Vishal Katelia

Vishal Katelia is a consumer marketing expert, customer engagement strategist and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience helping organisations unlock growth through the fusion of technology, data and customer-centric marketing. Having worked across industries including hospitality, travel, luxury retail and e-commerce, Vishal has built a reputation for transforming how businesses connect with their audiences. As the Founder of KATELIA PROJECTS, he draws on a wealth of commercial expertise to advise organisations on consumer marketing, engagement strategies and the use of technology to empower human connections. His ability to translate complex customer data into meaningful business outcomes makes him a highly sought-after speaker for organisations navigating digital transformation and evolving consumer expectations.

Vishal holds a degree in Business Computing from the University of Westminster and began his career at P&O Ferries as a Database Marketing Executive before progressing into a managerial role. In 2007, he joined Expedia, where he further developed his expertise in customer engagement and digital marketing. He continued his rise through the industry at MR PORTER, spending nearly five years as Customer Retention Manager and later Senior Manager, leading initiatives that strengthened customer loyalty and lifetime value. In 2016, he became Group Head of Customer Engagement at Soho House & Co before moving to Farfetch in 2017 as Customer Strategist, later advancing to Head of Customer Strategy and Engagement.

Throughout his career, Vishal has been recognised for his innovative approach to consumer engagement and customer experience. His success has been built on combining technology, behavioural insight and strategic marketing to create stronger, more meaningful customer relationships.

In 2024, Vishal founded KATELIA PROJECTS, bringing together years of leadership experience to help businesses maximise customer value and strengthen brand relationships. His presentations provide practical insights into consumer behaviour, loyalty, retention and the role of technology in creating personalised experiences. Audiences value his ability to bridge commercial strategy with real-world application, making his talks both engaging and actionable.

Vishal offers audiences a rare combination of strategic marketing expertise, customer engagement leadership and hands-on experience across some of the world’s most recognised consumer brands. Drawing on a career that spans travel, hospitality, luxury retail and e-commerce, he delivers practical insights into how organisations can build stronger customer relationships in an increasingly digital world. His engaging speaking style, commercial perspective and deep understanding of consumer behaviour equip business leaders with the tools needed to improve retention, increase loyalty and create more meaningful connections with their customers.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Vishal Katelia’s remarkable career:

  • 2024 – Founded KATELIA PROJECTS, providing strategic guidance on customer engagement, marketing and business growth.
  • 2018 – Promoted to Head of Customer Strategy and Engagement at Farfetch, leading customer-focused initiatives across the business.
  • 2017 – Joined Farfetch as Customer Strategist, helping shape customer engagement strategies for a global luxury platform.
  • 2016 – Appointed Group Head of Customer Engagement at Soho House & Co, overseeing customer relationship strategies.
  • 2015 – Served as Senior Manager at MR PORTER, driving customer retention and loyalty programmes.
  • 2012 – Joined MR PORTER as Customer Retention Manager, focusing on customer lifecycle and engagement strategies.
  • 2007 – Moved to Expedia, expanding his expertise in digital marketing and customer acquisition.
  • 2005 – Advanced into a marketing management role at P&O Ferries, leading database-driven marketing initiatives.
  • 2004 – Began his career as Database Marketing Executive at P&O Ferries, developing foundational expertise in customer data and marketing.

“Vishal Katelia delivered an insightful and highly engaging presentation that perfectly balanced strategic thinking with practical application. His deep expertise in consumer marketing, customer engagement and digital transformation was evident throughout, providing our audience with valuable takeaways they could implement immediately. Vishal has a unique ability to translate complex data and technology concepts into clear, actionable strategies that resonate with both leaders and practitioners. Professional, knowledgeable and genuinely inspiring, he left a lasting impression on attendees and was one of the standout speakers of the event.” – David Simms