Siddharth Deshmukh has taken on the role of Executive Director in the Sports Advisory division at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP. Siddharth’s primary responsibility will be to spearhead the growth and development of the esports practice, while also supporting the broader sports advisory team. His mission is to leverage his expertise in international business development, brand marketing, and fan engagement to contribute to the advancement of the sports and esports sectors in India.
Siddharth’s previous work includes launching the world’s largest franchise-based cricket esports league, the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL), in partnership with JetSynthesys. In this role, he was responsible for revenue generation and strategic franchise relations, playing a crucial part in building the league’s presence. His vision has always focused on transforming sports into a powerful brand, one that can drive social impact and inspire positive change. Now, with his new role at Grant Thornton Bharat, Siddharth aims to expand the opportunities within the Indian sports ecosystem, focusing on building pathways for sustainable growth and engaging both traditional and esports communities.
In addition to his professional commitments, Siddharth is deeply involved in sports education and community development. A former brand manager of legendary MS Dhoni, Siddharth is the founder and host of SportSidd – LetsTalkSports, a talk show dedicated to educating audiences on various facets of sports, including sports business, development, and CSR. He is also the CEO of Rising Pune FC, a prominent youth football club in Pune, and a founding member of the Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences, where he serves as faculty and head of industry connect.
Siddharth’s dedication to sports extends beyond commercialization, as he actively mentors and advises sports technology startups. His expertise has been sought after by several leading Sports Tech organizations, including Fanisko, BrandActif, and Genius Sports. As an ambassador for the Global Sports Innovation Center by Microsoft, he works with sports tech companies in India, offering mentorship and helping them gain access to valuable resources and opportunities.
Looking ahead, Siddharth plans to continue making an impact through his role at Grant Thornton Bharat. He is committed to building “Sport-as-a-Brand” and helping to establish India as a leader in both traditional sports and esports. His passion for empowering youth through sports and creating a more connected India drives his work, and he looks forward to collaborating with like-minded professionals to push the boundaries of the sports industry.
His previous experience also includes global roles with Mindtree, GlobalLogic, Tech Mahindra, Persistent Systems, and Axis Bank, where he honed his leadership skills and broadened his expertise in various sectors. Siddharth’s extensive background in technology and media, combined with his strategic vision for sports, has positioned him as a key influencer in the sports industry.
As he embarks on this exciting new chapter at Grant Thornton Bharat, Siddharth is enthusiastic about contributing to the growth of the sports and esports sectors, driving innovation, and creating a lasting impact on India’s sports landscape. His commitment to nation-building through sports is at the core of his work, and he is eager to continue inspiring future generations through his leadership and vision.