Vikas Chawla is an influencer

Helping large consumer brands drive business outcomes via digital & and Al | Founder, Author, Angel Investor, Speaker & Linkedin Top Voice

India
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About

Hello there! I'm Vikas Chawla, the co-founder of Social Beat, Influencer.in and D2Scale, three startups in India's dynamic digital marketing landscape.

My story begins in the halls of Loyola College, where I pursued a bachelor's degree in commerce. This foundational phase was crucial in shaping my understanding of the business world. My academic journey didn't stop there; I further honed my skills with a master's degree in management from London School of Economics.

Before venturing into the entrepreneurial world, I spent a few years gaining experience across marketing, sales, and HR. Working with renowned organizations such as Taj Hotels, Murugappa Group and AIESEC, I developed a deep understanding of different business dynamics, which later became the foundations of my entrepreneurial ventures.

With a vision to transform the digital marketing space in India, I co-founded Social Beat and Influencer.in. Today, with a robust team of digital experts, we have become a force to reckon with, partnering with over 75 consumer brands like Bharat Fortune Food, Haier Appliances, Jaquar, Pepperfry, Samsung, Acko, Dhan a d across sectors such as e-commerce, B2B, fintech, and healthcare. We have consistently been top winners at the Google Premier Partner Awards and have been adjudged Digital Agency of the Year by Economic Times in 2025 & Ad Club of Bangalore in 2022.

I'm honored to have received the British Council UK Alumni Entrepreneur Award 2020 for India and South Asia and to be recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year for Digital Marketing by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2022. I have also been recognized as a 40 under 40 Leader by many publications including Business World & Agency Reporter as well as Agency Head of the Year 2024 by Social Samosa. I am a member of the Meta India Client Council and EO Chennai. I am an active angel Investor and advisor to startups via The Chennai Angels. I am a Linkedin Top Voice and amongst the top creators on the platform. I am also a speaker, moderator & panelist at many prestigious forums & events.

In 2025, my focus is not just on sustaining our growth but also on innovating and developing new products to keep pace with the rapidly evolving industry, especially with the advent of AI. Expanding our team to meet client goals efficiently and effectively remains a top priority

This journey, from a commerce student to a marketing leader, has been exciting and I look forward to exciting times ahead

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Experience

  • Social Beat Graphic

    Co-Founder

    Social Beat

    - Present 13 years

    Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru & Chennai

    Founded in 2012, Social Beat is a digital and AI growth partner, enabling brands drive business outcomes via the intersection of media, creative and technology. Social Beat is part of Cheil, a global network with 54 offices and 7,000 experts across 46 countries, At SB, we are a 250+ strong team of digital experts managing INR 2500 crores annually. Social Beat is a member of the Meta India Client Council, a Google Premier Partner, an Amazon Marketing Partner, Salesforce Marketing Cloud Partner…

    Founded in 2012, Social Beat is a digital and AI growth partner, enabling brands drive business outcomes via the intersection of media, creative and technology. Social Beat is part of Cheil, a global network with 54 offices and 7,000 experts across 46 countries, At SB, we are a 250+ strong team of digital experts managing INR 2500 crores annually. Social Beat is a member of the Meta India Client Council, a Google Premier Partner, an Amazon Marketing Partner, Salesforce Marketing Cloud Partner and a JioHotstar Marketing partner. Influencer.in is our proprietary  creator economy product driving discovery and real-time reporting of impactful influencer marketing campaigns. We work as extended growth teams with leading brands like Samsung, Samsonite, Fortune Foods, Glenmark Pharma, Haier Appliances, Jaquar, Kalpataru, TVS Motors, Go Colors, Sukoon Health, Samsonite, A23, Dhan, Centre for Sight, Groww and Niyo Global on driving business outcomes through a combination of media, creativity and tech.

    We have consistently been top winners at the Google Premier Partner Awards since inception. We have been adjudged Digital Agency of the Year by ET in 2025, Ad Club of Bangalore in 2022. Independent Agency of the Year (Silver) and Digital Agency of the Year (Silver) by Social Samosa 2022. For 4th consecutive year in 2024, we were recognised amongst Agency Reporter India's Fastest Growing Digital Agencies.

