Ashish Kumar

Experience

• 

  Kips Publishing World

  Jul 2014 - Sept 2015

  Territory Manager

  Explored & generated business from 120 schools of Jaipur, Rajasthan Performed marketing of all subject books from primary to higher secondary classes in CBSE, ICSE & Govt. schools Established strong relationship with key members of schools such as Fathers, Principals, HOD's, & Subject oriented teachers & secured repeated business

• 

  TREND SETTER'S Books Ltd.

  Oct 2015 - Aug 2016

  Area Manager

  Explored & generated business from 250 schools of Rajasthan Led a team of 10 members and achieved sales target of more than INR 2.5 cr. annually Performed marketing of all subject books from primary to higher secondary classes in CBSE, ICSE & Govt. schools Established strong relationship with key members of schools such as Fathers, Principals, HOD's, & Subject oriented teachers & secured repeated business

• 

  Dainik Bhaskar Group (दैनिक भास्कर)

  Sept 2016 - Jan 2024

  - Collaborated with direct management to analyze market scenarios.- Specialized in Product Analysis and Market Research Reports.- Conducted extensive research leading to the successful launch of new products.- Benchmarked our products against competitors to identify areas for improvement.- Utilized SWOT analysis during market research to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.- Worked closely with the Brand and Circulation teams to increase market visibility through various events and campaigns.- Monitored circulation figures on a daily basis to assess market performance.- Conducted feedback sessions to enhance analysis and presented proposed changes to management.- Formulated strategies to implement changes within specified timeframes.- Designed product brochures to support brand development.- Planned and executed both in-house and outdoor activities.- Organized and implemented "Rubaru," a branded talk show across all editions in Bihar. Show less **Role: Liaison Between Departments - Editorial, Circulation, Brand & CSR****A. Editorial - Product Analysis and Research**1. Led market research and feedback mechanisms for new products, initiatives, and markets, ensuring timely and relevant input from all stakeholders.2. Benchmarked our products against competitors to identify strengths and areas for improvement.3. Analyzed gaps in current products relative to reader needs and expectations.4. Developed strategic plans to enhance products in line with evolving reader preferences and trends.5. Ensured product alignment with established guidelines and the Annual Operating Plan.6. Conducted product reviews across all state units, adhering to standardized procedures.**B. Circulation**1. Coordinated with the Editorial team, including State Editors, Unit Editors, Bureau Chiefs, and the Circulation team, to drive efforts toward copy growth.2. Engaged with distribution agents to understand challenges and address pain points affecting copy growth.3. Classified agents into categories A, B, and C based on performance, making informed decisions on retention or replacement.4. Managed the rollout of trade schemes and other circulation initiatives.**C. Brand & CSR**1. Planned and executed CSR initiatives such as "Ek Ped Ek Zindagi" and Blood Donation Camps.2. Collaborated on branding activities, including Bhaskar Utsav, Guru Shiksha Samman, and Doctor's Pride Awards, to enhance brand visibility and engagement. Show less **Bihar - Patna Dainik Bhaskar Newspaper Re-Launch****A. Project Objective:**To establish Dainik Bhaskar as the largest and most admired media brand in Bihar by maximizing reach and expanding the reader base. The re-launch in this new state was driven by the objective to transform the traditional model by adding dedicated pullouts as special offerings for regional areas.**Responsibilities:**1. **Comprehensive Market Research:** - Mapped reader needs and expectations. - Conducted a thorough competitor product analysis, examining existing newspaper content, pagination, and editorial initiatives. - Studied the distribution systems of existing newspapers, including commission structures for agents and hawkers. - Gathered feedback from advertising agencies on current newspapers and their expectations. - Prepared detailed reports and presentations to guide management in strategic decision-making.2. **Brand Management:** - Managed pre-launch and post-launch branding efforts through ATL (Above The Line) and BTL (Below The Line) activities to ensure maximum visibility and engagement.**B. Value Addition:**Based on the insights from my research report, management made critical decisions regarding: - Pagination and layout of the newspaper, including both the main book and pullout model. - Implementation of vendor schemes to attract and retain agents and hawkers. - Finalization of the rate card to build strong alliances with advertising agencies and attract new clients. - Determination of the number of copies for the newspaper’s launch in regional areas. - Successfully established the Dainik Bhaskar brand in the minds of readers well before the actual re-launch date through targeted ATL/BTL activities. Show less

  • Senior Manager

    Dec 2021 - Jan 2024

  • Manager

    Apr 2018 - Dec 2021

  • Deputy Manager

    Sept 2016 - Apr 2018