TWENTY THINGS MY EX- EMPLOYERS SAY ABOUT ME.

TWENTY THINGS MY EX- EMPLOYERS SAY ABOUT ME.

1991-92: FCB ULKA as an Account Executive.
“Vinod’s strengths are in planning marketing strategies and market research for clients. His grasp and knowledge in these areas are commendable. He was enthusiastic and diligent in servicing the accounts that he handled particularly Swissen and ITC Bhadrachalam. His capacity for hard work will, I am sure, keep him in good stead.”

S. VijayKumar. Branch Manager at Ulka Advertising, Hyderabad.

“Vinod Natesan spent some of his formative years with Ulka Advertising in Bangalore and Hyderabad. He has been in touch over the last 15 years as his career has progressed. An MBA from one of the better schools of management, he has kept himself alive and alert with the latest happenings and trends in marketing and advertising. It is laudable that he has taken a lot of interest in education and training. He also has a keen planning orientation, having worked on major campaigns and brands. I wish him all the best.”

Ambi M. G .Parameswaran. Executive Director & CEO – FCB Draft, Mumbai.

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1992-1994: Sr Account Executive at Chaitra Leo Burnett, Mumbai

“This is to appreciate the fine work done by you and your team on the media analysis for Shulton. As the first such analysis, it threw up useful data on media spending in the category, which we can use in the next years strategy document. It is a step in our complete understanding of the category we compete in and our competitors. Expecting more such contributions from the agency in future.”

Sunil Balagopal, Brand Manager at Procter and Gamble India Limited

“It was great listening to Anupam and Amit yesterday and they are all praise for Chaitra and have quoted our performance as an object lesson for Lintas. Vinod you are a key member of the team keep it up.” (Amit Kumar was the Sr Marketing Manager at TELCO and Anupam Srivastava was his Deputy).

Anand Tendolkar, Account Director at Chaitra Leo Burnett, Mumbai.

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1994-96: Account Group Head at Lintas (Uni- Lever Business), Mumbai

“Congratulations and thank you for your gift of pure vision, your fabulous Edison Idea! Here’s hoping you come back again with even greater ideas”

S. V. Siva General Manager and Head of Human Resources

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1996-1998: Assoc General Manager at PSL McCann Erickson, Mumbai

“I was delighted to read your note of 23rd April (1997) informing me of PSL’s nomination to the Clio’s finals. The recognition you have received is well received. Congratulations to your entire team.”

Anand G Mahindra, Managing Director at Mahindra

“It is with tremendous joy that I received the news of your Creative work being nominated for the Clio awards.In my usually hectic schedule, running all these companies, it has given me much happiness to be associated with all of you (Ganga, Nalesh and Vinod) over these months and to see the consistently high quality of creative work”.

“I received the message on my answering machine advising me that you were going to set up your own consultancy. I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed working with you and that I sincerely wish you all the best in your future endeavors”.

Sorab Mistry, President and Chief Executive Officer, McCann Erickson India

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1998-2000: Mayan Consultants. Retainer with Interact Vision, Mumbai.

“During his stint with us, he proved to be a capable profit centre head with an excellent grasp of the economics of the business. His contributions were critical in us retaining the Kirloskar Air Conditioner account and in winning new business from ARY Fashions, Bayer and Hallmark Industries. He is an excellent judge of creative and also inspires the best of creative talent. He has a complete and comprehensive grasp of all advertising operations and has been a media planner and account planner in his own right for IV at Mumbai. All in all a solid and complete advertising person any CEO would love to have in his team. I am sure with all the dynamism, talent and passion that he brings to all that he does, he will find a place amongst the industry’s best.”

Prabir Purkayastha, CEO and President of Interact Vision.

“Congrats on your HTA job. Do your best. Live your Dream!
God bless you.”

A.G.Krishnamurthy, Chairman of the Mudra Group and Interact Vision.

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2000-2002: JWT Assoc Vice President and Strategy Planning Director.

“Your BTS summary and have to say it is excellent, very well thought through. It is great to have a new perspective on the results. Thank you for stimulating renewed thoughts on India, I will keep on thinking on this one! Well done with your first full summary of research, I look forward to the next.”

Nicola Ellis, the Chief of Planning at DeBeers London


This is to express our appreciation for the excellent qualitative study
conducted by you, on the elite segment. The presentation of findings was
very lucid and I believe, addressed most if not all our queries regarding
the concept we are working on for the elites.

Srinivas Madani, Planner for India at DeBeers, London.

This is to tell you that we appreciate your efforts in helping us find
newer directions in our search for a new and better communication.

Kurien Pothen, GM, Marketing and Sales at Blow Plast Industries.

