Taru Singhal
Dubai
Summary
Possessing over 26 years experience in sales, managerial and operational roles for three of the world's top players in the Financial Services industry. A well-qualified, trained and experienced professional with expertise in sales & account management, management of people, client relations, and financial services specializing in institutional sales. Has operated in an environment of continuous change and increasing complexity, with excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Strong relationship, communication and presentation skills. A self-motivated, dependable and people oriented manager, driven by the desire to achieve company objectives.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Distribution - Retail
Zurich International Life Ltd.
Dubai, UAE
06.2022 - Current
- Heading two distribution channels for the organization across the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar
- Manage ME strategy and business plan to ensure delivery of Zurich ME's core objectives and operational plan with respect to Retail Distribution Channel
- Promote brand, products and fund proposition, using Radio, and print media
- Design and implement delivery of Business Plans in region with support of Sales Managers which includes designing and implementing tactical incentives and strategic design of sales process
- Understand market dynamics and have vision to help support distribution channel to future proof support we get from them
- Ensure delivery of all objectives that cover Proposition, Sales, Service, Marketing and People customized to Accounts.
- Streamlined distribution processes by implementing efficient inventory management systems and reducing overall operational costs.
Head of IFA Distribution
Zurich International Life Ltd.
Dubai, UAE
01.2015 - 05.2022
- Led most profitable and biggest channel in the region.
- Promote brand, products and fund proposition
- Design and implement delivery of the Business Plans in region with support of Sales Managers.
- Understand market dynamics and have vision to help support distribution channel to future proof support we get from them.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Key Account Manager
Zurich International Life Ltd.
Dubai, UAE
05.2010 - 12.2014
- Promote brand, products and fund proposition to key IFA partner
- Develop and build professional relationship with key influencers within accounts across all levels of management.
Head of Business Development - Wealth Management & Bancassurance
First Gulf Bank
Dubai, UAE
12.2008 - 05.2010
- Develop new products and enhance range of products for target market segment
- Provide market updates & information on all products distributed by the bank
- Facilitate sales personnel in addressing client queries and sales support
- Providing periodic departmental review to the Head of Wealth Management & Head of Retail Banking
- Maintain effective relationships with key business partners for business
- Implement approved business strategies / plans within agreed parameters and timelines
- To regularly update and maintain manuals and guidelines to de-risk business for new products launched
- Provide monthly updates on competition analysis
- Provide weekly updates on valuations and Loan To Value Ratio for all structured products
- Monitor, control and activate Margin Calls for all customers as required
- Lead and motivate the product team for Bancassurance & Wealth Management.
Sales Manager
Zurich International Life Ltd.
Dubai, UAE
03.2007 - 11.2008
- Promote brand, products and fund proposition to Bancassurance partners
- Delivery of Sales Targets and Profitability Target by distribution of products and funds through Partners in UAE
- Design and implement delivery of Business Plans for each account on panel which includes designing and implementing incentives to promote sales
- Manage accounts by understanding and preempting their growth plans and delivering excellence in service
- Coordinate with Global Accounts Team to implement and deliver Global initiatives with established players
- Develop and maintain key distributors to influence and align their product decisions to Zurich product offering
- Develop and build professional relationship with key influencers within accounts across all levels of management.
Client Services Manager - New Business
Zurich International Life Ltd.
Dubai, UAE
05.2003 - 02.2007
- Managed the motivation, development and performance of staff in the New Business Team
- Planned, co-ordinates work and regularly monitored the performance of the team against objectives
- Managed the relationships with clients, distributors and regional offices
- Managed the flow of New Business applications from vetting stage to policy issue
- Kept up to date with changes in company, regulatory and legal requirements, imparting knowledge to the team.
Team Leader - Broker Support
Zurich International Life Ltd.
Dubai, UAE
07.2002 - 05.2003
- Created a new team to process applications from our Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs), Tied Agents and the Bancassurance channel
- Provided front line support to the IFA's, Tied Agents and the Bancassurance distribution and all their customers.
Direct Associate - Sales & Distribution
ING Direct Bank
Toronto, Canada
01.2002 - 07.2002
- Sold range of bank's products, including savings, investment and credit accounts to new and existing customers
- Offered additional services/ products to existing customers
- Provided pre-sales & post sales support
- Adhered to quality standards set out by the bank in relation to the sales conversion rate, service quality and the accuracy of the information provided to the client.
Relocation
Toronto, Canada
10.2001 - 12.2001
Relocated to Canada
New Business Supervisor - Client Services
Zurich International Life Ltd.
