Penguin Random House India is pleased to announce the formation of an advisory committee, an industry first, that is designed to work closely with the Penguin board to strategically enhance readership across the country and prepare the company for the evolving landscape of the publishing industry. This initiative underscores Penguin India’s commitment to maintaining its leadership position in the publishing industry while adapting to and capitalizing on evolving trends in market development and reader engagement. The newly formed advisory committee includes distinguished professionals from diverse fields including retail, marketing, digital media, and technology.
The advisory committee will focus on several key areas, including the strategic expansion of market development, leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, integrating offline and online retail channels, and cultivating readership across diverse demographics. The committee will also explore new initiatives to support both emerging and established authors, ensuring they have the tools and platforms needed to reach broader audiences.
Commenting on the formation of the advisory board, Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO of Penguin Random House India, SEA & MENA, stated, ‘We are thrilled to introduce our new advisory committee that brings together a wealth of experience and forward-thinking perspectives. Their guidance will help us navigate the challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry, widen our readership, ensuring that Penguin continues to be a source of knowledge, entertainment and inspiration for generations to come.’
The Advisory Committee Members are as follows-
Shiv Shivakumar, Operating Partner at Advent International, Non-Exec Chairman BOD-BKC India, Advisory Board- Multiples Equity, BOG-IMU, Board Member XLRI & XIMB, Former Chairman & CEO PepsiCo India. Shiv Shivakumar is a seasoned leader with vast experience across multiple industries. His expertise spans business strategy, market expansion, and leadership development, making him a valuable addition to Penguin’s advisory committee. Shiv is a bestselling Penguin author published and his books include The Right Choice and The Art of Management.
Harish Bhat, Former Brand Custodian, Tata Sons. Marketer, Author and Columnist. Harish Bhat brings decades of experience in brand building and market strategy. With a rich background in marketing and corporate leadership, he has played a key role in developing and nurturing one of India’s most iconic brands. Harish is a bestselling Penguin author, and some of his books include Jamsetji Tata – powerful learnings for corporate success,#Tata Stories, Extreme Love of Coffee, Tata Log and The Curious Marketer.
Rama Bijapurkar, Business Advisor, Independent Director, Researcher, Author, Columnist, and Academic. Rama Bijapurkar is a leading expert in market strategy and consumer behavior. Her insights have guided several top companies in navigating complex business environments and understanding diverse consumer bases. Rama is one of Penguin’s bestselling authors and some of her books include, Liliput Land and Customer in the Boardroom.
Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia. Puneet Chandok leads Microsoft’s operations across India and South Asia, focusing on driving digital transformation by leveraging cutting-edge technology. His leadership is pivotal in shaping an AI-enabled future for the region.