Sanjay Kaul

From humble beginnings in India to boardrooms across the globe, Sanjay Kaul’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and impact. With a degree in Electronics & Telecommunications, his fascination with technology soon evolved into a vision to connect people, empower businesses, and create opportunities across borders. Early roles at British Telecom in the UK and Telia in Sweden gave him international exposure and taught him the value of resilience and adaptability, lessons that shaped the foundation of his leadership journey.

Over the next three decades, Sanjay built an illustrious career across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. At Ericsson, he was entrusted with some of the company’s toughest challenges, where he turned struggling global businesses into profitable ventures. Later, at Cisco, he held senior leadership roles that further solidified his reputation as a transformational leader. Today, he serves as Chief Revenue Officer of Circles Group and CEO of Circles Aspire BV, helping to scale one of Asia’s fastest-growing SaaS disruptors. He describes Circles as bringing the same level of disruption to telecom as Uber did to transportation, shaping the future by transforming traditional operators into agile, digital-first Techcos ready for global growth and IPO.

Sanjay’s leadership is grounded in people, diversity, and empowerment. Recognized globally, including being named Male Champion for Diversity & Inclusion in the USA in 2023, he has consistently championed collaboration and inclusivity in every role he has held. His impact extends beyond the corporate world through the MK Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Anita in 2019 to support education and community development. He also mentors startups and invests in promising digital ventures through Shalkat Pte Ltd, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and global networks to emerging entrepreneurs.

With board and advisory roles in organizations like GX Group, Plunes, Airties, Aryaka, and Haimi Corporation, his influence spans multiple industries and geographies. He is also the author of Business Models for Sustainable Growth in Telecoms, further contributing to the knowledge base of the telecom industry. His awards include Executive of the Year (Singapore, 2021), the Great Leaders Award (India, 2018), the GSMA Innovation Award, and several other global recognitions.

Despite his professional achievements, Sanjay remains grounded. He values balance through running, spirituality, and time with family and friends. From the World Economic Forum to startup hubs across continents, his journey stands as proof that leadership is not about titles but about the impact created, the people empowered, and the change inspired. Sanjay Kaul embodies what it means to be a visionary, inclusive, and purpose-driven leader of the future.