C.V. KANNA

Chennai, TN 600093

Mobile: +91 9962210089 / 9444410089

Email: cvkanna21@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanna-c-v

ersonal Particulars:

Date of Birth: 3rd June 1979 | Nationality: Indian | Gender: Male

Permanent Address: Flat no. G2, B block, Authentic Four square, 4 & 5, Agasthiar st,

Gandhi nagar, Saligramam, Chennai - 600093

Languages: English, Tamil & Malayalam

Passport Number: N7686486

PROFILE SUMMARY

• Expert in driving sales growth and market expansion across diverse regions, leading sales teams to achieve up to 60% growth.
• Skilled in identifying opportunities to introduce new products, increasing visibility in over 50 key retail outlets.
• Led the introduction of 15+ new products, enhancing market presence and consumer engagement significantly.
• Managed annual sales volumes up to AED 65 million, overseeing financial strategies and ensuring profitability.
• Utilizes data analysis for strategic planning and operational adjustments, improving business processes and sales outcomes.
• Adept at leading and developing sales teams of up to 25 members, driving performance and fostering team cohesion.
• Maintains and enhances relationships with key stakeholders, securing and growing business partnerships.
• Collaborated with marketing teams to design sales promotions, significantly enhancing brand presence.
• Proven ability in negotiating favorable terms and contracts, securing deals with major chains and buyers.
• Extensive experience in managing and expanding distribution networks, ensuring widespread product availability.
• Effective in working with teams across organizations to achieve common goals and enhance business performance.

SKILL SET

Sales Management | Market Expansion | Product Launches | Financial Management | Data Analysis | Relationship Management | Strategic Planning | Negotiation | Promotional Campaigns | Distribution Management

Soft Skills: Quick Learner & Team Player | Analytical & Problem-solving | Coordination & Organization

WORK EXPERIENCE

Zonal Sales Manager | DrumsFood International Pvt Ltd (Epigamia brand) – Mumbai        Nov 2022 to Present

• Directed a team 25, managing sales across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Andamans, leading to a 60% sustainable growth and expansion into new markets.
• Spearheaded the launch of 15+ products, boosting visibility in over 50 key retail outlets.
• Collaborated with the Marketing team to drive sales promotional activities, significantly enhancing brand presence.
• Managed annual sales of AED 25 million with 20 distributors, maintaining strong relationships with key buyers and category heads across diverse channels.

Area Sales Manager | Sproutlife Foods India Pvt Ltd (Yogabar brand) – Bangalore      Apr 2021 - July 2022

• Maintained and increased business volumes, identifying new revenue streams in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Initiated and planned sales events and merchandising strategies, cultivating relationships with key buyers to secure repeat business.
• Oversaw a business volume of AED 10 million with a sales team of 15.

Area Sales Manager | Gandour India Food Processing Pvt Ltd – Chennai            Apr 2017 - June 2020

• Managed a business volume of AED 15 million, expanding distribution and product placement across Tamil Nadu.
• Supervised 120 channel partners and a sales team, enhancing distribution across 80+ towns.

PRECEDING EXPERIENCE

Sales Manager | Chipita India Ltd – Chennai | Sep 2015 - Feb 2017

• Led general and modern trade sales operations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, significantly expanding distribution networks.
• Managed a team focused on sales and merchandising, achieving sustained business growth.

Area Sales Manager | Tata Chemicals Ltd – Chennai | Dec 2013 - Aug 2015

• Increased product distribution and placement in strategic towns across Tamil Nadu, managing a business volume of AED 65 million.
• Led a team of 20 sales professionals, achieving broad market penetration.

Key Accounts Manager – South | EID Parry Nutraceuticals Ltd – Chennai | June 2011 - Dec 2013

• Drove sales and marketing for OTC products across Southern India, negotiating and securing contracts with key medical and regional chains.
• Led a team of sales executives and promoters, enhancing product presence and customer engagement.

Sales Manager | Al Seer Trading - Dubai, UAE | Nov 2009 - Dec 2010

• Managed sales and marketing operations across the UAE for various food and non-food products.
• Led a team of 10 sales executives and merchandisers, consistently achieving growth targets and market expansion.

Key Accounts Executive | Kellogg India Pvt Ltd – Chennai | Feb 2008 - Nov 2009 

Sr. Sales Officer | GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd – Chennai | May 2005 - Jan 2008

Member – Sales & Customer Support | Hi-Tech Arai Ltd – Madurai | June 2002 - Apr 2005

NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS

• Successfully increased brand presence, crucial for launching and establishing startups and well-known brands in competitive markets.
• Ensured timely collections with over 90% of dues cleared within the credit period while keeping damage rates between 1% and 3%.
• Trained and mentored team members, preparing them for advanced roles and enhancing organisational leadership capacity.

EDUCATION

MBA: Marketing | Mepco Schlenk Engineering College - Sivakasi, India | 2000 - 2002

1. Com | Loyola College - Chennai, India | 1997 - 2000