Manisha Seewal

Group CMO

Carro
Singapore

“Thinking differently to answer changing customer behavior”

Manisha Seewal’s career as a martech innovator has seen her oversee a string of technological innovations, including the first car subscription-based service, first chatbot from a life insurer, first usage-based insurance and first contactless car purchase service. Unsurprisingly, that track record has led her to group CMO at Carro, Southeast Asia’s largest automotive marketplace, while she also added CEO duties earlier this year for Jualo.com, one of Indonesia’s leading e-classified platforms. Prior to Carro, Seewal was head of marketing for Tokio Marine Insurance and is a regular presence at academic institutions and marketing conferences alike.

How do you define innovation?
Thinking differently to answer changing customer behavior.

What is the most innovative comms/marketing initiative you've seen in the last 12 months?
SG United

In your opinion, what brands and/or agencies are most innovative around PR and marketing?
Startups

Describe a moment in your career that you would consider 'innovative.'
Launching the campaign - Singapore's first "Netflix for Cars".

Who do you admire for his/her approach to innovation?
Shopee

How do you get out of a creativity rut?
Exercise

What advice would you give to the PR industry around embracing innovation?
Try to do things differently and integrate PR with other digital marketing media.

What would you be doing if you weren't doing your current job?
I would be a musician.

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through this year or provided inspiration?
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Movie on Netflix

What's your favourite time of day and why?
5am. Brand new day = brand new possibilities and morning workout ritual.