PPAI recently added Alok Bhat to the team as the Association’s new market economist and senior manager of research.

His Place At PPAI

In this role, Bhat will be responsible for overseeing, planning and executing all phases of PPAI research into the promotional products market and adjacent industries. This includes:

  • Leading research projects and manage relationships with key stakeholders and third-party partners.
  • Interpret statistics visually and through written content and presentations.
  • Deliver data analytics and insights to support PPAI and drive informed decision-making throughout the promotional products industry.


“The opportunity to assume this position held an exceptional appeal for several compelling reasons,” Bhat says. “PPAI is a firmly established organization in the promotional products industry, and I recognized a unique opportunity to contribute to its growth and influence. This role also aligns seamlessly with my areas of expertise. However, what resonated most profoundly was PPAI's resolute commitment to innovation and its emphasis on deepening economic insights.

“This role affords me the platform to drive impactful change and to collaborate with visionary leaders in elevating PPAI's standing in the market.”

A Career In Consulting

Bhat’s career began at the global consultancy Accenture, where, as a senior analyst, he established a strong foundation in technology, consulting and business.

  • After nearly three years, he moved to IT services and consulting giant Infosys, where he was an assistant marketing manager.
  • Then, he joined fellow IT services and consulting giant Wipro, contributing to sales enablement, mergers and acquisitions and research endeavors.


In December 2012, it was something of a homecoming for Bhat, as he returned to Accenture to lead initiatives in go-to-market solution development, research and strategic planning.

  • His efforts have resulted in multi-billion-dollar sales pipelines for clients.


“I aspire to leverage my skills and experience to foster growth and expansion for PPAI's members within their respective businesses,” says Bhat, who earned a master’s in marketing management from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta. “Furthermore, I'm enthusiastic about cultivating a deeper understanding of industry dynamics and economic trends, enabling me to provide valuable insights to both PPAI and its members.”

Outside The Office

Bhat resides in Plano, Texas, along with his wife, Lidwin, and their 8-year-old daughter, Aanya. “I cherish spending quality time with them, whether it's exploring new places during our travels, enjoying leisurely swims or even experimenting with cooking in the kitchen,” he says.

Another passion of his is delving into stock market investments. “I thoroughly enjoy conducting meticulous research to build a portfolio of companies, which is both intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding,” Bhat says.