In the dynamic, ever-evolving world of global business, where the lines between technology, finance, and marketing blur rapidly, Saurabh Singhal stands as a beacon of innovation, agility, and leadership. With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years across multiple continents and sectors, Saurabh Singhal, a marketing leader, has built a legacy that transcends traditional benchmarks of success.
From shaping cutting-edge marketing strategies for top-tier technology giants to redefining commercial growth models at leading financial institutions, his journey is nothing short of inspirational. At the core of his success lies an unwavering passion for excellence, a data-driven mindset, and a profound ability to envision future trends—long before they become mainstream.
Saurabh Singhal: A Global Trailblazer with Deep Asian Roots
Singapore has long been the nerve center of Asia-Pacific business innovation. For over 11 years, Saurabh led transformative marketing initiatives in this vibrant hub, bringing regional nuance, global perspective, and digital precision to the forefront. Whether it was building high-performance marketing teams, championing AI-powered customer engagement, or crafting strategies that delivered measurable business impact—Saurabh was always ahead of the curve.
At DBS Bank, as the Group Head of Marketing, he pioneered the integration of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence into everyday marketing operations. This wasn’t just about technology for technology’s sake—it was about driving real outcomes: customer satisfaction, business growth, and operational excellence. His contributions made DBS a marketing powerhouse, influencing customer engagement across six critical markets: Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and India.
GIFT City: A New Chapter in Fintech Innovation
In a bold and visionary move, Saurabh embraced a new challenge in 2023—as Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Fintech Officer at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Here, he took on the mission of shaping India’s most ambitious financial district into a global fintech innovation hub. His role is not merely administrative; it is transformative.
“With over two decades of experience across enterprise and retail, I’m passionate about driving the next phase of growth for GIFT City,” he shared on LinkedIn. True to his word, he continues to position GIFT City on the world stage as a modern metropolis powered by financial innovation, world-class infrastructure, and regulatory finesse.
Saurabh Singhal: Powering Brands Through Technology and Creativity
Before diving deep into finance, Saurabh’s roots were firmly planted in the technology sector. At Cisco, as a Global Product Manager, he worked on groundbreaking domains like Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT). He sharpened his technical acumen as a software engineer, a foundation that gives him a unique edge in understanding the intersection of technology and marketing.
His marketing leadership roles at Microsoft, HP, Juniper Networks, and Avaya further enriched his strategic vision and sharpened his focus on B2B technology marketing. At Jabra, as APAC Chief Marketing Officer, he expanded the company’s market footprint through innovative digital marketing campaigns, personalized customer journeys, and cutting-edge brand experiences. From B2C consumer programs to high-touch enterprise engagements, his spectrum of impact has been vast and profound.
An Engineer at Heart, A Strategist by Mind
Saurabh’s academic credentials are as stellar as his professional accomplishments. He earned his MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), consistently ranked among the best business schools globally. With an engineering degree backing his analytical prowess, he embodies the rare blend of technical intellect and strategic foresight that today’s leadership demands.
Influence, Recognition, and a Spirit That Inspires
Saurabh Singhal’s thought leadership extends beyond boardrooms. As an APAC advisory board member at the CMO Council, and a regional board member at The Marketing Society, he actively contributes to nurturing the next generation of marketing talent. His career is studded with prestigious recognitions:
-
Top 100 Most Talented Global Marketing Leaders – World Marketing Congress & CMO Council
-
APAC Most Valued Professional – A rare back-to-back win recognizing excellence and value
-
Pioneer Award for Initiative – Celebrating his proactive leadership at Cisco
Each accolade affirms not just his technical expertise or business impact, but also his ethics, charisma, and change-agent spirit.
A Legacy Built on People, Performance, and Purpose
What truly sets Saurabh Singhal apart as a marketing leader is his human-first approach. He leads with empathy, encourages experimentation, and instills a growth mindset in his teams. His LinkedIn farewell post from DBS is a testament to his humility and grace:
“When I pivoted from tech to banking, it was a leap of faith. I had no idea what was in store. But DBS exceeded every expectation. I met some of the most impressive, talented colleagues and inspiring mentors. Each experience was more enriching than the last.”
Also Read : MEA: Trump’s Tariff Won’t Shake India-US Relations