Dubai, UAE
08.2000 - 10.2001
- Managed the motivation, development and performance of staff in the New Business Team to ensure the delivery of an efficient service and the achievement of objectives
- Provides front line support to the Direct Sales Force/ Regional offices/ Branch offices and all customers/ bank assurance ties etc
- Maintains information systems - hierarchy / daily New Business reports.
Administrator - IFA Department
Zurich International Life Ltd.
Dubai, UAE
08.1998 - 08.2000
- Provided proactive supports to IFA's to ensure a high degree of Customer satisfaction
- Built and nurtured relationships with IFA's and Tied Agents
- Handled and resolved a wide range of servicing queries to provide information and guidance to all IFA's and Tied Agents.
Administration Officer - Client Services
Zurich International Life Ltd.
New Delhi, India
02.1997 - 08.1998
- Responsible for the entire project cycle for set-up of office in New Delhi
- Assists expatriates with relocation to India
- Responsible for providing infra-structural support to all team members of the Project Team.
Assistant Executive - Client Services
American Express Bank Ltd - TRS
India, India
02.1995 - 02.1997
- Managed a team of 40 outsource staff to ensure efficient functioning of Centralized Mail Room function, the backbone for Card Operations Centre, through effective planning of resources and tasks
- Devised and implemented effective controls over mailroom in conjunction with postal and telegraph authorities.
Front Office Staff - Client Services
Maurya Sheraton Hotel & Towers
India, India
02.1993 - 02.1995
- Interface with customers regarding billing & FOREX transactions.
Front Office Staff - Client Services
Park Hotel
India, India
08.1991 - 02.1993
- Responsible for MIS generation, accountability for room and restaurant revenue, and managing shifts.
Education
Mastering Service Design -
Service Design College
01.2024
Diploma in Sales Coaching -
Institute of Commercial Management
01.2012
Sales Management Course -
DBS Associates
01.2010
Production Boosting Sessions -
Practice Builder, Anthony Morris Associates
01.2008
Negotiation Skills Course -
DBS Associates
01.2007
Advance Constancy Course -
DBS Associates
01.2007
Sales Skills Course -
DBS Associates
01.2006
International Certificate for Financial Advisors (ICFA) -
CII
01.2004
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Delhi
Delhi, India01.1991
Intermediate Examination -
ICWAI
01.1991
Skills
- Staff Development
- Strategic Planning
- Customer Needs Assessment
- Decision-Making
- Customer Relationship Management
- Mentoring and training
- Key Account Management
- Sales Planning
- Sales Reporting
- Sales Coaching
- Key account growth
- Client Relationship Management
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taru-singhal-12991425
Timeline
Head of Distribution - Retail
Zurich International Life Ltd.
06.2022 - Current
Head of IFA Distribution
Zurich International Life Ltd.
01.2015 - 05.2022
Key Account Manager
Zurich International Life Ltd.
05.2010 - 12.2014
Head of Business Development - Wealth Management & Bancassurance
First Gulf Bank
12.2008 - 05.2010
Sales Manager
Zurich International Life Ltd.
03.2007 - 11.2008
Client Services Manager - New Business
Zurich International Life Ltd.
05.2003 - 02.2007
Team Leader - Broker Support
Zurich International Life Ltd.
07.2002 - 05.2003
Direct Associate - Sales & Distribution
ING Direct Bank
01.2002 - 07.2002
Relocation
10.2001 - 12.2001
New Business Supervisor - Client Services
Zurich International Life Ltd.
08.2000 - 10.2001
Administrator - IFA Department
Zurich International Life Ltd.
08.1998 - 08.2000
Administration Officer - Client Services
Zurich International Life Ltd.
02.1997 - 08.1998
Assistant Executive - Client Services
American Express Bank Ltd - TRS
02.1995 - 02.1997
Front Office Staff - Client Services
Maurya Sheraton Hotel & Towers
02.1993 - 02.1995
Front Office Staff - Client Services
Park Hotel
08.1991 - 02.1993
Mastering Service Design -
Service Design College
Diploma in Sales Coaching -
Institute of Commercial Management
Sales Management Course -
DBS Associates
Production Boosting Sessions -
Practice Builder, Anthony Morris Associates
Negotiation Skills Course -
DBS Associates
Advance Constancy Course -
DBS Associates
Sales Skills Course -
DBS Associates
International Certificate for Financial Advisors (ICFA) -
CII
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Delhi
Intermediate Examination -
ICWAI