RENDEZVOUS
 

Krishnan Menon is one of the world’s leading consumer marketers. Acknowledged by Fortune magazine as
‘quite possibly, the world’s best marketing mind’, India Today dedicated pages of newsprint calling him ‘one of the 10 most successful and trailblazing Indians in the USA’. And soon, Business Week will be carryingan article on his success in February 2007.

As a founding member of the Standard for Internet Commerce, an inductee into the Direct Marketing Association Hall of Fame, a former member of Bill Clinton’s Internet Advisory Committee, on the board of directors of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and a charter member of Microsoft’s Executive Advisory Board, all at the age of 33, this consumer guru has achieved in a short span what many may not even dream in their lifetime.

Back in Bangalore from Los Angeles where he lives with wife Smt. Dulari, Krishnan was the Chief Guest at the launch of GCC Campus Radio. In a tête-à-tête with the GCC World, the world’s leading marketing guru spoke on his phenomenal accomplishments and shared with the students from his inspiring ‘book of knowledge.’

A STORY UNFOLDS
  When Krishnan Menon left Bangalore to chase his dreams in the US, he was just one of the country’s
youngster exploring what distant lands had to offer. Already, with a sibling in the US, it was not difficult for the parents to give their assent to the quest. But unknown to the world then, was the youngsters curiosity. “I
must confess since childhood, I was a sensitive person,” recalls the achiever. “I was always keen to
understand why people behave the way they do.” It’s this curiosity and marketing mind that has propelled
him to become one of the most influential personalities in the US today.
HUMILITY IN SUCCESS
  Humility in success Perhaps what stands out speaking to Krishnan is his simplicity despite the enviable
credentials that should inspire the present generation.

As hands-on marketing strategist and brand storyteller, Krishnan’s involvement spans some of the most
successful marketing initiatives. Be it the launch and marketing of the iMac and iPod for Apple or xBox for
Microsoft; the marketing as well as product development plan for Santana’s supernatural. This went on to
become the best-selling album of 2000. Mr. Krishnan was also credited with the launch and marketing of
Jet Blue, one of the fastest growing airlines in the US; architecting Xerox’s sponsorship of the Olympic Games; and architecting the release of American Express’ Blue Card — the most successful credit card marketing launch in history. In the latter campaign, the company fulfilled their five year customer acquisition targets in just six weeks.