A special word for Vinod, who worked tirelessly for many days, especially on the research. I'm glad we did the research, as it gave our work and our presentation the added edge of confidence in our recommendations. We knew the world was watching, and we ensured we remained ourselves!
And you all know it's now a different trip!!!

Sunil Gupta General Manager, JWT Mumbai ( my boss at JWT)

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2002-2005: Retainer with EICL to handle LG Care Chennai

“I would like to place on record my appreciation for the work produced by your team at Chennai. The launch advertisement has been a winner and has generated lakhs of responses indicating that the LG Mother branding was a winner. I think that this has happened with a skeletal people of 3 people and almost no infrastructure. It is only resourcefulness, commitment, passion and tireless hours of work that could have produced such results. My team joins me in applauding your team”

K.V. Augustine, Marketing and Sales Planning at L.G. Care India

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2005-2008: Head of Operations at RAK Investment Authority, UAE.

“He may be re-designated as Head of Operations, RAK Media City and Tourism Office and all perquisites at this salary will be offered to him as per the rules of the Group.”

Dr Khater Massaad, Advisor to the Ruler of Ras al Khaimah from the office order providing me a double increment and promotion in May 2006

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THIRTY THINGS SAID ABOUT ME

THIRTY THINGS SAID ABOUT ME
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Source: Linkedin Connections
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Head of Operations/COO at RAK Investment Authority
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"I had the pleasure of working with Vinod Natesan when he was the owners representative from RAKIA as the Head of the Tourism Office. Vinod was involved in the capacity of the clients representative and project director for the proposed Banyan Tree in RAK as well as oversaw the overall development chain of all new hospitality and media projects by RAKIA. Vinod is an extremely well rounded person who ensured all aspects of a development was considered including providing valuable design inputs for the project. While Vinod was not an engineer by training, he was passionate about the brand "Banyan Tree" and understood its vision, being an advertising professional. He was always committed to ensuring that commercial considerations did not cannibalize on the architectural and design aesthetics and in many ways therefore contributed to the final consumer experience at the RAK property being up to the Banyan Tree consumer expectations."

Rajiv Ratnarajah Assistant Vice President & Head - Project Planning & Project Management [PPM], Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

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“Vinod was of great support to us when we visited the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah and was instrumental in us setting up business there. He was thorough in terms of procedure and knowledge of all aspects of the Emirate and its laws and also was able to grasp the requirements of our business based in Hamburg quickly. He was very warm, friendly and went out of his way to make us feel at home which we reciprocate heartily. He continues to remain a well wisher and a friend. We will stay in contact because of his variety of well established business contacts all over the world but esp. in India. He is of great help to establish our business opportunities in India.” March 2, 2009

Markus Wagner , Owner , Middle East Marketing and Investment Group
was with another company when working with Vinod at RAK Investment Authority
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“Vinod is an intelligent and versatile man. I had the good fortune of working with him during our assignment for RAK Dept of Civil Aviation. His sound knowledge and business acumen puts him in good stead with whichever organisation he works with. I wish Vinod the very best in all his future endeavours. Hoshi Siganporia” February 20, 2009

Hoshi Siganporia , Managing Director , The Big Idea Advertising
was a consultant or contractor to Vinod at RAK Investment Authority
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Vinod is a knowledgeable and articulate person who has an excellent grasp of market and consumer dynamics.I have always found him to be detail oriented with an eye on the bottomline.His personal goals have always been aligned with that of the organisation and he is an excellent team leader.He can move across the spectrum of strategy and operations effortlessly.I wish him the best in all his future endeavours October 10, 2010

Sridhar Vaidyanathan (Head - Corporate Finance & Global Investments at Rak Investment Authority ) worked directly with Vinod at RAK Investment Authority __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Associate General Manager at McCann Erickson Mumbai (PSL)
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“Early in my career, Vinod was my boss for a brief period of one year. Many years and many many colleagues later, I haven’t met too many who combine Vinod’s passion, conviction, intellectual curiosity and fierce commitment towards his job and his people. Am reassured to see that he retains the same hunger even today. For an organization looking to turbo charge its work culture, I can’t think of too many better prospects than Vinod Natesan.” March 9, 2009.

Amit Kumar
Executive Planning Director, McCann Erickson (colleague)reported to you at Leo Burnett in 1993 and was with PSLMcCann Delhi in 1996-98.
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“Vinod is straight and honest at what he wants to achieve. His approach to work is very clinical and analytical, which I've respected much. He grew from being an accounts executive to the position of a General manager in and advertising agency in a very short time, and out did past performances and set records in the agency in terms of new business. Which he has been able to repeat in further careers. He's a hard nut., and a maverick., and any serious business house deserves him.” March 13, 2009.

