Deepa Krishnan takes charge as marketing head at Edelweiss AIF

MUMBAI: Edelweiss Alternate Asset Advisors has roped in seasoned marketer Deepa Krishnan as its new head of marketing, marking a notable leadership addition as the firm sharpens its focus on real estate-led alternate investments.

Announcing the move, Krishnan called it a “new beginning in 2026”, saying she looks forward to driving disproportionate growth for Edelweiss’s real estate business. The appointment brings a consumer-first marketing lens to a space that is increasingly courting sophisticated investors with sharper storytelling and stronger brand recall.

Krishnan joins Edelweiss after a high-profile stint at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where she served as head of marketing for India and South West Asia. During her tenure, Hyatt clocked double-digit growth, strengthened its presence in key segments such as MICE, weddings and food and beverage, and emerged as the most followed hospitality brand in India on social media. She also helped lift loyalty contribution to topline by 10 per cent, blending brand-building with measurable business impact.

Before Hyatt, Krishnan spent over four years at Starbucks India, where she headed marketing, category, loyalty and digital. Her time there coincided with rapid expansion, with the store network tripling in four years and loyalty-led customer acquisition growing at 20 per cent year on year.

Her earlier career spans leadership roles at Kantar, Idea Cellular and Diageo India, along with a long consulting innings at The Futures Company, advising global giants on strategy, innovation and consumer trends across Asia. She began her professional journey at Godrej Appliances, working on marketing and new product development, including the launch of Godrej’s first rural refrigerator.

With experience cutting across FMCG, hospitality, telecom and now alternate assets, Krishnan brings a rare mix of brand craft and growth discipline. At Edelweiss Alternate Asset Advisors, that blend is likely to be put to work as the firm looks to stand out in a crowded and increasingly brand-conscious investment landscape.