New Delhi: Rishi Kapoor is a standout figure in business leadership, having established himself as a seasoned expert with a remarkable impact on growth strategies. As Partner & Business Head at Sapphire Connect, Rishi has demonstrated an unwavering drive for success and a remarkable ability to think strategically. Widely respected for his exceptional community-building skills, Rishi Kapoor has built a reputation as an accomplished professional with a career spanning several years. Through his outstanding achievements, Rishi has significantly impacted his field, cementing his status as an inspiring leader and industry trailblazer.
A highly accomplished sales and marketing professional with nearly two decades of experience in the dynamic media industry, Rishi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building and managing sustainable verticals, earning him a reputation as a seasoned and strategic leader. He has held esteemed positions at some of the most renowned organisations in the industry, including Times Group, H.T. Media, and Planman Consulting, where he consistently delivered exceptional results. Known for his ability to think outside the box and drive growth, Rishi is currently serving as the partner and business head at Sapphire Connect, a premium B2B I.P. consulting firm, which was conceptualised and created by the business thinker himself for a retained executive search firm, Sapphire Human Solutions.
Over his three and a half years at the helm of Sapphire Connect, Rishi has achieved remarkable success in developing and nurturing premium, sustainable, and outcome-driven B2B models. With unparalleled expertise in the I.P. consulting space, Sapphire Connect has established a reputation for delivering top-tier conferences, summits, bespoke events, and business communities. In addition, as a partner at India’s foremost retained executive search firm, Sapphire Human Solutions, Rishi has spearheaded a range of community-building initiatives and intellectual properties, cementing Sapphire Connect’s reputation as a thought leader in the industry. Thanks to his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, Sapphire Connect has emerged as a premium B2B strategic solution innovator, setting the bar for excellence in the Indian market.
Further, perhaps one of the brightest highlights of Rishi’s career is his stint with the Times Strategic Solutions Ltd. (E.T. Edge), where not only was he among the core team that started the business, but also his stewardship contributed to a jaw-dropping topline growth by 9X during his stint, denoting that a long trail of success stories follows his role as a growth impetus at Sapphire Connect.
Rishi Kapoor firmly believes in creating high-performing teams that go above and beyond in meeting customer expectations. For him, success isn’t just about knowing what to do but also what not to do. By learning from the mistakes of others and leading by example, Rishi believes that continuous improvement is possible and that goals can be achieved. He values the importance of constant learning and strives to identify unique qualities and skill sets in every team member to maximise their output. In the face of adversity or setbacks, Rishi never gives up and instead aims to become a better version of himself. His unwavering commitment to excellence is a testament to his leadership and ability to inspire and motivate others.
Under his exceptional leadership, Sapphire Connect has experienced unparalleled growth, achieving a staggering 3X increase in the first two years following its launch and a further 2X growth in the current fiscal year. Rishi’s areas of expertise include concept sales, media marketing, event planning, consumer engagement, and forging strategic partnerships that deliver measurable results and drive top and bottom-line performance for organisations. His innovative approach and strategic vision have been instrumental in Sapphire Connect’s success, making him a sought-after expert in the industry.
Rishi’s journey:
Rishi Kapoor was born and raised in Varanasi, India, into a family with a distinguished background in the consumer durables business. His family had a significant presence in the eastern Uttar Pradesh region, serving as distributors and retailers.
Rishi is an accomplished professional with a strong background in business and management. He received his early education from the prestigious I.C.S.E. school, St. John’s D.L.W., which laid the foundation for his academic and professional success. After schooling, Rishi pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Honors) from the Faculty of Commerce at Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.), one of India’s top universities. He then went on to earn an M.B.A. degree from the International Management Institute (I.M.I.), Belgium, a globally recognised institution for business education.
To further hone his skills and expertise, Rishi completed an advanced program in Strategic Management from the Indian Institute of Management (I.I.M.) Lucknow. This program gave him a deeper understanding of strategic decision-making and management’s crucial role in achieving organisational goals. Rishi’s education and training have equipped him with a solid foundation in business principles and management strategies, making him a valuable asset to any organisation. His dedication to continuing education and professional development demonstrates his commitment to excellence and willingness to take on new challenges.
Even as a child, Rishi was drawn to the family business and spent his summer vacations working in the store, interacting with customers and earning commissions on sales. However, as the company faced losses over time, Rishi prioritised his education and pursued a professional career. Despite the change in direction, his early experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for business and an understanding of the importance of customer service.
Rishi Kapoor’s unwavering passion for business has persisted despite the challenges he faced. His education and professional experience have equipped him with a profound comprehension of sales, marketing, and strategic planning. As a result, he possesses a remarkable ability to identify opportunities and craft innovative solutions to intricate problems.
Rishi’s entrepreneurial spirit and sharp intellect make him a formidable presence in the business world. He perpetually seeks ways to enhance his skills and positively impact those around him. Moreover, his unwavering dedication to creating a prosperous future for himself and those around him makes him a true visionary.
