Rajeev Batra is a distinguished scholar, author, and thought leader in global branding, advertising management, and consumer psychology. Currently the S.S. Kresge Professor of Marketing at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, he has authored or co-edited eight books, including the award-winning The New Emerging Market Multinationals (2012), and published over 80 influential academic papers. His research on brand love, brand coolness, and global brand positioning has shaped marketing strategies worldwide. With prior faculty positions at Columbia Business School and visiting appointments at top global institutions, Batra has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named a Fellow of the Society for Consumer Psychology and multiple nominations for the “Best MBA Teacher” Award. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, advising leading multinational corporations on brand strategy and advertising effectiveness. A Stanford Ph.D. graduate, his work continues to define the evolving landscape of global marketing and consumer engagement.

Christopher Aswad is a visionary leader and founder of Insight By Design, a cutting-edge insights agency that blends innovation, design thinking, and advanced technologies to transform how businesses understand and engage with consumers. With over 20 years of expertise in consumer insights, qualitative and quantitative research, and marketing strategy, Christopher has worked with industry leaders in entertainment, technology, and consumer goods to deliver actionable, impactful solutions. His global perspective, strategic mindset, and ability to communicate complex data through compelling storytelling make him a sought-after advisor and a valuable asset to any organization seeking to drive growth and innovation.

The evolution of omnichannel strategies in modern marketing reflects a profound shift in how businesses engage with consumers, driven by advancements in digital technology and changing consumer expectations. This approach integrates multiple touchpoints—online, mobile, and in-store—into a seamless experience, ensuring consistent brand messaging and personalized interactions. As e-commerce, mobile platforms, and social media reshape the customer journey, companies are adopting innovative tools like AI and predictive analytics to anticipate needs and enhance engagement. While challenges such as data fragmentation and technological integration persist, businesses that embrace inclusivity, sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies will strengthen customer loyalty and thrive in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey and expertise in data analytics, predictive modeling, and marketing strategy. My mission has always been to help organizations unlock their potential through the power of data.

In my experience, businesses succeed by making a clear strategic choice: positioning themselves as either the best low-price option or the best higher-priced, high-quality alternative in their market. Companies that fall between these positions often lose relevance and market share. One mistake leaders make is chasing short-term trends at the expense of their core brand identity. When I took over ConAgra’s Banquet brand, previous attempts to elevate the brand’s quality and pricing had failed because they ignored the needs of its core consumers—families with limited income who relied on Banquet for affordable meals. Instead of transforming Banquet into something it wasn’t, I embraced its identity as a provider of “Good Food at a Great Value.” We refocused on delivering dependable, low-cost meals, which resonated with both consumers and retailers. Initiatives like multiple-unit promotions and the successful launch of Banquet Crock Pot Classics, which addressed specific consumer needs, drove significant growth. By leaning into Banquet’s core strengths and staying laser-focused on cost containment, we revitalized the brand, outperformed competitors, and turned Banquet into one of ConAgra’s most successful divisions. The key lesson is simple: understand what your brand stands for, embrace it, and don’t lose sight of your core value proposition in pursuit of fleeting market trends.