  • Influencer.in Graphic

    Co-Founder & Director

    Influencer.in

    - Present 9 years 8 months

    Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    Influencer is India's Largest Influencer Marketing network with 500,000+ verified influencers across Instagram, YouTube, Sharechat, LinkedIn & and Snap to create word of mouth virality for your brand. We work with 200+ leading brands in India. Visit https://www.influencer.in to find out more. Part of Social Beat and Cheil Worldwide

  • Keynote Speaker

    Independent Speaker

    - Present 7 years 11 months

    India

    • Engaged as a speaker and moderator on entreprenurship, marketing & AI at prestigious forums such as EO, FICCI, FLO, LSE and Ashoka University amongst others
    • Participted in panel discussions of industry leaders at events hosted by Google, Meta, Salesforce, Economic Times, Exchange4Media and Advertising Clubs
    • Contributed insights to marketing forums organized by Economic Times and YourStory, enhancing dialogue on innovation and strategy.

    I'm honored to have received the…

    • Engaged as a speaker and moderator on entreprenurship, marketing & AI at prestigious forums such as EO, FICCI, FLO, LSE and Ashoka University amongst others
    • Participted in panel discussions of industry leaders at events hosted by Google, Meta, Salesforce, Economic Times, Exchange4Media and Advertising Clubs
    • Contributed insights to marketing forums organized by Economic Times and YourStory, enhancing dialogue on innovation and strategy.

    I'm honored to have received the British Council UK Alumni Entrepreneur Award 2020 for India and South Asia and to be recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year for Digital Marketing by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2022. I have also been recognized as a 40 under 40 Leader by many publications including Business World & Agency Reporter as well as Agency Head of the Year 2024 by Social Samosa. I am a member of the Meta India Client Council and EO Chennai. I am an active angel Investor and advisor to startups via The Chennai Angels. I am a Linkedin Top Voice and amongst the top creators on the platform.

  • Entrepreneurs'​ Organization Graphic

    Member

    Entrepreneurs'​ Organization

    - Present 2 years 7 months

    Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    Member of EO Chennai

    Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is a global, peer-to-peer network of more than 14,000+ influential business owners with 198 chapters in 61 countries.

  • The Chennai Angels Graphic

    Angel Investor

    The Chennai Angels

    - Present 5 years 6 months

    Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    Investing in early stage startups via The Chennai Angels and Angelist

  • D2Scale Graphic

    Co-Founder

    D2Scale

    - Present 3 years 9 months

    Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

    Ecommerce Centre of Excellence by Social Beat. Growth Partner for omnichannel and D2C brands, combining performance, data and technology. Partner to brands like boAt, Sephora, WOW Skin, Go Colors, Indian Terrain, Arvind Brands, ForMen, Healthkart, Pilgrim, Zivame and Clovia amongst others. For more details visit https://d2scale.in

  • 22 languages Graphic

    Co-Founder

    22 languages

    - Present 7 years 4 months

    Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    A platform that helps brands create and amplify content in 22 Indian languages.

    Creating a strong multilingual strategy isn’t about simply translating your existing messaging into a number of different languages. As internet connectivity and availability of affordable smartphones in tier and tier 3 towns increase, many brands will witness a shift in their target markets. Speaking to these growing audiences involves a deep understanding of their interests, lifestyles and culture. 22…

    A platform that helps brands create and amplify content in 22 Indian languages.

    Creating a strong multilingual strategy isn’t about simply translating your existing messaging into a number of different languages. As internet connectivity and availability of affordable smartphones in tier and tier 3 towns increase, many brands will witness a shift in their target markets. Speaking to these growing audiences involves a deep understanding of their interests, lifestyles and culture. 22 Languages helps brands gear up for this changing market, right from the strategy, campaign ideation, communication to monitoring the campaign. 22 Languages will work with brands to identify their biggest target market, understand the consumers within it and identify the languages to speak to them in. Be it for their social media, video content, performance ads or even websites and mobile applications.

    Visit http://22languages.com/ for more details

  • British Business Group South Graphic

    Executive Committee Member

    British Business Group South

    - Present 10 years 9 months

    Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

  • DigiGrad Graphic

    Co-Founder

    DigiGrad

    - 2 years 1 month

    Bengaluru, Karnataka

    DigiGrad was an edtech company focussed on digital marketing skills

  • KoolKart Graphic

    Social Shopping Evangelist

    KoolKart

    - 8 months

    Chennai Area, India

    Koolkart was a social shopping community, where shoppers could find exclusive products recommended by their friends and others in the community. We curated range of exclusive and trendy collection of products. I was heading marketing and operations for the venture.

