Samil Molhotra

About Samil

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Samil brings a unique blend of leadership, commercial expertise, and strategic insight across media, e-commerce, and hospitality.

Samil’s professional journey began in the Indian Army’s Armoured Corps (1985–1991), where he developed resilience, discipline, and strategic acumen before transitioning into the corporate world. In media, he played a pivotal role in launching Discovery Channel in India and strengthening Star TV’s market dominance with landmark initiatives such as Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). Samil’s leadership extended across major print and broadcast brands, including the Times of India, Hindustan Times, and Mint Newspaper, where he navigated the high-stakes world of real-time content, audience engagement, and market positioning.

As Co-founder and Partner at Askme.com, he was instrumental in building one of India’s leading e-commerce platforms, integrating search, engagement, and transactions to become the country’s fourth-largest platform by Gross Merchandise Value. In travel and hospitality, he led sales, marketing, and brand development for The Lalit Hotels and Royal Caribbean Cruises, successfully launching hotels, national restaurant brands, and nightlife experiences. Alongside his corporate leadership, he has spent over 20 years in academia and executive training, serving as a visiting faculty member at institutions such as MICA Ahmedabad—where he has run a Media Marketing Marathon Workshop for over a decade—and the Delhi School of Communication. Recognised for his contributions to business strategy, leadership, and market innovation, he was recently awarded a Doctorate in Business Administration. Combining commercial expertise with academic excellence, he continues to drive growth, mentor future leaders, and shape industry innovation.