With over 18 years of experience, I bring a unique blend of expertise in Market Research and Learning & Development. My career began in research, where I led numerous projects across B2B and B2C domains, delivering insights for global clients in technology, e-commerce, and consumer goods. Over time, I transitioned into Learning & Development, where I now focus on training and mentoring market research professionals. At Kantar, I’ve spearheaded initiatives like setting up an internal learning academy, launching an e-learning platform, and achieving ISO certification for training programs. My work spans across geographies including India, Egypt, the Philippines, North America, and more. I’m passionate about continuous improvement via Technology and building a culture of learning that drives both individual and organizational growth.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aveek-roy-8449472/
Insta- @aaveekr / FB – https://www.facebook.com/share/19DdRcSaw2/
Q. Tell us about your School and College before you came to IIFM. How was your experience there? And how did IIFM happen?
A. I completed my Master of Arts from North Eastern Hill University, Shillong. My academic journey there was intellectually enriching and laid the foundation for my interest in behavioral research and analysis. IIFM happened as a natural progression—its unique blend of management education with a focus on sustainability and development aligned with my aspirations. The decision to join IIFM was driven by its reputation for academic rigor in the field of natural resource management.
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. The journey post-IIFM has been dynamic and fulfilling. I started in core research roles and gradually expanded into leadership positions across reputed organizations. Over the years, I’ve worked in diverse sectors including technology, insurance, and consulting, and eventually transitioned into Learning & Development. Each phase brought new challenges and learning opportunities that shaped my professional identity.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. Some key milestones include leading the ICUBE Research (India’s only large-scale research on Internet users in Urban and Rural India) at Kantar IMRB, managing global accounts at SG Analytics, and setting up an internal learning academy at Kantar. Transitioning from research to L&D was a significant shift, and being recognized with awards like the Value Creator Award and Driving Efficiency Award were affirmations of my impact.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. At Kantar, my role as Deputy Director involves managing global L&D initiatives. I’ve worked on setting up e-learning platforms, implementing skill matrices, and achieving ISO certification for training programs. The multicultural exposure and the opportunity to shape learning strategies at scale have been immensely rewarding.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. The most satisfying aspect has been mentoring professionals and seeing them grow. Whether it’s through structured training or informal coaching, contributing to someone’s career journey gives me a deep sense of fulfillment.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Absolutely. IIFM instilled in me a strong analytical mindset and a holistic approach to problem-solving. The interdisciplinary curriculum and the emphasis on fieldwork helped me develop a grounded yet strategic perspective—something that continues to guide my decisions.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your career? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles?
A. My mentors and the diverse teams I’ve worked with have been major influences on my career/life.
For freshers, I’d say: be open to learning, don’t shy away from transitions, and invest in building both domain expertise and people skills. The ability to adapt and continuously learn is key in today’s evolving job landscape more so with technology gaining an upper hand. Can we leave aside AI today? The answer is a big NO. So, upskill should be the buzz word in everybody’s mind.
Q. How did you decide to go for higher studies post IIFM? And how was the experience?
A. After gaining substantial experience in the field, I felt the need to broaden my managerial and strategic thinking. This led me to pursue an Executive MBA from IIM Calcutta and a Program in Digital Marketing from Manipal University. The experience was transformative—it provided exposure to cutting-edge management practices and helped me build a strong peer network. Both these programs equipped me with the confidence to take on leadership roles and transition into my current role in Learning & Development. The fact that people across countries look for my opinion as an SME in my current role drives me to become even better day by day. Learning has no age, and I now look forward to completing a program on Generative AI.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. There are too many to count! From late-night project discussions in the library to impromptu treks around the campus, every moment was special. The camaraderie among batchmates, the mentorship from faculty, and the serene campus environment made it a truly memorable phase of life. Not forgetting the internship with Viksat, Gujarat, drove me even closer to being a research professional.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. The biggest takeaway was the interdisciplinary learning approach. Courses that combined management with sustainability and development gave me a broader worldview. The faculty’s dedication and the collaborative learning environment helped me develop critical thinking and leadership skills that I continue to rely on.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. I was fortunate to have a close-knit group of friends who made the journey enjoyable and enriching. How can I forget Mr Singh, Mr Rao, Sashwati (aka Sash my colonial cousin from IIFM days), Meghana, Nidhi, Divya, Usha, Hemant, Deepak, Shekhar. I remember them all very well and am still in touch with most of them. Faculty members were approachable and deeply invested in our growth. While all the faculty members have been great support, I will fail in my duty if I don’t mention Rekha Singhal Maam who had a major role in driving me to whatever I am doing today.
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those who are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. Make the most of every opportunity—academic, extracurricular, and social. Engage deeply with your coursework, but also explore internships, fieldwork, and alumni interactions. Build relationships, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. As mentioned earlier, be future ready by equipping yourself with skills that are or will be in currency like AI. AI will have a huge role to play in Conservation and Management of resources.
Q. What would be your advice for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for a couple of years?
A. Don’t hesitate to pivot if you feel drawn to a different path. Leverage your transferable skills and be open to learning. Upskilling through certifications or short courses can ease the transition. Look outside and you will see such opportunities available via Coursera, Linkedin Learning, Udemy etc. Most importantly, network with professionals in your target sector to gain insights and opportunities. I also believe in some positive self- bragging, especially in this competitive world, and here you can make use of social media big time. If you have it in you drive your YouTube channel or other such avenues.
Q. What was your typical day at work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?
A. A typical workday involves strategizing training programs, coordinating with global teams, and mentoring professionals. When on break, I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and traveling. Weekends are for unwinding—making short trips, exploring new cuisines, or catching up with friends. Being highly spiritual I don’t miss on opportunities to visit Temples occasionally.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. I enjoy reading books on leadership, psychology, and innovation. Some favorites include Drive by Daniel Pink and Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. I also enjoy documentaries and films that explore human behavior and social change. I also follow the TED speakers and yes lately I have started reading the Bhagavat Gita (gifted to me by a family who I once met in 2002 while on a train journey and got reconnected via social media this year again). During a recent visit to Hyderabad, I visited and spent some quality time with them and got this very precious gift of Bhagavat Gita.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students?
A. I’m always open to mentoring students, conducting guest lectures, or supporting placement initiatives. I believe alumni can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, and I’d be happy to contribute wherever possible.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there? When was the last time you visited IIFM?
A. While I haven’t visited recently, I’ve heard about the growing emphasis on digital learning if I am not wrong and industry collaboration. The core values remain the same, but the tools and platforms have evolved. I look forward to visiting and reconnecting with the campus.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. I’d recommend profiling alumni who have ventured into unconventional sectors or started their own ventures. Their stories could inspire current students to explore diverse career paths. What would be of great importance if to understand their fighting moments in their journey and how the victory was achieved. This I feel will motivate many. When I see many of the people I know like Ashwini Singh, Deepak Chamola, Nahar Mohammad, Sashwati Bose, Meghana, Shekhar to name a few doing really great in their area I feel proud and also positive of the bigger possibility in my own journey.
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