Deepa Sureka

Background

About Deepa Sureka

Deepa is an entrepreneurial results-driven business leader. She successfully drives growth at scale and brings groundbreaking technologies to market. Her areas of learning and focus are AI and Climate Solutions in energy economics and value chains. As COO for Rakuten (listed JASDAQ: 4755 #1 e-commerce marketplace in Japan) Deepa played a pivotal role in restructuring and scaling the US marketplace. She formulated a cohesive data-centric strategy assembled a high-functioning leadership team and partnered with key brands to double the BU’s topline to $100+ MM. Over her 13-year tenure at Rakuten Deepa led multiple business units and worked closely with the CEO and group CXOs to transform Rakuten from a small B2B business to a recognizable global consumer brand. Her initiative with the Affiliate Advisory business and Global Ops expanded Rakuten’s capacity and drove efficiency. Deepa and her team yielded remarkable results including driving the first $1billion in digital sales for Walmart’s affiliate program successful negotiations with Sephora JC Penny Chase Delta and many F500 brands increased market share strengthened customer retention. She facilitated Rakuten’s expansion into Europe and Australia. Deepa strategized and was a key lead in Rakuten's globalization efforts she was involved with international acquisitions due diligence and post-merger integrations. Currently Deepa advises two early-stage revolutionary Generative AI startups. The first is Akool a Gen AI platform that creates deeply immersive personalized video experiences. Akool is in seed/stealth mode and has received the AI Grant. The second LiveX.ai is an AI Co-pilot for homeowners as well as residential and commercial facilities’ service providers. LiveX.ai is backed by S32 & Fellows Fund. Deepa consults on strategy product development GTM and business development. Deepa also founded Kora a gig marketplace for local chefs and cooks making it easy for anyone to book a cook. Deepa is Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors for Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) a human right not-for-profit. NP utilizes unarmed civilian protection techniques to train communities to de-escalate and resolve conflict reducing armed violence. NP’s work in South Sudan garnered a nomination for the Noble Peace Prize. Drive Transformative Growth with a Global Perspective Deepa’s experience and network depth make her an ideal candidate for boards seeking scale digital transformation and a global human-centric approach to growth.