A Strategic Journey Across Banking and Marketing

Ashish Babubhai Sakariya recently spoke about his dynamic journey through the banking and manufacturing sectors, sharing the philosophies and strategies that have defined his career. With over 11 years of experience, he brings a unique perspective shaped by a diverse and customer-centric professional path.

"Switching between banking and manufacturing was not just about career change—it was about learning different business models and expanding my strategic toolkit," Ashish shared. He emphasized that while the products may differ, the core principles of understanding customer needs, delivering value, and fostering lasting relationships remain constant across industries.

When it comes to product marketing, Ashish begins with in-depth market research and competitive analysis. "I believe in letting data and customer insights guide the strategy," he said. From pricing models to segmentation, he ensures alignment with business goals and collaborates with cross-functional teams to create marketing that is both impactful and executable.

A strong advocate for sales enablement, Ashish noted, "Sales and marketing should be collaborative. I ensure sales teams have the tools, insights, and content needed to connect meaningfully with customers." Whether it’s sales collateral, training modules, or identifying promotional opportunities, his goal is to convert strategy into real-world results.

Data and analytics are central to Ashish’s decision-making process. “Numbers only matter if you can interpret them meaningfully,” he explained. From monitoring financial product performance in banking to analyzing market trends in manufacturing, he consistently uses data to refine strategies and uncover new opportunities.

Customer relationship management stands at the heart of his work philosophy. "I aim for value-driven relationships, not just transactions," Ashish said. In banking, this meant personalized portfolio management, while in manufacturing, it involved staying connected with trade professionals and end users to adapt to evolving market needs.

On business development, Ashish explained, "Cross-selling must be rooted in genuine customer understanding." By identifying relevant product linkages, he has successfully driven growth in both sectors without making customers feel pressured.

Staying relevant is another cornerstone of his approach. Ashish keeps pace with industry trends through active engagement with trade networks, competitor analysis, and continuous learning. "Being proactive is key—it's not enough to just react to change."

Balancing operational efficiency with innovation is a recurring theme in his career. “Excellence in core processes gives you the bandwidth to innovate meaningfully,” he stated.

Ultimately, Ashish’s long-term goal is to lead organisational-level marketing strategy, driven by data, insight, and customer focus. “I see every experience as a stepping stone towards that vision,” he concluded, underscoring a career built on adaptability, strategy, and relationship-building.