Ara A,, Owner, The Fix (colleague) worked with you at Leo Burnett in 1992-93 and was in touch right through.

__________________________________________________________AVP & Strategic Planning Director at JWT Mumbai
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“Know Vinod as a dynamic advertising professionalin charge of the Wheel detergent business. His contribution in fending of Nirma is well known. Worked closely at JWT where he headed planning. Vinod's planning approach to VIP Luggage was evolutionary with incisive and inclusive solutions. The business expansion bore fruit with the highly successful rural penetration drive and the school bags foray.

If you are looking at comprehensive branding solutions, Vinod is a valuable professional to partner with. His insightful approach will help your brand travel to the next orbit

Wish him success in all his endeavours” October 12, 2010
Ravi Shankar, Account Director, HTA
worked indirectly for Vinod at JWT
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Proprietor at Mayan Consultants International
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“Vinod looked after the marketing activities of the Landmark group for a while and I found him very knowledgeable in all aspects of the function. He was very data driven and collaborated with me in doing a quantitative survey on media consumption habits of regular customers and members of the loyalty club. He came out with very innovative campaigns to promote the Food Court at the Oasis Centre in Jumeirah and the CYBORG entertainment centre. His campaign "what women want" which ran during the Valentines and the Id season in February 2002 was a big success. I was also happy to see him replicate his success with the promotion of Emirate of Ras al Khaimah as an investment destination” March 13, 2009

P.K Faisal, GROUP CRM MANAGER, LANDMARK RETAIL GROUP (colleague)
worked directly with you in 2002 and is now with Bin Hendi UAE.
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“Vinod is a peoples person and is excellent in motivating employees , I met Vinod in Chennai and found him extremely sharp , focused , motivated and always being in control of things. I wish him all the best in his career” February 25, 2009

Viney Bhatia , General Manager- Finance at Rediffusion DYR Pvt Ltd was Commercial Manager , Rediffusion DYR Pvt Limited when he worked with Vinod in 2005.
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Visiting Faculty at Management Institutes in Mumbai (96-08)
SIMSR,VESIMSR,vESCSAC, NLDIMSR, SIES.
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“Vinod taught us Advertising at VESIMSR and it was one of my best classes through the MBA course. He is an excellent communicator and extremely organized. I also had the privilege to do a small assignment under his guidance, that brought out his systematic approach to problem handling and positive mentoring approach. He is always there for any discussion and is a great listener.” March 4, 2009

Shubha Chadaga , Merchandise Planner , BCBG Max Azria,was with another company when working with Vinod at Mayan Consultants International
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“Professor Natesan was one of the best professors we had at VES. His intellect, professionalism and vast knowledge on the Advertising Industry certainly had us students begging for more. I can vividly recall some of the examples he would use to depict successful brands (so you can imagine how good he is!). I can certainly vouch for his Marketing and Advertising strategies and would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to make their brand BIG! :) God bless, Sir!” February 25, 2009.Top qualities: Great Results , Expert , Creative.


Nandita Saggu, Specialist-Learning Solutions at Astrum Consulting.
Was a student of Vinod when he was a Visiting Faculty at VESASC and running Mayan Consultants in 2001
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“I know Mr. Natesan from 2001, he was a visiting faculty for us at my BMM Course. Mr. Natesan has a great indepth & intellectual knowledge of the the advertising & media industry. He has worked with the leading Ad Agencies in India and hence, has the upto date knowledge & understanding of his field. I can easily term him as the 'expert'! Would recommend him to anyone looking for a strategist, planner, out-of-the-box thinker. Wishing him the very best in all he does!” February 23, 2009


Sahil Jatana , Asst. Manager - Digital Media at NDTV Imagine
Was a student , VES College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Chembur
when Vinod was Visiting Faculty and running Mayan Consultants International
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Executive at FCB Ulka (91-92).
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Vinod Natesan spent some of his formative years with Ulka Advertising in Bangalore and Hyderabad. He has been in touch over the last 15 years as his career has progressed. An MBA from one of the better schools of management, he has kept himself alive and alert with the latest happenings and trends in marketing and advertising. It is laudable that he has taken a lot of interest in education and training. He also has a keen planning orientation, having worked on major campaigns and brands. I wish him all the best.


Ambi M.G.Parameswaran, Executive Director & CEO – Mumbai
Draftfcb + Ulka, Nirmal, Nariman Point. Mumbai 400021
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Executive at NDDB. On deputation to the World Bank 1988-89. Work ethic

"I met Vinod - an alma-mater, for the first time in B'lore in 1989, while he was on a mission-critical assignment for the World Bank and I was heading the Southern Region IT operations. I immediately struck a cord with him and found him sincere, intelligent, hard working, naive and humorous, He epitomised 24X7 professionalism, way back in 89.Since then, we have been in regular touch.
I have seen him struggle, grow and flourish in his chosen field - media/advertising."

