Gagan Tahiliani
← Back to work

01 / Journey

Where I have worked.

Media, digital platforms, agency partnerships and brand building. The path from media sales to digital leadership, followed by a new chapter as a founder.

Career chapters

01 / 2019–2025

GirnarSoft / CarDekho Group

VP, Digital

  1. Managed agency partnerships for CarDekho, ZigWheels, BikeDekho, PowerDrift and PriceDekho.
  2. Built joint business plans with leading media agencies and managed revenue upward of ₹80 crore.
  3. Delivered integrated advertising, event and content solutions across the group’s brands.
  4. Negotiated and activated complex agency contracts and strengthened senior partner relationships.
  5. Created engagement programmes to educate agency teams on new offerings.
  6. Led a seven-person team to rebuild the PriceDekho website and improve its revenue and profitability.
  7. Developed strategies for the non-OEM business, balancing volume and profitability.
  8. Built revenue streams and solutions including Oniyuri, The Loop and Girnar Premium Audience.
02 / 2017–2019

dailyhunt / Versé Innovation

National Lead, New Business & Agency Relationships

  1. Led new business nationally before moving into agency relationships.
  2. Built a new vertical and led a three-person team managing senior relationships across agency holding companies.
  3. Expanded networks with new and existing partners to improve market coverage.
  4. Developed and executed an agency strategy designed to scale year-on-year revenue.
  5. Introduced partner education through training, business reviews and product updates.
  6. Reviewed sales policies, packages, proposals and ideas for new advertisers.
  7. Managed relationships with advertisers including HUL, Patanjali, Canon, J&J, Reckitt, Raymond and Nokia.
03 / 2012–2017

LinkedIn India

Marketing Solutions leadership

  1. Built the mid-market and SMB acquisition team for LinkedIn Marketing Solutions in India.
  2. Trained team members in prospecting, solution pitches, proposals, negotiation and closing.
  3. Served on the Marketing Solutions India and APAC Online Sales leadership team.
  4. Helped new advertisers develop into strategic accounts.
  5. Previously led the India Online Sales team selling LinkedIn Marketing Solutions.
  6. Identified new business opportunities and developed strategic partnerships with key accounts.
  7. Coached new sales colleagues and supported client retention.
  8. Worked with decision makers across retail, technology, finance, education and automotive sectors.
04 / 2007–2010

NDTV Media Ltd. / Aidem Ventures

Sales Officer

  1. Worked as Sales Officer during an early chapter in media and advertising.

Earlier: Ideacts Innovations (Manager, Sales, 2010–2012); Standard Chartered Bank, Dubai (Personal Loans Sales, 2006–2007); Delhi Times, The Times of India (Freelance Reporter, 2003–2004).

Awards & accomplishments

2013 · LinkedIn

Global Sales Person of the Year

Awarded after achieving 193% of annual target by onboarding major accounts.

2013 · LinkedIn

Global Top Performer Club

Recognised for outstanding sales performance.

APAC · LinkedIn

Big Deal Winner

Recognised for signing a US$200,000 deal.

Leadership

The Daredevil Award

Recognised as an intelligent risk taker after building a new team of six.

Selected projects

PriceDekho rebuildOniyuriThe LoopGirnar Premium AudiencePeels & Co