  • Murugappa Group

    Murugappa Group

    2 years 9 months

    • Murugappa Group Graphic

      Brand Manager & Head of Digital - TI Cycles

      Murugappa Group

      - 1 year 7 months

      Chennai Area, India

      I was Product Manager & Brand Manager for premium bicycle brands - Hercules Roadeo (for urban teenagers) and Hercules Ryders (for urban adults) with cumulative turnovers to the tune of Rs.500 million. I was part of the team that launched Montra, India’s first performance bicycle brand and managed its brand ambassador, Karun Chandhok. For a year, I was head of digital marketing, spearheading 2 websites, SEO, social media, e-commerce and digital marketing. We bagged the Silver at the Digirrati…

      I was Product Manager & Brand Manager for premium bicycle brands - Hercules Roadeo (for urban teenagers) and Hercules Ryders (for urban adults) with cumulative turnovers to the tune of Rs.500 million. I was part of the team that launched Montra, India’s first performance bicycle brand and managed its brand ambassador, Karun Chandhok. For a year, I was head of digital marketing, spearheading 2 websites, SEO, social media, e-commerce and digital marketing. We bagged the Silver at the Digirrati awards at the Paul Writer Futurist CMO Conclave in 2012.

      During my tenure I took additional responsibility of brand and product management of BSA Plug In (cycling accessories) and Track & Trail (the international luxury range having brands like Montra, Bianchi, Cannondale, Schwinn, Mongoose and GT)

      I was adjudged the best marketing performer for FY ‘12. I was also head of the winning team for the internal strategy competition, “Murugappa Voice of the Future” in 2011

    • Murugappa Group Graphic

      Executive Assistant to Padma Bhushan MV Subbiah

      Murugappa Group

      - 1 year 3 months

      Chennai Area, India

      I started as a Management Trainee with my first role as the Executive Assistant to Padma Bhushan M.V. Subbiah. He is the former chairman of the Murugappa Group and at that time served as the Managing Trustee of the charitable trust of the company, AMM Foundation. At that time he was also the Chairman of the National Skill Development Corporation, a PPP under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance aimed at vocational skill training of 150 million Indians by 2022.

      My role as EA was to assist…

      I started as a Management Trainee with my first role as the Executive Assistant to Padma Bhushan M.V. Subbiah. He is the former chairman of the Murugappa Group and at that time served as the Managing Trustee of the charitable trust of the company, AMM Foundation. At that time he was also the Chairman of the National Skill Development Corporation, a PPP under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance aimed at vocational skill training of 150 million Indians by 2022.

      My role as EA was to assist in advocacy, strategizing and in setting up processes at the National Skill Development Corporation. I assisted in the coordination, strategy and investment analysis of AMM Foundation (Winner of Forbes India Philanthropy Awards). I also undertook short term projects with the internal strategy team at Murugappa to assist different businesses of the group.

      Padma Bhushan M.V. Subbiah is an Independent Director across various public listed companies and private companies. He is a Board member at the Family Business Network International, amongst other professional networks and NGOs. I assisted him in forming a stand point for all his meetings.

      He is a renowned management speaker and I was responsible for his presentations and talks on various topics including family business management, skill development, change management and leadership

  • National Skill Development Corporation Graphic

    Executive Assistant to Chairman - Padma Bhushan MV Subbiah

    National Skill Development Corporation

    - 1 year 3 months

    Greater Delhi Area

    I was Executive Assistant to Padma Bhushan M.V. Subbiah who was the First Chairman of the National Skill Development Corporation, a PPP under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance aimed at vocational skill training of 150 million Indians. My role as EA was to assist in advocacy, strategizing and in setting up processes at the National Skill Development Corporation. I worked closely with the founding team of NSDC to evaluate the first set of organisations to partner with - and visited many of…

    I was Executive Assistant to Padma Bhushan M.V. Subbiah who was the First Chairman of the National Skill Development Corporation, a PPP under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance aimed at vocational skill training of 150 million Indians. My role as EA was to assist in advocacy, strategizing and in setting up processes at the National Skill Development Corporation. I worked closely with the founding team of NSDC to evaluate the first set of organisations to partner with - and visited many of them in person to understand their process and quality of training.

  • Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Graphic

    HR Generalist

    Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

    - 1 year 10 months

    Chennai Area, India

    I was the Asst. Manager HR at Taj Coromandel, which is one of South India's leading hotel.

