Mrugesh Desai

VP, North America | Technology & Media Executive | Wharton MBA

Seattle, US.

About

Highly accomplished technology and media executive with over 17 years of global experience in scaling digital businesses and leading high-impact cross-functional teams. Proven expertise spans product, UX, engineering, sales, marketing, partnerships, and operations, consistently delivering innovative B2B and B2C solutions for leading global brands. Adept at driving growth, market entry, and organizational transformation through strategic vision, rigorous execution, and a deep focus on user experience and monetization. Holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a BASc in Systems Design Engineering. Also serves as a board member, advisor, and angel investor, actively backing next-generation startups.

Work

Accedo.tv

Vice President, North America

Summary

Led the North American business unit for Accedo.tv, a leading provider of TV application solutions, driving strategic growth and operational excellence across diverse markets.

Highlights

Spearheaded the North American business unit, holding full P&L responsibility and driving significant revenue growth through strategic leadership.

Led and mentored diverse cross-functional teams, including consulting, sales, solutions engineering, UX, marketing, and OEM partnerships, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Cultivated strong customer-centricity, delivering high-value B2B and B2C solutions to clients and securing robust business results for hundreds of global media, sports, and entertainment brands.

Guided strategic initiatives in cutting-edge video technologies, including augmented and virtual reality, to power next-generation user experiences and ensure market leadership.

Accedo.tv

Head of Solutions Engineering

Summary

Managed and led the solutions engineering department, driving technical strategy and delivery for client-facing projects.

Digiflare (merged with Accedo)

Director of Program Management

Summary

Oversaw program management initiatives, ensuring successful execution and delivery of key projects prior to the merger with Accedo.

Digiflare (merged with Accedo)

Program Manager

Summary

Managed critical programs and projects, contributing to the operational efficiency and strategic objectives of Digiflare.

Aurelia

Co-Founder/Investor/Advisor

Summary

Co-founded a unique members club, providing strategic guidance and investment to foster growth and market presence.

Highlights

Co-founded Aurelia, a members club designed to unite boating, automotive, and motorcycling enthusiasts through unique, meaningful experiences, establishing the first chapter in Seattle.

Successfully negotiated and led the acquisition of electric boat assets from Pure Watercraft's receivership, securing foundational assets for Aurelia's launch.

Provides strategic growth guidance and serves as a board member, advising on business scaling and future direction.

Active angel investor, supporting and mentoring promising early-stage startups within the tech and media landscape.

BlackBerry

Product Manager - Platform, Networking & Infrastructure

Summary

Managed product development for platform, networking, and infrastructure components, ensuring robust and scalable solutions.

BlackBerry

Prototype Product Specialist - R&D

Summary

Focused on research and development of product prototypes, contributing to future product innovations.

BlackBerry

Associate Product Manager - Unified Communications & Collaboration

Summary

Supported product management efforts for unified communications and collaboration solutions.

The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited (CDS)

Systems Engineer

Summary

Provided systems engineering support, ensuring the stability and efficiency of critical infrastructure.

Education

The Wharton School

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Entrepreneurship and Innovation Grade:

University of Waterloo

Honours B.A.Sc Systems Design Engineering Grade:

International School of Lusaka

Cambridge - International General Certificate of Secondary Education Secondary Education Grade:

Languages

English

Native

Skills

Technology Strategy

Strategic Planning, Digital Transformation, Innovation.

Early-Stage Startups

Startup Advisory, Angel Investing, Venture Building.

Digital Business Scaling

Business Growth, Market Expansion, P&L Management.

Cross-functional Leadership

Team Leadership, Organizational Development, Collaboration.

Product Management

Product Lifecycle, Roadmap Development, Product Strategy.

User Experience (UX)

UX Design Principles, User Research, Customer Journey Mapping.

Engineering Management

Software Development Lifecycle, Technical Leadership.

Sales Strategy

Go-to-Market Strategy, Revenue Generation, Client Acquisition.

Marketing Strategy

Brand Management, Digital Marketing, Market Positioning.

Partnership Development

Strategic Alliances, OEM Partnerships, Business Development.

Operations Management

Operational Efficiency, Process Improvement, Resource Management.

B2B Solutions

Enterprise Software, Client Solutions, SaaS.

B2C Solutions

Consumer Products, Digital Media, User-Centric Design.

Monetization Strategies

Revenue Models, Pricing Strategy, Subscription Models.

Platform Innovation

Emerging Technologies, R&D, Technology Incubation.

Market Entry Strategy

New Market Development, Competitive Analysis, Business Planning.

Customer Relationship Management

Customer Obsession, Client Satisfaction, Relationship Building.

Executive Leadership

Strategic Direction, Organizational Leadership, Decision Making.

Program Management

Project Planning, Execution Management, Stakeholder Management.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

Due Diligence, Asset Acquisition, Integration Planning.

Interests

Spectator Sports

Sports Enthusiast, Team Sports, Live Events.