Open to opportunities

Abhishek Somani

@abhisheksomani

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Astute commercial and customer success leader with a technical edge.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek opportunities that allow me to leverage my expertise in customer success and sales leadership, preferably in dynamic environments that value innovation and growth.

As a seasoned commercial and customer success leader with a technical edge, I thrive on building and scaling organizations that enhance customer experiences. My journey has taken me across various global markets, where I have successfully led teams and initiatives that drive significant revenue growth. At Freshworks, I played a pivotal role in scaling regional revenue from under $10M to over $50M, contributing to the company's impressive growth from $100M to $720M globally.

My expertise lies in crafting go-to-market strategies, streamlining processes, and leveraging technology to create smarter organizations. I have a proven track record of exceeding sales targets through solution-led selling and technical storytelling, closing multimillion-dollar deals, and championing customer success initiatives. I am passionate about building long-term relationships and ensuring that our customers achieve their desired outcomes.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Director, Europe

Current

Freshworks Inc.

Apr 2018 - Present (7 years 3 months)

Led the European executive leadership team, scaling regional revenue from less than $10M to over $50M+ and contributing to the company's global growth from $100M to $720M+. Exceeded sales targets by over 110% through solution-led selling and technical storytelling, while building and scaling European Sales Engineering and Professional Services teams to over 50 people.

Sales Leadership Go To Market Strategy SaaS Customer Success P&L management MEDDPICC Pipeline Management Technical Storytelling Team Leadership Revenue

Vice President – EMEA

Persistent Systems

Jan 2012 - Dec 2017 (5 years 11 months)

As part of the founding leadership team for Persistent Systems EMEA, I contributed to growing revenue to $15M through new business and expansion. I successfully closed multimillion-dollar deals across diverse sectors including fintech, telecom, travel, and analytics.

Business Development Client Management Digital Transformation Cloud Computing AI ML Big Data Customer Success Fintech Telecom

Client Services Manager

Cisco Systems

Jan 2010 - Dec 2012 (2 years 11 months)

Managed an annual business portfolio of $20M with key accounts such as Virgin Media and COLT Telecom. Achieved a 20% revenue uplift by implementing innovative, outcome-based service models.

Account Management Revenue Customer Satisfaction Client Relationship Management Telecommunications Business Development Strategic Planning Negotiation Sales

Account Director

Cognizant Technology Solutions

Jan 2008 - Dec 2010 (2 years 11 months)

Operated as a pure hunter, securing over $10M in Total Contract Value (TCV) with UK telecom clients. Improved lead conversion rates by 50% through targeted demand generation strategies.

Sales Business Development Lead Generation Client Relationship Management Customer Success Telecom Account Management Negotiation Strategic Planning Market Analysis

Regional Leader & Practice Manager, Motorola-Wipro JV

Wipro Technologies

Jan 2006 - Dec 2008 (2 years 11 months)

Delivered over $30M in Total Contract Value (TCV) across EMEA markets and reduced supplier costs by 20% through strategic negotiations. Led large offshore engineering teams, driving customer value and operational excellence.

Regional Leadership Negotiation Customer Value Operational Excellence Program Management Telecom

Manager

Wipro Technologies

Jan 2002 - Dec 2005 (3 years 11 months)

Managed key delivery programs for major telecom clients, ensuring top customer satisfaction ratings. Focused on efficient project execution and client relationship management.

Program Management Customer Satisfaction Telecom Project Management Team Coordination Stakeholder Management Quality Assurance Process Improvement Technical Management

Project Lead

Calix Networks

Led projects focused on network solutions and telecommunications infrastructure. Contributed to the development and implementation of key technical initiatives.

Telecommunications Technical Implementation Software Development System Design Problem Solving Team Collaboration Engineering Product Development

Software Engineer

Cisco Systems

Worked as a Software Engineer, contributing to the development and maintenance of software systems. Focused on coding, debugging, and system optimization.

Software Engineering Coding Debugging Optimization Programming Problem Solving Technical Support Network Protocols Data Analysis

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Imperial Business School

Executive Education, AI for Business Innovation

Participated in executive education focused on AI for Business Innovation, exploring generative AI and its applications. Developed strategies for leveraging AI in business contexts.

University of Southern California

Master of Science, Electrical Engineering

Earned a Master’s in Electrical Engineering, gaining in-depth knowledge of electrical systems and engineering principles. Focused on advanced topics in the field.

INSEAD

Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Completed an MBA program at INSEAD, focusing on advanced business strategies and leadership. Gained expertise in global business practices and management.