    I Implemented various employee engagement and recognition activities during my tenure. I managed recruitment and employee induction. I implemented robust open-house sessions and communication methods to win the 3rd Best Internal Communication Award. I handled industrial relations and contributed to the completion of the 4-month long union wage settlement in 2007. I also handled performance…

    I was the Asst. Manager HR at Taj Coromandel, which is one of South India's leading hotel.

    I Implemented various employee engagement and recognition activities during my tenure. I managed recruitment and employee induction. I implemented robust open-house sessions and communication methods to win the 3rd Best Internal Communication Award. I handled industrial relations and contributed to the completion of the 4-month long union wage settlement in 2007. I also handled performance management, corporate reporting and community initiatives.

    During my Masters at LSE, I was a part-time consultant for Taj Hotels at their premier properties in UK.

    Achievements
    - Improved employee satisfaction scores by 10%, internal process audit scores by 6% and HR service quality scores by 36%
    - Stabilized and maintained attrition below industry standards
    - Selected as an high potential executive in 2007

  • Tata Interactive Systems GmbH Graphic

    Marketing Strategist

    Tata Interactive Systems GmbH

    - 4 months

    Tübingen Area, Germany

    Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) is a global pioneer in e-learning. I was working with the proprietary business simulation game division, TOPSIM, which is the #1 simulation product in Germany.

    As an AIESEC intern handled content development of management simulations, creating and developing user manuals and marketing elements such as website, brochures, presentations etc. to make it client focussed. Reported to MD, TIS Germany.

    Achievements:
    - Developed marketing material for 6…

    Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) is a global pioneer in e-learning. I was working with the proprietary business simulation game division, TOPSIM, which is the #1 simulation product in Germany.

    As an AIESEC intern handled content development of management simulations, creating and developing user manuals and marketing elements such as website, brochures, presentations etc. to make it client focussed. Reported to MD, TIS Germany.

    Achievements:
    - Developed marketing material for 6 Management Simulations and for Topsim Website.
    - Made a concrete analysis of top 5 Management Simulation competitors in USA.
    - Remoulded existing marketing/user material to ensure content is more client-focussed.

    http://www.topsim.com/en/

  • AIESEC Chennai

    AIESEC Chennai

    2 years 7 months

    • AIESEC Chennai Graphic

      Local Committee President

      AIESEC Chennai

      - 1 year 7 months

      Chennai Area, India

      I took over as interim-President in September and took up the role on a full-time basis from April 2005. I handled a 9-member core team, was the key spokesperson and the strategic head of the 45-member local chapter. I strategized with the Board of Advisors (consisting of prominent industry leaders) who governed and guided the chapter.

      I was overall in charge for recruitment, training, member recognition, service delivery and finance. We hosted an international event with 600 delegates…

      I took over as interim-President in September and took up the role on a full-time basis from April 2005. I handled a 9-member core team, was the key spokesperson and the strategic head of the 45-member local chapter. I strategized with the Board of Advisors (consisting of prominent industry leaders) who governed and guided the chapter.

      I was overall in charge for recruitment, training, member recognition, service delivery and finance. We hosted an international event with 600 delegates from 89 countries at Agra in 2005 with a 15 member organising team. Reported to National Committee President, India.

      Achievements:
      - Set fund-raising benchmarks to win the External Relations Award in India
      - 8th Best Local Chapter in the Global Network of 700 chapters (by Q1 2006)
      - 3rd Best Local Chapter in the National Network of 15 chapters (by Q1 2006).
      - Increased member retention from 20% to 80%

    • AIESEC Chennai Graphic

      Vice President - Corporate Sector

      AIESEC Chennai

      - 1 year 7 months

      Chennai Area, India

      AIESEC is the world's largest youth run organisation which aims at developing the potential of youth in over 110 countries. It runs an international internship programme which gives students and recent graduates the opportunity to live and intern in another country.

      I joined AIESEC as Member - Corporate Sector and was later elected as Vice-President. Our team was responsible for sourcing interns from across the globe for companies in Chennai. I lead a team of 8 towards growth and…

      AIESEC is the world's largest youth run organisation which aims at developing the potential of youth in over 110 countries. It runs an international internship programme which gives students and recent graduates the opportunity to live and intern in another country.

      I joined AIESEC as Member - Corporate Sector and was later elected as Vice-President. Our team was responsible for sourcing interns from across the globe for companies in Chennai. I lead a team of 8 towards growth and relationship management. We ended as the 2nd Best Local Chapter in Corporate Internships in the global network of 700 chapters.

