Ramesh Venkatraman
Muscat,LI
Summary
Director-level Sales and Commercial leader with 37+ years of experience across FMCG, beverages, consumer electronics, luxury retail, and distribution in the Middle East and India. Proven P&L owner with end-to-end accountability for revenue growth, margin expansion, route-to-market strategy, and large multicultural sales organizations. Demonstrated success in business turnarounds, market entry, key account governance, and sustained profitability within blue-chip and family-owned enterprises.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Qatar Oasis
Doha
03.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented long-term strategies to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
- Drove revenue targets while managing territorial expansions to support growth initiatives.
- Oversaw budgeting, financial planning, and cost control to maintain financial stability.
- Managed day-to-day operations to enhance departmental efficiencies and effectiveness.
- Built and led high-performing teams, fostering positive work culture through guidance and training.
- Managed relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and partners for alignment.
- Monitored organizational performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to increase productivity.
- Ensured compliance with relevant laws and regulations while assessing risks to protect assets.
National Sales & Marketing Manager
Oman Oasis Water Company WLL
Muscat
01.2017 - 02.2025
- Directed team of over 300 to meet corporate objectives.
- Developed and implemented national sales programs.
- Achieved company’s sales goals across all regions.
- Maximized sales volume while maintaining optimal product mix and pricing.
- Oversaw regional sales performance to ensure alignment with targets.
- Created effective sales strategies and ensured timely execution.
- Scheduled regular meetings with regional managers to synchronize strategies and tackle challenges.
- Monitored competitive pricing and adjusted rates to maintain market competitiveness.
Head of Sales & Marketing
Al Meer Group
Manama
03.2014 - 01.2017
- Heading FMCG/Consumer Business Unit
- Full P&L – Responsibility for the SBU – Close working with Finance team/ Monthly reviews- to take corrective actions to ensure the committed profits are delivered
- Restructured the business – turned around the non-performing division to a profit making SBU
- Led key account management and created trade marketing strategies to improve van sales.
- Directed retail category management to optimize product placement and drive sales performance.
- Outsourced and launched new brands/products in Bahrain to diversify offerings.
- Coordinated foreign purchases and ensured efficient import processes.
- Managed supply chain processes to optimize logistics and inventory management.
- Key Contracts/Business Agreements – Negotiations /Sign off (Retailers/Suppliers Globally)
General Manager - FMCG Distribution Division
ASHRAFS
Manama
02.2010 - 03.2014
- Managed operations across 10 electronics showrooms, ensuring seamless functionality at all times.
- Drove team performance improvements for 220 staff members through targeted training and development programs.
- Oversaw HR KPIs, conducted annual reviews, and implemented incentive programs to boost employee morale.
- Optimized space utilization strategies to enhance showroom profitability while achieving a minimum net profit of six percent.
- Collaborated with stakeholders on projects, including the successful opening of new showrooms.
- Coordinated closely with marketing and divisional sales managers to achieve defined objectives.
- Launched new products and prepared promotional drives across all showrooms, increasing customer engagement.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively to improve service quality and maintain client satisfaction.
Trade Marketing Manager /Divisional Sales Manager
Intercol-CPD
Manama
08.2007 - 01.2010
- Responsible for Profitability
- Responsible for Sales/Marketing – Driving Volume and Value
- Foreign Purchase /Imports (Sourcing/Pricing/Distribution)
- Recruit /Train Quality Team
- Supply Chain Management
- Day to Day Management – Providing Solutions to Challenges
- In Field Execution – Conduct Training programs
- Draw up/Negotiate/Execute – Yearly Agreements with Retailers/Suppliers
- Conducting Road shows.
- Plan /Oversee /Execute – BTL /Trade Marketing Activations
- Motivating the Sales Managers & the Sales Force to achieve the corporate objective
- In – Store Campaigns – Brand Activation
- Marketing Activity Calendar – Agree with all the principals the Marketing grid for the year and seeking budgets for the same and executing them - Incorporating the same in Annual Business plan
- Forecasting – Monthly/Quarterly /Annual – Reviews – Actuals Vs.Forecast
- Maintaining all Records, and following up the principals for all the claims on the market spend.
- Product Drive Lines
- Intercol is one of the oldest established company in the Kingdom of Bahrain spanning over 60 years, has business interests in Trading of Consumer Products, Science & Industry, Marine & Technical, Home Tech, Climate Control, General Medicals, Storage Solutions, Lubricants Division, Insurance, Shipping Air Cargo, and Advertising.
