CXO Session with Mr. Rahul Vij – COO, Digi Haat (Nirmit Bharat Initiative, A Govt. of India Initiative)
Date: 8th November, 2025
Venue: Seminar Hall, Floor 2
With nearly 17 years of experience across leading organizations such as ONDC, Reckitt, Amazon, magic pin, PepsiCo, and Nielsen, Mr. Vij shared his professional journey and deep insights into marketing, sales strategy, AI innovation, and the ever-evolving consumer landscape.
He began by highlighting the Jio revolution, which reshaped India’s digital ecosystem and expanded internet penetration across the nation. This transformation empowered every tech company and home delivery business, making the supply chain a true powerhouse of efficiency and connectivity.
Mr. Vij emphasized that understanding your customer is not a short-term process—it can take up to five years to truly understand consumer needs and behaviours. He encouraged students to look beyond product features and focus instead on delivering what the customer genuinely needs.
Speaking about sales as a function, he explained that sales is not just about closing deals, but about solving problems, managing relationships, and leading with empathy. Drawing from his own experiences, he spoke about B2B sales, where time management and strategic decision- making are crucial. He also discussed pre-sales processes, sales calls, and the importance of field experience in building confidence and understanding markets better.
Using a case study approach, Mr. Vij shared how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the traditional sales cycle but also opened new opportunities. During the lockdown period, sales for specific categories and brands like Durex, Moov, Colin, and mosquito repellents surged significantly, driven by changing consumer priorities toward hygiene, safety, and self-care. He pointed out how such trends demanded quick thinking, category-specific strategies, and adaptability from organizations.
He further discussed the growing role of AI innovations in marketing and sales, highlighting how digital tools and analytics enable companies to better understand consumer preferences, optimize strategies, and strengthen market positioning. He reinforced that product management and product development go hand in hand, ensuring that business strategy aligns with evolving customer demands.
Concluding the session, Mr. Vij left students with a thought-provoking message: “Change is the only constant; enjoy every moment and every stage of your journey.”
The seminar was an eye-opening experience for all attendees, offering a practical understanding of the intersection between strategy, technology, and customer insight. Mr. Vij’s session encouraged students to view marketing and sales not just as business functions, but as dynamic fields driven by innovation, empathy, and adaptability.
