Having worked extensively in the Indian and overseas markets, ACME Group’s Harish Goyal brings a rare dual perspective and pragmatism to everything he does. He has over two decades of experience working with India’s leading companies across telecom infrastructure, consumer durables, electronics and media. He has also garnered substantial cross-cultural exposure by working in over 60 countries. As chief marketing officer at ACME, Goyal is responsible for exploring new business opportunities, driving business initiatives and engaging with key stakeholders in the company’s various areas of operations, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Goyal believes that there is an urgent need to reduce the reliance on conventional fossil fuels and spread awareness about reducing the carbon footprint. He is, therefore, actively involved in endorsing and marketing green solutions to the telecom industry. He observes, “The telecom sector, being India’s second largest diesel consumer, must take the initiative to lower the country’s fossil fuel consumption, as well as set an example for other sectors to follow.” His passion for the cause is reflected in his work. He recounts one of his most memorable assignments as being a part of the team that led the deployment of Africa’s first lithium battery-based energy storage systems at telecom towers.

Commenting on growth trends in the sector, he believes that increased teledensity in maturing Category B and C circles and the data phenomenon will drive the Indian telecom market in the coming years. Goyal’s leadership style is a combination of delegating responsibilities and inculcating a sense of belonging among his team. His core value is developing accountability while focusing on the larger goals of the company. Though he claims that impatience is his biggest weakness, he also goes on to admit that it helps him meet deadlines.

An electronics engineer from Nagpur University, Goyal also holds a master’s degree in international business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. When asked about what he does in his leisure, he replies, “My profile allows me to travel extensively and that is the only spare time that I have. I utilise most of it to keep myself abreast of niche trends in marketing across the globe by reading journals and case studies by leading universities in the field of marketing management.” Goyal lives in Delhi with his wife and his son. “Despite a busy schedule, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family,” he says.