Brands Manager
Jawad Business Group
Manama
08.2006 - 08.2007
- Conduct Orientation/training ( On Field & Class room ) on Merchandising & Sales Disciplines
- Work in close coordination with the Marketing Manager & the Divisional Sales Managers to meet the defined objectives
- Define & Execute Promotional Calendar for all the Brands – Agree with the Principles & Execute the same in the trade through Sales Managers
- Ensure effective implementation of the Planograms, Point of Sales Materials, Displays etc, in the market
- Foreign Purchase/ Import/ Stock Reviews/Forecasting/Procuring/Pricing/Documentation
- Launch of New Products / Prepare Launch Drives for new brands/products
- Run across all Trade Marketing Activities suggested by the Principles in the Trade
- Evaluate product drive lines periodically
- Evaluate the ROI’s of centralized promotions and execute the same
- Prepare reports Brand Analysis/Performance and highlight the same to the Principles suggesting the scope for improvement
- Ensure that Optimum stock levels are maintained of all Brands, to meet the normal & promotional requirements
- Execution of Agreed action points with the principles to the Trade
- Advise Finance Department to raise claims on Brand owners
- A leading firm in the GCC with diversified interest in Restaurants, Fashions, & Distribution Business established in 1960 and has a Turnover of over 350Mn US$
National Key Account Manager
Fonterra (ME)/New Zealand Milk
Dubai
06.1998 - 05.2006
- Provided leadership and direction to the multicultural sales team of 15 people as Key Account Manager reporting to the General Manager Sales
- Planned and executed comprehensive sales strategy to successfully ignite growth and profits.
- Spearheaded and Grew sales from 160 MT to 220MT. Consistently achieved target of AED. 4.2 Million p.m
- Revitalized and strengthened key account relationships, which accelerated revenue growth and improved, market position.
- Realized total sales growth of 40%. Increased market share from 14% to 28%. Positioned the company as the major distributor of the Dairy products.
- Achieved Corporate Objectives in market and maintained market share, for the products and business development by analyzing and cross checking competitor’s product activity.
- Performed market research to identify market opportunities for new and existing products.
- Maintained hands-on responsibility for cold calling to initiate and develop new business and grow accounts.
- Managed 14 Major Key Account Chains, Retail Stores & 2 Distributors (1 for Abu Dhabi & 1 for Northern Emirates) in U.A.E.
- Lead new product launches, sales/ performance/ profitability forecasting for the products handled, merchandising, tactical promotional campaign planning and execution.
- Managed price negotiations, brand placement, budgeting, P & L Management, sales forecasting, business assessment and development.
- Developed and maintained positive and professional relationship with Key Accounts.
- Performed regular visits to Key Accounts, reaffirming business relationships, to promote product and boost sales.
- Recruited, trained, inspired and developed a top-performing sales team, focused on achieving and surpassing company goals and customer expectations for this company.
- Blue Chip MNC - Dairy Products :Anchor Milk/ Chesdale Cheese/Anchor Butter/Anlene/Anmum
Senior Sales Executive
American Eastern Dubai L.L.C
Dubai
06.1995 - 05.1998
- Represented company interests in by marketing and promoting the sales of JOLEN BLEACH CREAM SUNBEAM BARBEQUES, KENT BRUSHES, AMITY LEATHER from USA, SUNGLASSES, SCRENGETTI, MASERATI, ROCHAS, ICEBERG, KARL LAGEAR FELD, ADDIDAS & PARKER PENS Brand of Products.
- Supervised a team of 3 Merchandiser.
- Inspired the team and Revenue uplifted from AED 3 Million to AED 4.8 million in 3 years.
- Created 5 new Major Accounts.
- Managed skillfully 15 Major Accounts including DUBAI DUTY FREE, CAREFOUR, LULU & EMKE GROUP.
- Maintained targeted product availability by brand to ensure highest levels of consumer and trade satisfaction.
- Ensured proper distribution and product rotations.
- Performed regular visits to Major Accounts, reaffirming business relationships, to promote product and boost sales.
- Managed skillfully over 100 Dealers across the whole of U.A.E.
- Successfully developed/ opened new export markets for the company such as Russia.
- Traveled extensively throughout the assigned territory as a Corporate Ambassador, generating high visibility for the company.
- Actively participated and organized Exhibitions involving Fashion Models to promote the products and enhance sales.
- Identified new markets to penetrate and recommended strategic plans to increase business.
- Successfully opened new markets and appointed Dealers.
- An International Firm dealing in FMCG, Fashion wears & Pens
Sales Executive
Global Enterprises - (Bahwans Group – Muscat)
Dubai
10.1992 - 05.1995
- Based on track record of achievements, was appointed in 1992 by Global Enterprises as “ Sales Executive “ for its operations in Oman.
- Bottom-line accountability for promoting the sales of Consumer electronics products manufactured by Hyundai.
- Played key role in the establishment of the Office in Sharjah.
- Reported to the General Manager.
- Started from scratch and managed the Office effectively and generated sales from ground zero to AED. 2.4 Million in annual revenue.
- Assessed customers’ needs and made recommendations for the most suitable product.
- Achieved Corporate Objectives in market and maintained market share, for the products and business development by analyzing and cross checking competitor’s product activity.
- Performed market research to identify market opportunities for new and existing products and services.
- Managed and rebuilt relationship with Major Accounts, which included JACKY’S, REGENT, SOLAR & ETA etc.
- Maintained hands-on responsibility for cold calling to initiate and develop new business and grow accounts.
