“Your strategy should always be built around the audience and their needs”

From school corridors to managing large-scale events at one of India’s most respected media houses, Mr Rohail James’ professional journey is a testament to how strong foundations shape long-term success. A 2010 alumnus of Apeejay School, Faridabad, Rohail is currently working as Manager – Marketing & Events at HT Media. In this insightful interaction, he reflects on his school years, career choices, and the real-world lessons that continue to guide him.

Read edited excerpts:

How did your career journey unfold after school?
After completing my schooling, I pursued B.Com (Honours) from Delhi University. Post that, I did a couple of internships which helped me understand the professional world better. Gradually, I moved into event management and marketing. Over the last 10 years, I have consistently worked in this space, learning how different industries function and how marketing connects them all.

What attracted you to marketing and events as a profession?
Interestingly, it wasn’t a fully planned decision, it evolved over time. During one of my internships, I got an opportunity to be part of the backend of a concert. Events are not just about what people see on stage; they involve managing artists, production teams, fabrication, promotions and multiple stakeholders. This need for organisation and coordination really excited me, and these are skills we start learning early at school.

What does your role at HT Media involve on a day-to-day basis?
At HT Media, where I’ve been working for nearly four years, I handle events across education, tourism and entertainment. My team and I curate events from scratch, deciding the format, performances, activities and overall experience. We then create sponsorship packages, work closely with the sales team, plan digital promotions across platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and coordinate with ticketing partners. On the event day, execution becomes key, with multiple partners ensuring a seamless experience.

Does working with a legacy organisation like HT Media make sponsorships easier?
Being part of HT Media definitely has its advantages, but it’s not enough on its own. Brands today are very clear about what they want. If they’re investing significant amounts, they expect strong engagement and measurable value. So, we constantly create customised engagement ideas rather than relying only on the brand name.

What does being associated with HT Media mean to you personally?
Professionally, it’s enormous. When you work with agencies, recognition is limited. At HT Media, the exposure, network and credibility are on another level altogether. The people I’ve connected with through this platform have truly expanded my professional world.

What advice would you give to Apeejay students aspiring to enter media, marketing or events?
My biggest advice is – know your audience. Whether it’s events, digital marketing or promotions, understanding who you’re talking to is more important than just knowing the product. Your strategy should always be built around the audience and their needs.