Gaurav Sodhi

GAURAV SODHI - /- Approach • Needs • Presentation • Overcome • Close • Service Creative Director with over 15 years of experience in Copy and Design My elevator pitch: I have created, pitched and sold hundreds of millions of dollars of advertising ideas. Advertising ideas expressed in TV commercials, print, and digital media, Ideas that build brands, Ideas that drive sales. For over 15 years I have helped build and grow brands by connecting them with audiences across digital and traditional media. I'm always looking for the right idea for the problem, the audience and for the brand. My passion for finding unique yet appropriate ideas pushes me to continually champion compelling solutions that are beautifully executed. I tend to fall in love with great ideas and I don't want to stop polishing them until they're as good as they can be. I began my career as a graphic designer, working though the roles of senior designer, art director, and creative director, Business development, Marketing Manager and now an Entrepreneur. The places I've worked have most often been smaller design studios, advertising agencies, TV channels, MNC and Start-ups. I like the many hats one gets to wear in smaller agencies. At times that's meant I've forayed into brand strategy, communications consulting and any number of related disciplines. I'm an adept designer, writer and marketer and I bring my unique experience and broad skills to bear on my work. My artistic background helps me develop creative that works across channels and engages audiences in novel and compelling ways. I studied Visual Communications and Animations at the MAAC (Maya Institute of advanced Cinematic). A lifelong student of the design and advertising industry, I am continuously building my skills and using my experience to create lasting value for clients. CAREER HISTORY Bridging Gap (Advertising Agency) Creative Director at Bridging Gap (Jan, 2015 to Present) I am serving the clients like Leadership Quest (Mumbai), PP BOILERS (Chandigarh), VOV cosmetics (Mumbai), Mayuri Kum Kum (Mumbai), The PLANET HEALTH, ANUPALAN and International clients like ACPI Australia, Encore Mirage (England), Cloud Accountant (USA), Valyrian Consultancy (USA), ROCHAR (Philippines), FACS (USA), KWALA Design (UK), Brit Asia TV (UK), ASTONFIELD (KENYA).       Spearheaded key account development programs that targeted, penetrated, and launched business growth throughout Indian regions. Effectively market multiple clients’ products to external targeted audiences utilizing an integrated planned strategy of advertising, public relations, direct mail, events, and new media. Develop and strengthen internal communications of companies, motivating and inspiring employees to reach business goals and promote complementary communication strategies. Brand Campaigning and marketing communication for SME's and Startups. Effectively negotiated and sold 30-second units of commercial advertising space to client agencies with major accounts that included Audi, Toyota, Lucent Technologies and Avon. Effectively market multiple clients’ products to external targeted audiences utilizing an integrated planned strategy of advertising, public relations, direct mail, events, and new media. Captured the interest of clients and professional audiences of up to 300, with powerful, invigorating presentations illustrating the benefits and value-added solutions of cable network advertising Media Planning, Strategic planning, Traditional media, integrated communication, Creative Direction, Integrated media and Media Strategy.  Agni Energy Limited (Energy and Renewable): Worked with Agni energy as Marketing Communication Manager (Internal & External) (From Feb 2012 to March 2013)       Oversaw all marketing, advertising and promotional staff and activities Worked with in various media formats to achieve web-based interactive solutions. Managing and mentoring a diverse creative department of art directors, flash designers, copywriters, production artists and freelancers. Increased business by effectively managing large, multi-faceted campaigns from the concept to their completion Digital campaigns & Internet Marketing. I helped reducing the marketing budget to 40 % within first year. I also helped to reduce cost in Event organization, PR operations, shows particular marketing initiatives and so on. Harness Overseas Private Limited (Manufacturing and Distributions) Worked with Harness Overseas Marketing Pvt. Ltd. as Sr. Manager Marketing Communication (From September 1, 2010 to FEB 1, 2012) • • • • • • Digital Campaign management & Branding. Maximized profitability by carefully controlling budgets, developing accurate price quotes & successfully negotiating vendor contracts. Created stylish packaging and clear instruction guides for 50+ products. Digital Marketing. Built a cohesive, recognizable brand image by designing, implementing, and expanding on a group of existing brand standards. Created competitive positioning strategy and communications plan, directly resulting in increased sales at expense of competitors. Virtually all competitive bids won over subsequent six-month period. VECTRA GROUP (Manufacturing & IT Solutions) Worked with VECTRA IT SOLUTIONS as Creative Head (From September 15, 2008 to August 1, 2010)      Worked with International clients like THALES, France for CBT Development and technical Documentation. Managed conceptualization of marketing campaigns, from the ground up, working with clients and production team to create these campaigns. Implemented reporting procedures that reduce labor costs and improve customer-satisfaction ratings. Created stylish, exciting, thought provoking pieces, with incredible Production values. Developed CBT development projects (e learning). Secured numerous company achievement awards for delivery of exceptional customer service. CHANNEL PUNJAB & NRI CHANNEL (Broadcast Industry) Worked with CHANNEL PUNJAB & NRI CHANNEL as Brand Director (From November, 2004 to July, 2008)     Developed strategic initiatives directed towards achieving & retaining the number one position for the TV channel in its genre. Conceptualized, planed, developed, scheduled & enhanced in-house as well as outsourced content to deliver quality program. Conceived creative solutions that supported defined strategies with the majority of assignments accepted by the Creative director and client with minimal revisions. Directed and executed assigned projects with oversight for photo shoots, designers and event coordinators.  Allocated airtime programming that strategically assigned segmented advertising blocks on a regional level. AMARTEX (FMCG) Worked with AMARTEX Pvt. Ltd. as a Brand Development /Creative Manager (Design) (From July, 2003 to November, 2004)     Developed brand elements and positioning statements and contributed to brand name generation. Reduced advertising expenses to 18% within 1 year. Managed new product launches from concept development to market for existing product lines and new category introductions. I led multi-functional team of 10 people responsible for product positioning, competitor analysis, media coverage, and dealer/sales education. I aided launch of 15+ new products. ATL activities and BTL activities. Strongly performed through thick and thin. Digital Company Worked with Digital Company Pvt. Ltd. as a Graphic Designer/Packaging Designer (From August 2001 to June, 2003)  Developed brand elements and positioning statements and contributed to brand name generation.   Presented finalised ideas and concepts to clients or account managers; Managed new product launches from concept development to market for existing product lines and new category introductions. I had Aided launch of 6 new products. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS   I worked on International & National Advertising campaigns. Advertising agency Exposure: I worked with Buzz IMC, Tycoon Group & BANANA Advertising Agency (Dubai) EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT    I did my MBA in Marketing from Punjabi University in 2014. I graduated from HP University in Arts. I embarked on a National diploma in Multimedia to familiarize both my design skills and my creative experience via Mock Client Briefs, addressing realistic commercial projects. I was awarded with +A grade in Multimedia and advanced Cinematic. IT SKILLS AND GRAPHIC KNOWLEDGE     Proficient in Microsoft Tools, Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection CS4, Final Cut Pro, CorelDraw, 3DStudio Max, Cool Edit Pro, Sound Forge, Particle Illusion, Go animate. I possess excellent knowledge of Hardware, Internet and Networking. Digital Marketing including SEO, SMO and SMM. Mobile & OTT platform. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT  Extensive presentations and skill development workshops Typing speed: 45 wpm Hobbies: Reading History & Literature Campaigns Personal Details: Date of Birth: 07 July 1983 Language: English, Hindi and Punjabi. Interests: Startups, Marketing & Fundraising Marital Status: Married.