCC markets, with SEA regions in the pipeline for future growth.
Strategic AdvisoryRevenue GrowthOperational OptimizationStrategic Planning

Admission box

Chief Executive Officer

Oct 2022Jan 2024 · 1 yr 3 mos · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India · On-site

  • As Co-Founder and CEO of Admission Box, I built an overseas education platform that connected global universities with prospective students through a referral partner network. Leveraging AI-powered data insights, we enhanced profile relevancy and boosted conversion rates while reducing operational costs.
  • We achieved an SLA of ~1 hour for application processing and improved conversion through strategic follow-ups. The platform offered end-to-end support to referral partners, covering everything from student counseling to enrollment completion.
  • Within the first six months, we onboarded 3,000 partners and facilitated over 1,000 student enrollments. Additionally, we integrated verification and audit processes to enhance application quality and minimize documentation fraud.
  • To improve student conversion and LTV, we expanded services to include IELTS coaching, banking, and accommodation solutions. This role allowed me to scale a new business from the ground up, driving operational excellence and strategic growth.
AIGlobal AdmissionsData InsightsBusiness Development

Early stage investor in 100+ start-ups

Early Stage Investor

Aug 2020Present · 5 yrs 9 mos

  • I have invested in over 100 startups across various sectors, with a total deal size of approximately ₹5 Cr, primarily through platforms like Venture Catalysts and 100 Unicorns. These investments span mobility, edtech, fintech, cleantech, agritech, SaaS, D2C, and consumer tech, focusing on high-potential businesses during their early growth stages.
  • Some of the key investments include BluSmart, Vedantu, Leverage Edu, Vidyakul, YPay, Charge+Zone, Zypp Electric, Zingbus, Rupeek, AdOnMo, Hesa, Growit India, Humus, Shiprocket, VideoVerse, Melorra, Acytv AI, Renee, Progcap, Niyo, ShopKirana, GOAT, Bright Champs, Klub, Rooter, Convin, Malaki, Auric, Raskik, CoffeeMug, and TrulyMadly.
  • Through these investments, I aim to support innovation and drive growth in industries that are shaping the future.
InvestmentStartup GrowthSector AnalysisEarly Stage Investment

Upgrad

Vice President

Jun 2020Oct 2022 · 2 yrs 4 mos · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India · On-site

  • At upGrad, I led the $100Mn Working Professional segment with complete P&L responsibility, overseeing products across tech (Data Science, ML, AI) and non-tech domains (MBA, Digital Marketing, Product Management). I defined and executed GTM strategies to drive sales, enhance marketing efficiency, and foster product innovation based on customer feedback.
  • I managed the entire sales funnel from lead generation to conversion, implementing tools to optimize conversion rates. Through effective cost management, I reduced sales and marketing expenses to under 20% of revenue and increased referral and repeat business to ~40%. Additionally, I minimized the refund rate from 15% to 3% within one year by establishing strong collections processes.
  • Working closely with the marketing team, I optimized lead generation through performance marketing, SEO, brand campaigns, alliances, and BTL activities, reducing performance marketing costs to ~10%. I achieved over 80% course completion by balancing live, interactive, and pre-recorded content delivery.
  • I successfully expanded operations to EMEA, APAC, and US-UK-Canada regions, driving YoY revenue growth. By fostering a positive work environment, I ensured low employee attrition through engagement, mentoring, and leadership initiatives. This role allowed me to build sustainable growth strategies and drive operational excellence across multiple markets and product lines.
P&L ManagementSales Funnel OptimizationMarketing EfficiencyBusiness Strategy

Byju's

Assistant Vice President Business Development

Jun 2015Jun 2020 · 5 yrs · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India · On-site

  • During my five-year tenure at BYJU’S, I led the complete sales and business development lifecycle, overseeing recruitment, training, and management of large sales teams. I successfully managed a 500+ member inside sales team for the PAN India market, and a 900+ member direct sales team across 10 states, achieving $75Mn in annual revenue.
  • I spearheaded the launch of BYJU'S e-commerce operations on Amazon and Flipkart, generating ₹1.5 Cr in revenue within the first six months. Additionally, I implemented strategies to reduce employee attrition through engagement and mentorship programs, while also driving a 15% revenue increase through targeted marketing campaigns, SMS outreach, webinars, and BTL activities.
  • In 2016, I introduced a nationwide engineering and medical mock test series that attracted over 32,000 participants across 35 cities, effectively bridging online and offline learning. Over the years, I scaled the workforce from 20 members to over 900 employees by 2020 and consistently maintained a top performance rating, earning recognition for outstanding contributions in all projects and annual reviews over three consecutive years.
  • This role allowed me to build and lead high-performance teams, launch innovative initiatives, and achieve sustained business growth at scale.
Sales ManagementTeam LeadershipMarketing StrategySales & Marketing Leadership

Mahindra & mahindra

Territory Manager

Aug 2014May 2015 · 9 mos · Pune District, Maharashtra, India · On-site

  • During my tenure as Territory Manager in the Truck PTD Advance Technology & MRV Common Services division, I managed OEM and dealer relationships within the Mahindra Powerol (Genset) division, ensuring optimal staffing and product capability development at dealerships.
  • I developed and executed business plans, set ambitious targets, and expanded market reach through a network of dealers and sales points in key regions. A major highlight was designing and implementing product training and sales modules for dealers, enhancing product knowledge and driving sales performance.
  • Additionally, I streamlined inventory management across dealerships, optimizing resource allocation and improving operational efficiency. This role allowed me to leverage strategic thinking and cross-functional coordination to deliver impactful business results.
Sales OperationsBusiness DevelopmentMarketing CampaignsSales Management

Larsen & toubro limited

Summer Intern

May 2012Jun 2012 · 1 mo · Greater Surat Area

Business PlanningMarket ExpansionSales PerformanceBusiness Development

Education

Indian School of Business

Master of Business Administration - MBA

National University of Singapore

Immersion Student (MBA-ISB)

Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra

Bachelor of Engineering - BE — Electrical and Electronics Engineering

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