Leadership Change at Akasa Air
Akasa Air has appointed Naarayan T V as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective from August 29, 2025. This new leadership role covers a wide spectrum of responsibilities including marketing, corporate communications, environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, customer experience, eCommerce, analytics, and partnerships. Naarayan will also join the airline’s Executive Committee, steering the carrier’s brand positioning and customer engagement strategies.
Driving Growth Ambitions
The appointment of Naarayan T V comes at a crucial time as Akasa Air pursues ambitious growth objectives. The airline aims to place itself among the top 30 global airlines by 2030. With over two decades of experience spanning eCommerce, fintech, banking, and consumer brands, Naarayan brings strategic expertise focused on customer-first innovation and brand transformation.
Comments from Leadership
Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, commented that as the airline scales operations, strengthening the brand and deepening customer trust through tailored marketing and customer experiences is pivotal. Naarayan’s global perspective and skilled blend of creativity and data-driven decision-making are expected to propel Akasa Air into its next phase of growth.
Naarayan T V emphasized his passion for harmonizing the art and science of marketing, aiming to build meaningful brands and teams focused on the customer. He noted Akasa Air’s distinct identity in Indian aviation, grounded in its value-led and service-centric culture, expressing enthusiasm for contributing to the airline’s journey.
Professional Background of Naarayan T V
Naarayan’s career includes senior roles at major companies across India and internationally. Highlights include his strategic role at IDFC FIRST Bank, where he developed impactful branding through sponsorships and product launches, and leadership at PayPal India, where he implemented the company’s first integrated brand campaign and engineered a merchant acquisition model that achieved tenfold growth in its first year. His professional excellence has earned him recognition among India’s top CMOs, including the prestigious DMA Asia Trail Blazer Award in 2023.
| Professional Milestone | Role and Contribution |
|---|---|
| IDFC FIRST Bank | Strategic brand development through sponsorships and campaigns |
| PayPal India | Led inaugural integrated brand campaign; designed merchant acquisition model |
| Awards | DMA Asia Trail Blazer Award 2023 among other accolades |
Historical Context of Airline Marketing Leadership
The role of a Chief Marketing Officer in airline companies has evolved considerably over the past decades. Traditionally focused on promotions and ticket sales, CMOs now integrate technology, customer data analytics, and sustainability into brand strategies. This transformation responds to increasing competition, changing traveler expectations, and the need for airlines to create personalized and engaging customer experiences.
Marketing leadership in aviation now involves orchestrating cross-functional teams to address not only market share but also corporate responsibility and passenger loyalty. The rise of digital platforms has also shifted the marketing landscape, requiring a nuanced blend of creativity and data analytics to succeed.
Future Outlook for Airline Marketing Impact on Tourism
As airlines expand their marketing capabilities, destination promotion and traveler engagement are expected to become more sophisticated. Enhanced brand experiences and personalized services can fuel demand for international travel, contributing to economic benefits in popular tourism hubs. Marketing strategies that also emphasize sustainability and customer well-being will gain importance amid rising global environmental awareness.
Summary and Tourism Implications
In summary, the appointment of Naarayan T V as CMO marks a significant step in Akasa Air‘s strategic growth, underscoring the airline’s commitment to a strong brand and customer-driven innovation. His vast experience across multiple sectors promises to enrich the airline’s marketing and customer engagement efforts.
The evolving role of airline marketing leaders like Naarayan not only shapes the commercial success of carriers but also has wider implications on the tourism industry. Effective marketing can stimulate travel to diverse destinations, boosting local economies and supporting sustainable tourism development. With the aviation sector linked closely to maritime and coastal tourism, such advancements further complement boating activities, yacht charters, and other water-based leisure pursuits, expanding options for travelers worldwide.
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Akasa Air Appoints Naarayan T V as New Chief Marketing Officer">