Hitesh Singla’s passion for learning knows no bounds. This passion keeps him improving himself constantly and leads him from success to success. The head of marketing for KAI India – the Indian subsidiary of over a century-old Japanese house-ware and beauty-care products manufacturer – Mr Singla has been around in the world of marketing and brands for more than two decades.

In the past, he has successfully launched various brands like Stabilo, MWV, UHU and Rapid, among others, in India. He has also led many campaigns to revitalise personal-care products of Revlon. Mr Singla has also had stints with many reputed companies, like Godrej & Boyce and the Avantha group, among others.

His vast exposure in varied industries like consumer durables, healthcare, commodity, retail, personal-care and house-ware makes him a master communicator in refining a brand’s core messages in the market. He is known for crafting multifunctional brand marketing strategies and has led marketing teams of top companies of the country.

An action-oriented, strategic thinker and dynamic marketing leader, Mr Singla is very passionate about tactical and result-driven marketing strategies. He is well known in the industry for developing highly-effective marketing campaigns and brilliantly targeting ideal customers of each brand and product segments.

A man of jovial disposition, the marketing chief of KAI India often inspires his team with brilliant marketing strategies and leads from the front to achieve targets. At the same time, he is very mindful of other stakeholders in the business, especially customers, vendors and co-workers too.

An alumnus of Panjab University, Mr Singla has a master’s degree in international business. Besides, he possesses deep interest in learning new languages, cultures and history. He also loves to travel and is an avid reader during his free time.

In an engaging conversation with Sharmila Chand, Mr Singla reveals his management principles and practices which have helped him grow the various brands he has been associated with and at the same time attain personal success.

What are your five management mantras?

Continuous learning and development: One must constantly learn new skills, stay up to date with industry trends and invest in personal and professional development.

Innovation and creativity: Always strive to think outside the box, and bring new ideas to the table. It is important to encourage creativity and innovation within the team.

Building a strong team: Surround yourself with people who share the same values and vision. It is important to build a strong team that is dedicated to achieving the company’s goals.

Adaptability and flexibility: In today’s rapidly-changing business landscape, it is important to be adaptable and flexible. Be willing to change course when necessary, and pivot quickly.

Customer focus: Always keep the customer at the centre of everything you do. Listen to customers’ needs and provide them with the best-possible experience.

What is your philosophy of work?

My philosophy of work revolves around finding purpose, making a positive impact and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. I prioritise work-life balance and value a supportive environment that fosters creativity and productivity. By staying true to these principles, I strive for personal fulfilment and long-term success in my career journey. Furthermore, I believe in embracing diversity and collaboration, recognising the power of different perspectives and collective efforts in achieving meaningful outcomes. I also emphasise on adaptability and continuous learning and understanding the importance of staying agile in an ever-evolving professional landscape. With a focus on integrity and ethical conduct, I aim to build trust and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and the community at large.

What is the secret of your success?
As a professional, I believe that the secret to my success lies in my passion for learning and constant self-improvement. I always strive to expand my knowledge and expertise in my field, and I am not afraid to take risks and try new approaches. I always maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on my goals, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Is there any particular person you admire who has inspired you?
I deeply admire and draw inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. His philosophy of non-violence, truth and perseverance resonates with me on personal and professional levels. Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to his principles, his ability to mobilise people for a greater cause and his emphasis on personal and social transformation have profoundly influenced my approach to work and life. Gandhi’s teachings guide me to lead with integrity, empathy and a strong sense of purpose, striving to make a positive impact in the world around me.

What is your favourite book, and why do you like it?
One of my favourite books is The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. This book resonates with me because it provides valuable insights on how to build and grow a successful business in a rapidly changing and uncertain environment. Mr Ries emphasises the importance of adopting a lean and iterative approach, focusing on customers’ feedback and constantly iterating and improving products or services. The book’s practical guidance on lean methodologies, minimum viable products and validated learning has helped shape my mindset and approach towards entrepreneurship and innovation. It has been instrumental in enhancing my ability to navigate challenges, validate ideas and create sustainable business models.

Would you share with us your fitness regime?
I prioritise maintaining my fitness and well-being. To keep myself fit, I emphasise on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated to support my fitness goals, and I am able to keep myself fit and energised.