How did you come to work for Robi?
In 2012, I was developing Nokia’s business, and I worked with operators as such Axiata, Telenor, Airtel, Etisalat and Orascom. In the same year, I received a call from Robi Axiata Limited to join as the Vice President of Business Sales & Services, Market Operation Division.
I accepted the offer as it was a well-timed opportunity to my pursuit of being a Telco Business Leader. My reasoning was that, Bangladesh having a very competitive service industry, working in the B2B sales would enhance my skills and expertise, knowledge of all the ins and outs, nooks and crannies to market operations of a Telecommunication Industry.
What is your perception about the Telco Industry of Bangladesh. What aspects are different compared to other countries?
The Telco industry of Bangladesh is very competitive. Price cuts are no longer an option. The need for entertainment roams at large. Even the low-end users look for a multimedia phone nowadays. Value Added Services (VAS), data, free content and paid content are the new gradients in the field.
What is the growth and potential of Telco? Is it in the saturation or growth stage?
Bangladesh Telco industry is expected to grow in next few decades, driven largely by non-voice products and services. The corporate segment is expected to be somewhat saturated whereas the SME segment has immense potential to grow.
There have been many changes are in promotional campaigns of Telco industry. Has the focus shifted to specific target audience? Is the trend still at capturing market share or developing new markets?
Previously, it was a “one show fits all” strategy. There were few options, thus premium pricing was possible. It is very competitive now. Competing to gain market share is not viable anymore. The need for developing new markets is the new game. Changes in the promos are consciously taking place to meet the needs of specific target audience.
Tell us about your Career Background
I worked as an intern at GrameenPhone (GP) Limited after graduating from IBA. At the same time; I also looked for opportunity of a permanent position at a leading company.
After my internship, I joined British American Tobacco (BAT) as Territory Officer in Trade Marketing & Distribution Team. The knowledge and hands on experience gathered at BAT was key enabler to my career accomplishments. Having spent seven and half years in six different roles in Sales & Marketing of BAT, I got diverse exposure in building customer and developed consumer marketing competencies and a knack towards Channel Strategy Development. Later, I joined Nokia Emerging Asia as a Business Development Manager of Bangladesh & Sri Lanka.
Tell us about the challenges you faced while working in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was very challenging market as it was in the post-civil war state, and had a low economic growth. The difficult situation in which I was helped me understand my true potential. Nevertheless, even with the threat of smartphone and global market share, the return on investment (ROI) in 2010 and 2011 was higher than expected. Nokia market share witnessed a continuous momentum across these years in Sri Lanka
What is your greatest achievement so far?
Although I have achieved few milestones while working at BAT and Nokia, surely they were not my greatest. It has only been a year with Robi, so it is not possible to say anything about it. I would say my greatest success or achievement is yet to come.
Tell us about your biggest inspiration
I have come across various inspirational leaders in my career. Raihan Rahman former Head of Marketing at BAT, Reazul Chowdhury, Managing Director of Reckitt Benckiser Bangladesh are my Sales and Marketing idols.
Prem Chand and Shumit Kapoor, former Managing Director at Nokia Emerging Asia and Nokia Thailand respectively have guided me at times about global business strategies and best practices.
Where did you study?
I am a business graduate from Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka (DU). I majored in Marketing.
Tell us about your family
I got married in 2007. Now, I am a proud father of my 6-year-old princess, Rusbah.
Are you still actively playing cricket and football?
I am a football fanatic, a die-hard fan of Chelsea. Whenever, I have time I play cricket and football matches. I was active in university football, found myself in the IBA team and played for the team. After graduation, I played in the IBA Alumni team and represented my organizations in corporate soccer tournaments.
Your favourite quote/ philosophy.
“Your greatest glory is not never-falling, but rising each time you fall.”
To me, falling is a part of the learning process; it is how we rise to the occasion that defines us and makes us stronger.
If not marketing and sales, where would you picture yourself?
Probably we all thought of being someone when young, which changed over time. If not in my working in marketing and sales, I would be studying and practicing psychology.
You said you wanted to start a business. What would that be?
If and when I am able to accommodate all the necessities, I would like to start a tourism and hospitality business – a resort along the side of a beach. Someday... l
