Swati Rao

About Swati Rao

Strategic partnerships & loyalty leader with 14+ years of experience driving ecosystem growth across BFSI, fintech, travel and retail sectors. I specialize in building bank-led loyalty programs, points transfer ecosystems, merchant-funded campaigns, and digital engagement frameworks.I have led partnerships and scaled loyalty ecosystems for large banking institutions including Axis Bank (EDGE Rewards), SBI Card (Miles), IDFC First Bank, and Bank Albilad (UAE) — enabling multi-partner integrations for global airline, hotel, and travel brands. Through Vernost’s loyalty and exchange platforms, I have executed end-to-end partner onboarding, commercial negotiations, tech integrations, and go-to-market delivery across APAC, CEMEA and GCC.Over the years, I’ve successfully forged partnerships with major global loyalty programs such as Accor Live Limitless, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Indigo, Vietnam Airlines, and Radisson, expanding both earn & burn opportunities for bank customers. I also led the build-out of omni-channel voucher ecosystems and merchant partnerships for programs like Axis Bank GrabDeals and Freecharge, onboarding 100+ brands to create compelling customer value.I’m passionate about designing scalable loyalty ecosystems, unlocking monetization opportunities, and enabling brands to increase customer engagement, transaction velocity, and lifetime value. Domains I work in:Loyalty monetization | Strategic alliances | Points transfer partnerships | Digital rewards | Fintech collaborations | Affiliate & merchant ecosystems | Partner onboarding | GTM strategy | Commercial negotiations

Experience

1. Partnership & Alliances-loyalty

   Vernost

   Jan 2023 — Present · Mumbai, IN

   Brand & Agency Negotiations: Negotiated with direct brand partners and agencies to onboard top-tier deals for clients, including Axis-Grabdeals, SBI Card -Miles, and Freecharge-Deals.Facilitated the integration of bank loyalty programs with international and domestic airline, hotel, and retail partners, including card-linked offers and points transfer systems. Spearheaded loyalty partnerships and engagement for bank initiatives, significantly boosting customer participation and retention.Affiliate & Alliance Management: Oversaw and supported existing affiliates and alliances, driving revenue increase through merchant-funded offers.Contractual & Financial Oversight: Managed all contractual formalities, billing, reconciliation, and invoicing processes for onboarded partners, ensuring smooth operations and compliance.Onboarded and partnered with leading gift voucher issuance companies and direct brands to secure exclusive deals and offers, and managed bulk purchases of coupons for clients.

Education

• National Sarvodaya High School

  10th and 12th, High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates

  1989 — 2002

• Deakin University

  Online Master's degree, Global MBA

• ICL College

  Bachelor of Mass Media, Advertising

  2007 — 2010

• Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad

  Advanced General Management Program, Marketing/Marketing Management, General

Skills

• Advertising
• Management
• Data Analysis
• Ppc
• Crm
• Negotiation
• Marketing Management
• Email Marketing
• Cost Per Acquisition
• Online Advertising
• Cost Per Lead
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Affiliate Relations
• Media Buying
• Affiliate Marketing
• Business Analysis
• Digital Media
• Customer Relationship Management (Crm)
• Analysis
• Strategy
• E-Commerce
• Mobile Marketing
• Google Adwords
• Leadership
• Analytics
• Online Marketing
• Business Strategy
• Lead Generation
• Vendor Management
• Bulk Sms
• Team Management
• Business Development
• Digital Marketing
• Marketing Communications
• Radian6
• Cost Per Click
• Marketing Strategy
• Social Media
• Google Analytics