After being associated with Parle Products for over twenty three years, of which he spent the last seven years serving the role of Senior Category Head- Marketing at the company, Krishnarao Buddha aka BK Rao has now decided to part ways and embrace new beginnings.
During his last stint at Parle Products as Senior Category Head- Marketing, Rao was responsible for leading the brand’s Confectionery, Snacks, Cakes and Rusk portfolio to the top position as well as making Parle a total foods company.
Announcing his departure from Parle Products on LinkedIn, he mentioned, “After an unforgettable journey, the time has come to turn the page and move on from my role at Parle Products. It’s hard to put into words how much this experience has meant to me. What began as a professional adventure quickly became a deeply meaningful chapter in my career, filled with growth, challenges, and incredible memories.”
“Parle Products has been more than just a workplace; it has been a family, a place where I have learned, evolved, and thrived. From the exceptional colleagues who turned into lifelong friends, to the mentorship and support that shaped my journey, I will forever be grateful for everything that has been shared,” he added.
Furthermore, he also highlighted how the impact of this journey will stay with him as he moves forward, carrying valuable lessons and cherished moments for he had the privilege of being part of a team that in his views is truly passionate, dedicated, and committed to excellence.
“Each day brought new insights, experiences, and the opportunity to contribute to something much larger than myself. Though excited for the future, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the familiar faces, the teamwork, and the shared victories. Thank you to everyone at Parle Products for making this journey so special. As I step into the next chapter, I do so with immense gratitude, excitement, and optimism for what lies ahead. Here’s to embracing new opportunities, continuing to grow, and forging new paths in this ever-evolving journey,” he mentioned in the post.
Rao had joined Parle Products as Product Manager in May 2001 and handled the portfolio of both Biscuits and Confectionery as well as created successful brands in Parle Kreams- a mass cream biscuit offering and Parle Kaccha Mango Bite- a raw mango flavoured candy, besides some other brands.
In April 2004, he was elevated to the role of Senior Product Manager at the company to help the FMCG major grow and develop strong brands with a healthy top line resulting in a robust bottom line.
Four years later, he went on to become Group Product Manager at Parle Products, expanding his remit to cater to a larger portfolio comprising a mix of brands in biscuits, confectionery and snacks categories.
In April 2013, Rao assumed the role of Deputy Marketing Manager at the FMCG major and led charge of the entire ‘Snacks’ portfolio and turned it around with a viable proposition, relaunched Magix Creme biscuits in the mass segment to reclaim its numero uno position, and launched BakeSmith English Marie with fan fare as a premium offering in the category.
Later on, he went on to become the Category Head- Marketing at Parle Products in November 2016, followed by Senior Category Head- Marketing position at the company in November 2017.
However, he began his career in 1996 as a Product Executive at Maxwell Apparels. The same was followed by year long stints at companies like Uncle Chipps, Excelcia Foods and Gold Cross.
