Nikhil Thakre

About Nikhil Thakre

Results-driven FMCG sales professional with 10+ years of progressive experience in channel sales, distribution management, and large-scale market execution across multiple geographies including Nagpur, Nanded, Bhilai, and Raipur.Currently associated with ITC Limited as an Area Executive – Sales & Distribution, managing end-to-end primary and secondary sales operations across multiple channels, including the Cigarettes Division. I am responsible for handling a business turnover of ₹10+ Cr annually and supported by strong distributor, stockist, and channel partner management.I lead and coach a team of 11 sales professionals (including third-party payroll staff), driving daily execution, market coverage, and consistent achievement of business targets. My strengths include territory planning, beat and route optimization, outlet expansion, trade scheme execution, visibility implementation, and secondary sales growth across urban, semi-urban, and rural markets.Recognized through multiple branch-level contest wins, I am known for converting strategy into on-ground results through disciplined execution and people leadership. An MBA (Marketing) professional, I am now seeking to step into an Area Sales Manager role, where I can take higher responsibility, scale teams, and deliver sustainable growth for the organization.Key Achievements- Successfully launched three new products in a single year, achieving 100% targeted outlet coverage across defined markets- Increased overall sales by 8% year-on-year through targeted market strategies and effective sales team leadership- Designed and implemented a structured sales training program, improving onboarding efficiency and overall team performance by 26-31%- Implemented an inventory management system that reduced damaged stock discrepancies by 12%, ensuring higher product availability and operational efficiency.

Experience

1. Area Executive (Acting Asm Sales & Distribution)

   ITC Limited

   Feb 2017 — Present · Nagpur, IN

   Managing end-to-end sales and distribution operations across multiple geographies, handling large-scale business turnover and leading a high-performing sales team to deliver consistent growth across channels, including the Cigarettes Division.Key Responsibilities & Impact:Currently managing primary and secondary sales operations with responsibility for ₹10+ Cr annual turnover business for food and personal care div business across multiple channels.Leading, coaching, and reviewing a team of 11 sales personnel (including third-party payroll staff) to drive productivity and KPI achievementHandling distributors, stockists, and wholesalers, ensuring optimal stock availability, service levels, and issue resolutionDriving territory management, beat planning, and route optimization to improve market coverage across urban, semi-urban, and rural marketsExpanding distribution through new outlet additions, market penetration, and development of stockist networksPlanning and executing trade schemes, promotions, and in-shop visibility programs to accelerate secondary salesImplementing branch and channel-specific business strategies in line with company objectivesConducting regular market visits, joint calls, and performance reviews to improve execution qualityMonitoring sales performance through MIS, analytics, and reporting, ensuring compliance with company systems and policiesStrengthening long-term distributor and retailer relationships through proactive engagement and problem-solvingKey Achievements:Multiple Branch-Level Contest Wins (2024–2025) across categories, reflecting excellence in execution and market leadershipConsistent achievement of monthly and quarterly business targets across assigned territories

Education

• Nagpur University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Marketing

  2007 — 2009

• Nagpur University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

• ICFAI University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA,