About Me

Welcome to my blog! I’m Chanpreet Singh, a passionate Analytics and Digital Marketing leader with over 2 decades of experience, blending data-driven insights with creative strategies.

From the Entry-Level job to Head of Data Analytics: A Transformative Journey of Growth, Innovation, and Leadership

Every career has its defining moments—times when challenges test resolve, innovation paves the way for progress, and leadership inspires transformation. My journey, spanning over two decades, from an entry-level job to heading the Data Analytics function at one of India’s largest media conglomerates is a testament to these moments. It’s a story of perseverance, learning, and a relentless passion for enabling data-driven excellence.

The Beginning: Building a Strong Foundation

My career began in 2000, not in the world of data analytics but in customer service and sales with companies like Daksh eServices (now IBM Daksh), Bharti Infotrac (Airtel telecom), and American Express. While these roles were far removed from the world of data, they were instrumental in shaping my foundational skills in empathy, communication, and problem-solving—skills that continue to serve me as a leader today.

The Turning Point: Discovering My Passion for Data at Times Internet

In 2006, I made the leap into the world of analytics when I joined Times Internet as a Data Specialist. Over the next several years, I worked my way up to Chief Manager for Analytics and SEO, discovering not just my love for data, but its potential to drive business success. Leading business intelligence initiatives, optimizing digital properties, and developing audience growth strategies showed me how data could tell powerful stories—stories that could shape decisions and lead to remarkable results.

One of my early challenges was building an SEO team from the ground up. SEO was still in its infancy, and I had to convince stakeholders of its value. By focusing on data-driven experimentation and fostering a collaborative, results-driven culture, we achieved top rankings and visibility for our digital platforms. It was one of those defining moments where I saw firsthand how innovation, combined with data, could drive real impact.

Expanding Horizons at AOL Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise

In 2010, I broadened my horizons by taking on a role as Senior Manager for Operations, Strategy, and Analytics at AOL Inc. and then transitioned on to Hewlett-Packard Enterprise for the same role. Leading cross-functional teams across global markets for clients like AOL and Huffington Post was an experience that transformed my approach to leadership. I worked on integrating data systems, creating real-time dashboards, and delivering insights that drove decision-making at the highest levels, while leading SEO, Digital Marketing, Research, Analytics and Data Strategy teams across Global markets.

Collaborating with diverse teams across the globe enhanced my ability to communicate, adapt, and navigate complex challenges. I learned to integrate technical expertise with strategic thinking, ensuring that our analytics efforts were aligned with broader business goals.

Revolutionizing Product Analytics at Times Internet

I returned to Times Internet in 2014 as the Head of Platforms and Analytics, where I led transformational initiatives that reinforced the role of data in shaping business outcomes. I spearheaded the introduction of enterprise-wide BI tools, product and mobile analytics frameworks, and digital campaign optimization efforts that scaled our digital ecosystem. These initiatives not only improved business performance but also reinforced the importance of innovation and data-driven decision-making.

Leading Data Analytics and SEO at Network18: The Pinnacle of My Career Journey so far

In 2018, I took on the role of Head of Data Analytics at Network18, one of India’s largest media conglomerates. Leading the data function for renowned platforms like Moneycontrol, News18, and CNBC-TV18 has been both challenging and rewarding. I’m proud of milestones like driving strong growth in unique visitors across our digital platforms, implementing predictive models to boost audience engagement, and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making across all levels of the organization.

At Network18, I also had the privilege of building and leading one of the largest SEO teams in the digital news media industry, that catered to diverse requirements across around 20 businesses covering content SEO, Tech SEO and YouTube SEO. Through continuous innovation, automation, and a relentless focus on optimizing business processes, we consistently delivered outstanding results. The key to our success has always been empowering teams with knowledge and ensuring they have the tools and processes to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Challenges That Shaped Me as a Leader

Every challenge I’ve faced has been a learning opportunity. One lesson I’ve learned is that leadership is not about having all the answers, but creating an environment where your team can thrive, innovate, and grow. All through my career, I focused on mentoring my teams, encouraging creative problem-solving, and celebrating both small and large victories. One of my proudest achievements was implementing detailed process documentation and streamlining workflows, allowing teams to focus on strategic priorities rather than being bogged down by operational tasks.

Building Teams That Drive Excellence

For me, leadership is about inspiring and empowering others. Over the years, I’ve built teams that thrive on collaboration, ownership, and innovation. Whether it was leading a team through the complexities of mobile analytics at Times Internet or driving predictive modeling at Network18, I always prioritized knowledge sharing, team development, and fostering a culture of excellence.

Here are some of the principles that have guided my leadership:

• Empowering Through Knowledge: I believe in equipping teams with the skills and resources they need to succeed. Whether it was through training sessions on new analytics tools or SEO strategies, I made sure my teams were always ahead of the curve.
• Driving Impact Through Innovation: I’ve always encouraged my teams to think outside the box. Whether it was developing new mobile analytics frameworks or building predictive models, we pushed the envelope to deliver impactful solutions.
• Fostering a Culture of Excellence: By setting high standards and leading by example, I’ve helped teams deliver insights that not only inform decisions but also drive measurable outcomes.

Advice for Aspiring Analytics Leaders

One piece of advice I’d give to aspiring leaders in analytics is this: Challenges are opportunities in disguise. Success comes from embracing the unknown, adapting quickly, and inspiring those around you to do the same. Whether you’re building a new team, navigating industry shifts, or driving innovation, the key is to stay resilient, stay curious, and lead by example.

The Road Ahead

As I reflect on my journey, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the lessons learned, the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead, and the impact we’ve created together. But I know this is just the beginning. There’s still so much more to achieve, and the possibilities with data are endless. My vision for the future is to continue to push the boundaries of data-driven excellence, foster diverse, high-performing teams, and inspire the next generation of analytics leaders.

For anyone looking to make their mark in the world of data, remember: The power of data is transformative—but it’s the power of teamwork, persistence, and a bold vision that turns that data into something truly impactful.