Suresh Chandra Rao
Sharjah,United Arab Emirates
Summary
High-impact Sales Leader with 20+ years of experience in Insurance Distribution, Retail Sales, Wealth Management, and High-Performance Team Leadership across India and the Gulf Region. Proven ability to build champions, drive consistent business growth, and maintain top rankings in competitive markets. Strong in coaching, activation discipline, and developing future leaders. Ambitious professional with keen ability to inspire teams and drive sales growth. Possesses strong leadership and communication skills, along with deep understanding of customer needs. Committed to delivering significant revenue increases and fostering long-lasting client relationships.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Sales Manager – Retail Business
METLIFE GULF
Dubai, UAE
07.2012 - Current
- Assisted in leading a top-performing retail team in the Gulf region.
- Supported the establishment of a disciplined and coaching-focused culture.
- Aided in achieving consistent business growth and quality standards.
- Guided the development of champions and senior agents through coaching.
- Contributed to the journey from insurance sales agent in July 2012 to sales manager in September 2019.
- Guided team members on best practices in upselling and cross-selling techniques, leading to enhanced customer value proposition.
- Devised successful sales pitches for significant conversion rates.
- Conducted detailed market analysis to identify new opportunities.
- Achieved increased customer satisfaction by implementing innovative sales strategies.
- Analysed sales reports to identify trends and update strategies.
Branch Manager / Group Sales Manager / Senior Sales Manager
ING LIFE INSURANCE CO. LTD
Chennai
08.2006 - 06.2011
- Managed a 12-member Sales Manager team; drove sales process, proposals, and quarterly/annual targets.
- Achieved highest branch premium: ₹32 Lakhs.
- Awards: Best SM (Q1, Q2, Q4 – 2008), Grand Slam Winner – London, ADP Thailand Qualifier.
- 14 advisors qualified for Gold/Silver/Bronze Clubs.
- Promoted 3 times in 4 years.
- Oversaw recruitment process, ensuring selection of competent staff members.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the branch.
- Liaised with clients, resulting in strong relationships and repeat business.
- Streamlined business processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Built partnerships with local businesses fostering community relations.
- Improved branch productivity by implementing efficient work schedules.
- Recruited and managed senior staff with focus on delivering clear results.
Junior Manager (CRO)
Centurion Bank of Punjab
Chennai
02.2006 - 07.2006
- Southern Region State First – CASA (2005).
- South India No.1 – Credit Cards (SCB DSA).
- Multiple Best Performer awards across CASA, loans, and trading accounts.
- Implemented new procedures, improved overall efficiency of the department.
- Facilitated meetings, fostered open communication among staff members.
- Organised schedules for efficient workflow.
Assistant Manager
Kotak Mahindra Bank
Chennai
06.2005 - 01.2006
- Implemented promotional strategies for increased footfall during holiday seasons.
- Ensured health and safety compliance, maintaining a safe working environment for all staff members.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective leadership and team-building activities.
- Translated senior management directives into actionable front-line policies and implemented changes with staff.
Marketing Officer
IndusInd Bank
Chennai
01.2003 - 05.2005
- Managed marketing budgets effectively to optimise resource allocation.
- Reviewed competitor activities regularly, maintaining competitive edge in the marketplace.
- Championed customer relationship management initiatives resulting in enhanced loyalty and retention.
- Coordinated promotional events, resulting in deeper customer engagement.
- Executed successful product launches with meticulous planning and coordination.
- Developed strategic marketing plans to increase brand awareness.
- Gained media exposure by pitching captivating press releases.
Sales Executive
HDFC Bank
Chennai
05.2001 - 12.2002
- Established strong relationships with key industry players to expand business reach.
- Boosted sales revenue through aggressive and targeted marketing strategies.
- Championed cross-selling initiatives to maximise sales volume and profit margins.
Sales Executive
Asset One (SCB DSA)
Chennai
05.1998 - 04.2001
- Established strong relationships with key industry players to expand business reach.
- Boosted sales revenue through aggressive and targeted marketing strategies.
- Developed customer loyalty with excellent customer service, leading to repeat business.
- Understood customer needs to craft exceptional sales journeys.
Education
Bachelor of Banking Management -
University of Madras
Skills
- Sales Leadership
- Retail Distribution
- Team Development
- Activation Discipline
- Business Quality
- Client Advisory
- Strategic Sales Planning
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Product knowledgeability
- Direct sales techniques
- KPI monitoring and analysis
- Target achievement focus
- Target achievement
- Business development aptitude
- Financial planning
- Client acquisition
- Product presentation
- Change implementation
- Crisis handling
- Assertive leadership
Websites
Certification
CII (UK), LOMA FLMI L1, LIMRA, AIA USA
PERSONAL DETAILS
Languages: English, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Marathi
PERSONAL DETAILS
Cricket, Technology, Gaming
Accomplishments
- No.1 Agent – Gulf Region (Retail Business) for 3 consecutive years (2012–2015).
- Promoted to Sales Manager – 2019 after consistent top performance.
- Built multiple Top 3 Senior Agents and New Champions in the Gulf Region.
- 60% of team agents qualify Annual Bonus every year.
- No.1 Sales Manager – Retail Business 2022
- Top 3 in Gulf Region – 2023 & 2024.
- No.1 Position in 2025 Performance Rankings.
- 3 team members qualified for 2026 EMEA Convention.
- Since 2021 My New Agents receive Top Rookie Awards. Creating Champions is the Mission for my Leadership
Timeline
Sales Manager – Retail Business
METLIFE GULF
07.2012 - Current
Branch Manager / Group Sales Manager / Senior Sales Manager
ING LIFE INSURANCE CO. LTD
08.2006 - 06.2011
Junior Manager (CRO)
Centurion Bank of Punjab
02.2006 - 07.2006
Assistant Manager
Kotak Mahindra Bank
06.2005 - 01.2006
Marketing Officer
IndusInd Bank
01.2003 - 05.2005
Sales Executive
HDFC Bank
05.2001 - 12.2002
Sales Executive
Asset One (SCB DSA)
05.1998 - 04.2001
Bachelor of Banking Management -
University of Madras