- Successfully developed/ opened new markets for exporting the company’s products such as Russia.
- Identified, selected and appointed Dealers across the whole of U.A.E.
- An International firm dealing with White Goods –GE & Hyundai Home Appliances
Sales Representative
Latham India Limited
Madras
04.1988 - 10.1992
- Represented company interests in by marketing and promoting the sales of full range of FACIT Typewriters.
- Reported to the Sales Manager.
- Revenue uplifted from Rs.0.8 Million to Rs.1.5 million in 4 years.
- Managed Corporate and Institutional selling and developed a reputation for exceeding client’s expectations.
- Revitalized and strengthened key account relationships, which accelerated revenue growth and improved, market position.
- Realized total sales growth of 60%.
- Provided quality service to clients, increased market penetration by effective forecasting, and achieved better sales targets by implementing effective marketing plans.
- Involved in new product launches and conducted a lot of sales promotional campaigns for increasing awareness about FACIT Brand of Typewriters and made considerable market penetration in different segments due to the aggressive pricing policy.
- Managed a Dealer Network of 2 Realized 100% payment from the market through effective monitoring of records.
- Key Accounts included – I.I.T & all Government organizations.
- A multinational company dealing in Office Automation Products
Education
Master of Business Administration - Marketing
The International University
U.S.A01.2000
Certificate in Marketing -
Chartered Institute of Marketing
Berkshire, U.K01.1995
Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management -
Annamalai University
India01.1990
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
Vivekananda College
Madras, India01.1988
Skills
- Logistics/Supply Chain
- P&L Management
- Business development
- Channel Management
- Market Identification / Penetration
- Purchase/Imports
- Principal /Distributor Management
- Client management
- Team Leadership
- Staff development
- Strong Negotiator
- Strategic Thinker
- MS-Office (Word/Excel/ PowerPoint)
Social Cause
Established SVSS Charity Trust - 2015 (To Educate Poor Girl Children)
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 10/13/67
- Nationality: Indian
- Driving License: Oman, India & International
- Marital Status: Married with two kids
- Visa Status: Resident of Oman
Hobbies and Interests
BCA - Registered Cricketer (Wicketkeeper / Batsman)
Training
- How hot Manager you are
- Winning Worldwide through Leadership
- Effective Key Account Management and Managing the Sales Team
- Account Development Strategies
- Effective Merchandising and Strategic Alliances
- CRM-Module
- Project Management
- Foundation Leadership Program
- AC Neilson’s Store War
Career Summary
Senior Sales, Retail, Marketing, Management professional with over 37 years of experience serving Blue Chip MNC’s handling Sales of FMCG, Consumer, Fashion wear, White/Brown Goods, and Office Automation products in the Middle East & India. Self-motivated and focused Business Leader with a proven record of effectively managing large territories and large multicultural teams. Accomplished qualifications in identifying and capturing market opportunities to accelerate expansion, increase revenues and improve profit contributions., P&L Management, Strategic Thinker, Strong Negotiator, Logistics/Supply Chain, Business Assessment / Development, Channel Management, Purchase/Imports, Team Leadership, Market Identification / Penetration, Recruit / Train/Motivate Staff, Principle /Distributor Management, Client Relations Management
Professional Highlights
- Improved PAT by 60% over PYA – in Qatar – for Qatar Oasis Water, 03/2025
- Increased the Nett Profit Contribution to 6% in Retail Environment
- Doubled the Volume for Fonterra Middle East in three years
- Established Anchor Milk in Dubai Duty Free/ Chesdale as No:1 Brand in UAE
- Launched many new brands in Bahrain viz: Anelene, Vigor, LVQR, Al Islami, Emami, etc.
- Brought in the concept of Cubical Storage (Cost Saving Technique)
- Training & Coaching – Have trained teams on various Modules (internally)
- Negotiate /Sign – Annual Business Contracts with Suppliers/Retailers – Globally
- Retail Project Management – Built State of Art Showroom for Sony, 03/2011
Timeline
General Manager
Qatar Oasis
03.2025 - Current
National Sales & Marketing Manager
Oman Oasis Water Company WLL
01.2017 - 02.2025
Head of Sales & Marketing
Al Meer Group
03.2014 - 01.2017
General Manager - FMCG Distribution Division
ASHRAFS
02.2010 - 03.2014
Trade Marketing Manager /Divisional Sales Manager
Intercol-CPD
08.2007 - 01.2010
Brands Manager
Jawad Business Group
08.2006 - 08.2007
National Key Account Manager
Fonterra (ME)/New Zealand Milk
06.1998 - 05.2006
Senior Sales Executive
American Eastern Dubai L.L.C
06.1995 - 05.1998
Sales Executive
Global Enterprises - (Bahwans Group – Muscat)
10.1992 - 05.1995
Sales Representative
Latham India Limited
04.1988 - 10.1992
Master of Business Administration - Marketing
The International University
Certificate in Marketing -
Chartered Institute of Marketing
Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management -
Annamalai University
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
Vivekananda College