Nikhil Raju
@nikhilraju
Event management leader driving revenue growth and operational excellence.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
I am a results-driven event management leader with over 10 years of experience scaling a successful family-owned event and food-service business and delivering high-profile events with strong client satisfaction.
As CEO, I doubled company revenue to over USD 450,000, improved gross margins by 30% in a new market segment, and led investments in assets that reduced variable costs. I have led large on-site operations, managed vendor relationships, implemented customer feedback systems, and drove sustainability and waste-reduction initiatives.
I combine strategic marketing and operational expertise with hands-on execution — from designing advertising campaigns and supply-chain optimization to implementing software solutions as a consultant — and I am focused on building high-performing teams and strategic partnerships to exceed business goals.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Chief Executive Officer
Shanmukha Caterers
Jan 2017 - Dec 2023 (6 years 11 months)
Doubled company revenue to over USD 450,000 with year-on-year growth >15%; repositioned brand to enter a new segment, raising event gross margins 30% and total revenue 10%. Implemented asset investments and operational changes that reduced variable costs ~15% and improved service quality via customer feedback systems.
CIConsultant
CGI Group Inc.
Jan 2015 - Dec 2017 (2 years 11 months)
Led a global team to deliver a customized IP lifecycle management tool and increased account value by USD 300,000 through resourcing analysis, hiring, and training of Business Analysts.
MIAnalyzed guest data for an iBeacon pilot campaign achieving a 30% coupon redemption rate and proposed loyalty program modifications to better engage millennial customers.
Managing Partner
Shanmukha Caterers
Jan 2010 - Dec 2013 (3 years 11 months)
Led marketing and operational restructuring that grew client base and revenue 12%; streamlined supply chain and logistics through IT integration, reducing waste and improving employee performance.
Operations Manager
Shanmukha Caterers
Jan 2008 - Dec 2010 (2 years 11 months)
Managed on-site catering projects with budgets >USD 20,000 and led teams of up to 300 to run up to five events daily, serving 10,000+ guests and achieving >90% client satisfaction.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Boston University Questrom School of Business
Master of Business Administration, Business Administration
2013 - 2015
Activities and societies: Won IBM Smarter Cities Challenge; Cohort Representative; member of Consulting, Collaborative Consulting, and Asian Business clubs.
Completed a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Strategy and Marketing; participated in consulting projects and student leadership activities.
Army Institute of Technology, Pune University
Bachelor of Engineering, Information Technology
2004 - 2008
Activities and societies: Nominated to student council; won intra-college squash tournament in 2006 and 2007.
Earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology and participated in student council and varsity squash competitions.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Job categories
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