Rajvinder Singh Bhisht
Owner at ATP Consultants
Mumbai
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LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS – Institute of Rural Management Anand & CUSAT(1 semester) - Masters (MBA/PGDRM) Teachers and fellow students.
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“Mr. Vinod Natesan was a student of mine at the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India. I remember him distinctly because of the keen interest he showed in the behavioural science courses I taught there. He used to be relatively quiet and yet quite communicative. Vinod’s recent messages and articles in the alumni pages tell me that his observational and analytical skills, which were visible years ago at IRMA, have become much sharper, along with a well developed sensitivity to social phenomena. I remember Vinod as a genuine, hardworking, reliable and a warm person. With his abilities and well-placed concerns, I am confident that Vinod, wherever he is, will definitely go that extra effective mile to be useful to society.” March 4, 2009


M.J. Arul , Director at Presidency B-School, Presidency College, Bangalore was Professor , Institute of Rural Management, Anand and taught Vinod there .
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“Vinod is my senior and a very prominent alumni. I have known him as an advertising professional and an intellectual. He has helped his clients through his firm Mayan Consultants through many years now. I know from his dedication and intellectual curiousity that he is a person who puts in more than 100% in his work. I wish him a lot of luck in his future endeavors!” March 12, 2009


Desh Kapoor,, Engagement Leader at Infosys Consulting was Student, Institute of Rural Management
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“I have known Vinod for a long time, from IRMA days. Over the years he has worked in the Advertising/Public Relations field and has executed successfully many campaigns. He has a lot of experience in the industry, grasps things easily, and is a person who gives more than 100% at work. He is a very good person to know and have as a friend, and his sense of humor always tends to make me smile.” February 20, 2009


Manesh Modi , Market Research Analyst at MGT Information studied with Vinod at Institute of Rural Management Anand
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"I first came into contact with Vinod when we exchanged mails on a subject that was discussed post the 26/11 terrorist attack in India. He disagreed with some aspects of my views and was quite passionate in his disagreement. I did respond and later found that while he had disagreed with some aspects, he had accepted the balance to such an extent that he had passed on the comments to various other contacts/forums. I found that rather impressive because often people who disagree do not have the maturity to accept other aspects from the same person. I also analyzed his disagreements later and on hindsight felt that he did have a point and in the midst of a tragedy was actually showing a lot of sensitivity to peoples feelings. That impressed me again. I have found him posting views and comments and most times I feel that they are nor arm chair comments but what he actually believes in and feels strongly from the heart. That is not a common trait in most people. Vinod - stay that way."


Ravindra Vashisht was Vinod’s senior in IRMA and works at Tata’s Group. General Manager - Strategic Marketing & Biz Development at Tata Advanced Materials Ltd.

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Student at University of Kerala
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“Owner of a very strong personality. Very critical and thourough in analysis and quick in decision. Jobs are seen to its completion. A joyous and lovable person, with wide and varied interests in life. A good friend to have with.” February 20, 2009

Santhu Santosh , Chief Manager , SBT advised Vinod at University of Kerala
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“I have known Vinod since childhood. Vinod is a person of high integrity, honor and compassion. Vinod is very passionate about his interests and is very committed to the success of his work.” March 11, 2009

Anil Mukundan, Co Founder and Chief Technology Officer at CodeObjects, Inc.
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“I known Vinod since my school days. He is sincere and hard working and quite passionate at work.In his career he has been able to achieve quite a lot due to his great energy and enthusiasm.” February 25, 2009

Sweth Raghunath , Regional Sales Manager - GCC at Strategic Food International Company LLC .studied with Vinod at Loyola School, University of Kerala and CUSAT (1 sem)
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“I have studied with Vinod for brief period before he moved to IRM at Anand and have been impressed by his passion to excel in everything he does. Unbound enthusiasm, openness to ideas, attention to detail and analytical approach to problem solving are some of his obvious strengths.” February 20, 2009

Sathya Nair , Senior Channel Manager at Motorola - Enterprise Mobility Business Studied with Vinod at Cochin University of Science and Technology
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“Vinod Natesan is an individual with a forceful personality and excellent domain knowledge in his chosen field of advertising. He has notable abilities as a teacher and maintains exceptional tenacity and commitment to perfection, in the projects which he takes up. With his varied experience in the country and abroad and diverse interests transcending the confines of his profession he should be an asset to any progressive organisation.” March 14, 2009

Aananthakrishnan S , Government of India Official
studied with Vinod at University of Kerala
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