Education

Licenses & Certifications

Skills

Publications

  • Decoding the Digital Jungle

    Social Beat & Notionpress

    Written by digital marketing experts from Social Beat, this book deals with the various aspects of digital marketing and the methods marketers use to leverage the medium to grow their sales and revenue. Much like the annual spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebras migrating from the parched savannahs, humankind too witnessed an even greater migration over the last two decades where 500+ million Indians ‘migrated’ to the internet. Over the last few years, this migration has led to a…

    Written by digital marketing experts from Social Beat, this book deals with the various aspects of digital marketing and the methods marketers use to leverage the medium to grow their sales and revenue. Much like the annual spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebras migrating from the parched savannahs, humankind too witnessed an even greater migration over the last two decades where 500+ million Indians ‘migrated’ to the internet. Over the last few years, this migration has led to a phenomenal growth of digital marketing. This book will help beginners wade through this digital wilderness and is packed with case studies and infallible insights. Decoding the Digital Jungle takes the readers on a safari of marketing concepts transitioning from the traditional to the digital age.

    Other authors
    See publication

Honors & Awards

  • Agency of the Year

    Economic Times

  • Most Influential Digital Leader 2024

    Agency Reporter

  • Outstanding Leader of the Year - Digital

    FICCI

    Awarded as Outstanding Leader of the Year by FICCI Young Leadership Awards 2024

  • Agency Head of the Year

    Social Samosa

  • 40 under 40 Marketing Leader

    Business World

  • Winner - Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 - Digital Marketing

    Entrepreneur India

  • 40 Under 40 Leader

    Agency Reporter

    40 Most Disruptive Minds listed by Agency Reporter

  • Winner - India & South Asia

    British Council UK Alumni Award 2020

    Winner of the Entrepreneurship award at the British Council UK Alumni Award 2020 - for India and South Asia

  • 40 Under 40 Leader

    Social Samosa

  • Top 50 Content Marketers

    Linkedin and Paul Writer

  • Top 100 Digital Marketers

    Pluralsight and Paul Writer

  • Most Influential Digital Marketing Leader

    CMO Asia

  • Best Performer in the Marketing Team

    TI Cycles of India

    Best Marketing Performer, FY ‘12

  • Winner, Murugappa Voice of the Future 2011

    Murugappa Group

    Head of winning team for internal strategy competition, Murugappa “Voice of the Future”, 2011

  • Best Member, CII Young Indians (Chennai Chapter) 2010-11

    CII Young Indians

    Employability Co-Chair and Best Member, CII Young Indians (Chennai Chapter) 2010-11

  • Winner of 1st MMA - Sanmar Competition on Effective Business Communication

    Madras Management Association

    Winner of 1st MMA (Madras Management Association) - Sanmar Competition on Effective Business Communication 2007

  • Runner up, TN State Level Table Tennis Tournament

    TN TT Association & Jaigopal Garodia School

    Runner up in TN State Level Table Tennis Tournament organised by JGVV Anna Nagar 2

Organizations

  • Meta India Client Council

    Council Member

    - Present

  • Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO Chennai)

    Member

    - Present

  • TiE Chennai

    Charter Member

    - Present

  • British Business Group, Chennai

    Executive Committee

    - Present

  • Association of British Scholars (ABS), Chennai

    Executive Committee

    - Present

  • LSE Alumni Association, Chennai

    Chennai Chapter Alumni Leader

    - Present

  • Facebook India

    SME Council Member

    -

    Privileged to be a member of the Facebook India SME Council, a platform for agencies and small business owners to interact with Facebookers to exchange their outlook and expectation of the Facebook platform. We would be providing input on the market realities of being a agency catering to SMEs and growing businesses in India and collaborate together with FB on how to achieve the business goals of our clients.

  • KCT Business School (Kumaraguru College of Technology)

    Mentor, Centre of Marketing

    -

  • Young Indians (Yi) Chennai

    Co-Chair, Employability

    -

  • LSE Entrepreneurs Society

    Manager, LSE Entrepreneurs International Challenge (EPIC) 2009

    -

    Organized a 4-day international challenge based competition with a 12 member organizing committee and project budget of project budget of GBP 10,000. The competition included guest lectures from eminent business leaders and entrepreneurs. Universities from UK, USA and Canada participated with McGill University (Canada) winning it.

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