Mr Rajat Kakar
Rajat Kakar hashad a distinguished corporate career spanning over 36 years.
Rajat started his career in 1987 with management positions at industry leaders such as Asian Paints and Procter & Gamble and made his mark by a unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices and a relentless drive for operational efficiency.
Transitioning to the music industry, in 1996 Rajat’s leadership acumen led him to the pinnacle of successand he was the Managing Director at Sony Music, Universal Music, and Sony DADC. Rajat was instrumental in revolutionising music marketing, introducing innovative business models, and enhancing both market reach and profitability. His strategic insights and hands-on leadership helped these organisations navigate the complexities of the digital age and maintain their competitive edge.
Rajat was known for turning around Companies and as MD of Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), he led a comprehensive overhaul of collective management for music rights, ensuring that the organisation gained its rightful place within the music ecosystem. These practices are now the benchmark for Copyright Societies in developing markets.
Rajat also served as a board member for diverse organisations, including Ethos Watches,, NextGenTelesolutions, and the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), while also occupying Board positions in Companies where he served. His rich governance experience spans strategic planning, policy formulation, and ensuring robust compliance standards across various sectors.
Rajat is an alumnus of various iconic Chandigarh Institutions such as St. Johns School Chandigarh where he passed out in 1978, Punjab Engineering College where he graduated in Mechanical Engineering in 1985 and finally received his MBA in Marketing from University Business School at Panjab University in 1987.
He hung up his boots at the peak of his success as MD of Sony Music after steering the Company to become the Industry leader in the Music business across International and Indian music from various languages across the Country.
Among numerous honours conferred on him, he was awarded the Chandigarh Icon Award in 2018. He was also chosen for the “40 under 40 “ accolade by Times Of India as the youngest transformational MD whilst heading global music giant Universal Music. He was also honoured with Leadership Icon of the Year for the transformative work done by Rajat at Sony DADC and later at PPL.
Rajat is now back in his home town of Chandigarh and is actively associated with CCF as it spreads its wings to bring the best in all fields to its citizens!