From a strategic growth marketer to an astute collector of pens and watches, Mr. J. Shankar has donned many hats over the last 30 years. After graduating in Economics, he completed his postgraduate studies focusing on Management and Public Relations.

For over three decades he has been a leader in management, strategy, and business development. He served in a senior management role as General Manager of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 20 years across the Northern and Southern Regions, as well as the CII Headquarters in Delhi, in various capacities.

His experience across business development, human resources, and extensive travel to more than 10 countries — including Brazil, the Czech Republic, Colombia, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, and Tanzania — has given him deep knowledge of consumer behaviour, market regulations, and compliance across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

As Founder of Karmuka, he focuses on four pillars — innovation, research, strategy, and society — to devise effective growth strategies for start-ups and trade organisations. His proficiency lies in strategic consulting and market research.

Mr. Ramakrishnan has over four decades of experience in senior leadership positions across the pharmaceutical, packaging, light industrial products, paints and coatings, and speciality chemicals sectors.

During his tenure with leading companies in these sectors, he was responsible for identifying and introducing new technologies, managing start-up operations, creating and executing new business models, developing training modules, and expanding markets.

He has published several articles in technical journals, been interviewed by leading journals and magazines, and is a regular speaker at seminars and conferences. He was most recently with AkzoNobel Coatings.

Sharon supports our engagements with structured market research — synthesising primary and secondary insights that inform strategy, positioning, and go-to-market decisions for our clients.