Sudheesh Avikkal
Sudheesh Avikkal isn't your typical corporate success story. From starting out as a receptionist in Mumbai to becoming one of the youngest-performing CEOs in the European Union, his journey spans decades of leadership across sectors and continents. Now, he is on the verge of launching a fan-first app that aims to change how audiences engage with sports, travel, and entertainment. In this exclusive interview with India Today, Sudheesh opens up about his roots, values, and the passion project that's close to his heart.
Q: Sudheesh, you've had a long and inspiring career. But let's begin at the beginning. What were your early days like?
Sudheesh Avikkal:
I grew up in Kannur, a small town in Kerala. Mine was a simple, middle-class upbringing-nothing extravagant. But I was always curious and determined. I used to be a rank holder in school, and that discipline led me to study economics at Brennen College in Thalassery. Later, I pursued my MBA from Leicester in the UK. That academic foundation gave me a lot of confidence to take risks and think globally.
Q: You started your career in 1995 as a receptionist. Today, you're recognized as a high-performing CEO in Europe. How did that transformation happen?
Sudheesh:
Honestly, I never saw any job as "small." I started in Mumbai-just trying to learn and add value wherever I could. Slowly, opportunities opened up. Eventually, I became the Asia Pacific head of a multinational conglomerate from the Netherlands. Over the years, I've worked in financial services, hospitality, and the sports industry. Each role taught me something new and shaped the leader I've become.
Q: You're now launching a fan-based app. What inspired this shift into tech and consumer engagement?
Sudheesh:
For me, it's always been about people. And in sports, the fans are the heartbeat. We often celebrate athletes, but without fans, there's no energy, no excitement. I've always believed, "Fans are bigger than celebrities." That idea stayed with me. Over the last three years, I've been working on an app that brings together sports lovers, travel buffs, fashion followers, and entertainment enthusiasts onto one platform. It's more than an app-it's an ecosystem.
Q: What will make your app different from others in the market?
Sudheesh:
It's not just about match scores or updates. This is about building community, offering immersive experiences, and creating space for fan stories, live engagement, travel inspiration, and even fashion trends in the sporting world. We're blending emotional connection with smart tech. That's the differentiator. I want fans to feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
Q: You've built teams across industries and geographies. How has that shaped your leadership style?
Sudheesh:
Working with diverse teams-people from different cultures, mindsets, and ethnicities-has taught me humility and adaptability. I've always encouraged openness, creativity, and ownership. Whether it was in finance or hospitality or sports, I've made it a point to build inclusive, performance-driven environments. That mindset is now at the core of our app project too.
Q: You also mentor and invest in startups. What do you look for in the founders or teams you support?
Sudheesh:
Original thinking. That's it. You don't need to have everything figured out. But if you have an authentic idea and the courage to build, I'm interested. I've backed a few startups that were trying to do things differently-either through tech or community impact. I see myself as someone who bridges corporate maturity with startup agility.
Q: What message would you like to share with young people who are trying to find their path?
Sudheesh:
Don't chase titles-chase purpose. Your background doesn't define your ceiling. I've seen that first hand. What matters is how curious you are, how persistent you can be, and how grounded you remain even when you rise. And remember-when you build something for others, like fans or consumers, do it with respect. They are the reason we exist.
Q: Finally, when can we expect the launch of your app? And what's your hope for it?
Sudheesh:
We're in the final stages of rollout. The app will launch soon, and I'm genuinely excited. My hope is that it becomes a space where fans-whether of sports, travel, fashion, or culture-feel at home. A space where they can engage, express, and explore. It's been built with heart, and I believe people will feel that the moment they use it.
In a world that often elevates glamour over grit, Sudheesh Avikkal reminds us that simplicity, sincerity, and a fan-first mindset can fuel powerful revolutions. As India and the world await the launch of his next venture, one thing is certain-this is not just a tech product. It's a movement powered by passion.
