Sameer Pathak has taken on a new leadership role as the President – Pickleball based in Delhi, marking another milestone in his distinguished career in global sports and integrated marketing. With over 22 years of diverse leadership experience across sports business, brand strategy, and media, Sameer brings a wealth of expertise to this fast-emerging sport, poised for rapid growth in India and beyond.
Before stepping into this role, Sameer served as the CEO of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, where he played a pivotal role in launching the world’s first franchise-based chess league in partnership with FIDE. Under his leadership, the Global Chess League introduced fan-first innovations, immersive experiences, and a global broadcast footprint across 160 countries. His strategic acumen and vision transformed chess viewership and engagement, solidifying the league’s global footprint.
Sameer’s decade-long tenure with The Coca-Cola Company further exemplifies his proficiency in integrated marketing and brand activation. He led marketing initiatives that spanned FIFA, UEFA, ICC, and IPL, and was instrumental in developing purpose-led campaigns like “Brands as Agents of Change” for Coca-Cola’s iconic beverage portfolio. His contributions extended to alliances, corporate reputation, and sustainability marketing across South Asia.
With earlier stints at CNBC Network18, Times of India Group, and TimesJobs.com, Sameer has also delivered impact across media, partnerships, and business development. His ability to merge storytelling with commercial vision has consistently helped brands engage deeply with consumers while delivering on growth metrics. As he embarks on his new journey with Pickleball India, Sameer is expected to play a key role in shaping the sport’s ecosystem through professionalization, community outreach, and global collaboration.