Shreyas Srinivasan, the Chief Product Officer of Paytm, has recently announced his departure from the company after over a decade of impactful contributions. This significant transition follows Paytm’s strategic decision to sell its ticketing arm, Insider.in, to Zomato for a staggering Rs 2,048 crore. Srinivasan’s exit marks the end of an era, encapsulated by a heartfelt message he shared on LinkedIn, reflecting on his journey and the future ahead.
Srinivasan has played a vital role in the evolution of Insider.in, which emerged in 2014 to fill a gap in live entertainment ticketing in India. His vision transformed what was once a fledgling idea into a robust platform capable of adapting to customer needs and industry dynamics. As he noted in his farewell message, “At that time, there was no platform dedicated to live entertainment, and I was uniquely positioned to build a product in this space.” This perspective underscores the entrepreneurial spirit that many in the tech landscape strive to achieve.
Part of Srinivasan’s journey involved securing critical backing from Paytm’s co-founders, Vijay Shekhar Sharma and Madhur Deora. He recalled how their initial three-hour meeting set the stage for what would become Paytm Insider. Thanks to their support, the partnership catalyzed Insider.in’s merger with Paytm in 2018, leading to significant market share in sports ticketing and competition in other entertainment categories.
However, the path wasn’t without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unparalleled obstacles for the live events industry, pushing many businesses to near-zero operations. Srinivasan, reflecting on this vast disruption, stated, “Great teams figure out a way to stay alive, and great culture allows you to grow coming out of a crisis.” This insights-driven approach not only speaks to his leadership but also exemplifies the resilience necessary in today’s business climate.
His leadership was instrumental during those turbulent times, guiding different teams towards adapting to Paytm’s core offerings and awaiting the live entertainment sector’s recovery. His team, which included leaders like Varun Khare and Dipti Goel, experienced remarkable growth as they redeployed their strategies, capitalizing on the resurgence of the events market in the subsequent years.
The financial implications of the Zomato deal have been significant for Paytm. Just recently, One97 Communications reported a profit of Rs 930 crore for Q2 FY 2025, a sharp turnaround from forecasted losses. This turnaround was largely due to the one-time gain from the sale of Insider.in, resonating with the notion that sometimes, strategic pivots can yield unprecedented outcomes.
As Srinivasan transitions into this new chapter, he emphasized the importance of taking a break to re-evaluate personal passions that extend beyond work. He remarked, “It felt like the right time to take a break, fix the tech debt of my body, and rediscover a passion I can chase for the next two decades.” This focus on personal growth and exploration highlights the balance professionals must strive for in the fast-paced world of e-commerce and technology.
In conclusion, Shreyas Srinivasan’s departure from Paytm is not just a farewell; it’s a moment of reflection on a legacy built over a decade. His journey from NH7 to Insider.in, and ultimately to Paytm, showcases the essence of innovation in digital marketing and e-commerce. As businesses navigate the complexities of the modern retail environment, leaders like Srinivasan remind us of the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the pursuit of passion.
This farewell serves as a case study for those in the e-commerce sector, illustrating that while business landscapes can change, the core values of leadership, innovation, and dedication to growth remain constant. As the industry prepares for new challenges, Srinivasan’s insights will undoubtedly continue to inspire the future generation of leaders in digital marketing and retail.