AAKANKSHA BHARGAVA: PIONEERING GROWTH AND DIVERSITY IN INDIA'S RELOCATION INDUSTRY
From Modest Beginnings to INR 200 Crores: Aakanksha Bhargava's Journey of Revolutionizing India's Relocation Service Industry.
Aakanksha Bhargava, the CEO of P.M. Relocations Pvt Ltd (PMR), has emerged as the influential figurehead in India's relocation service industry. Her relentless drive and astute business acumen have propelled PMR from an annual turnover of INR 54 crores in 2020 to a staggering INR 200 crores this year, with a bold ambition to reach INR 350 crores by the end of the current financial year. In an industry plagued by disorganization, male dominance, and labor-intensive practices, Aakanksha has positioned relocation services at the forefront, transforming the landscape through her visionary approach, commitment to diversity, and dynamic values-centric strategies. Despite the hurdles posed by the pandemic, limited resources, logistic complexities, talent acquisition, unorganized market conditions, and the need for agile and resilient business services, PMR has achieved an extraordinary growth rate of over 130% in the past two years.
Established in 1986 as PM Packers, the company underwent a strategic rebranding to PM Relocations, aiming to expand its footprint and cater to the global relocation market. With over 16 years of experience, Aakanksha embarked on her career journey at PMR in international sales when the company's turnover was a modest 3 crores. Later transitioning to corporate sales and marketing, her primary focus over the past 16 years has been on driving exponential business growth, nurturing exceptional leaders and teams, cultivating a legacy, and fostering a credible brand image. In addition, Aakanksha has been actively involved in empowering underprivileged communities through initiatives centered around food, education, and livelihood support. Remarkably, PMR has achieved a staggering growth rate of over 4000% under her exemplary leadership, all while remaining self-funded.
Aakanksha's contributions to the industry have garnered widespread recognition, with a myriad of prestigious accolades to her name. Notable among them are the 'Excellence in the Field of Relocation Services' award at the Times Business Awards 2023, 'Woman CEO of the Year' at the Her Zindagi Womenprenuer Awards 2023, 'Women Leader of the Year' at the GIWL Awards 2023, and the distinction of being named one of India's Most Inspirational Leaders by Whitepage International in 2020. Additionally, she has been honored as 'The Extraordinaire - Powerful Women Achiever' at the Brand Vision Summit 2020, received the 'WeInspire' accolade from WeConnect International in 2018, and was recognized as a Woman of Worth by Outlook Business Magazine in 2017. Further highlighting her achievements are titles such as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year at the Franchise India Awards 2016 and Best Woman Leader at the Business Today SME Awards 2015, among many others. Aakanksha currently holds the position of Vice Chair with the WBE Council India for WEConnect International, serving as a member of IAM's Core Member Management Board (CMMB) and the IAM's Leadership Alliance Council. Her exceptional academic background includes a graduation in commerce from the Hindu College, an MBA from the prestigious SP Jain Institute of Management (Dubai and Singapore), and the distinction of being a leading Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) from the FIDI Academy since 2007.
Beyond her professional achievements, Aakanksha embraces her wanderlust, eagerly exploring new destinations alongside her daughter, Samaira. As a seasoned travel blogger, she imparts valuable insights on business travel and shares practical tips for new moms. During her leisure time, Aakanksha prioritizes quality moments with her family, indulging in cricket matches, and enjoying movies starring the iconic Shahrukh Khan.
Today, Aakanksha spearheads the organized relocation segment in India, serving as a beacon of inspiration for emerging leaders. Her resounding message to the new generation is to foster the 'Right Intent to Achieve the Impossible,' a testament to her unwavering determination and unyielding spirit.