Chief Executive Officer

Role: CEO of India for Kabuni, a London-based AI cricket coaching start-upAbout the OpportunityThis role offers a unique opportunity to establish yourself as a definitive value-creator, with Kabuni's growth in its core Indian market directly attributable to your leadership. As a start-up, we align long-term success through equity-weighted compensation, enabling you to share substantially in the corporate value you help create.Company OverviewSports-technology scale-up developing an AI-powered coaching platform using wearable cameras and licensed broadcast archivesKabuni has successfully raised £1m in seed funding and is actively working towards its Series A round, providing an excellent foundation for growth and expansionInitial focus on cricket with plans to expand to other ball sportsSecured significant support from Indian cricket community, including Sourav Ganguly as Global AmbassadorEstablished Ambassador program across 800 private schools serving 800,000 students in IndiaBacked by experienced leadership team with track record in sports, technology, and scaling businessesPlease see Kabuni's website for further background. About the RoleFounding CEO for Kabuni's India operations, responsible for building the business from ground up in Mumbai. Establish Kabuni as the leading sports-tech brand in India across schools, academies, and direct-to-consumer channels. Leverage unique ambassador network and cricket community relationships to drive rapid user adoption. Shape and execute local market strategy while maintaining alignment with global leadership.Mission-driven culture focused on democratising sports coaching through technology.Autonomous leadership role with significant decision-making authority. Fast-paced, high-growth environment with direct access to global leadership. Regular collaboration with London HQ while maintaining local operational independence. Low-ego, high-accountability team culture. Fully supported by established global infrastructure and expertise.ResponsibilitiesEstablish and lead Mumbai office, setting corporate culture and operational frameworksBuild, manage, and grow India-based team as business scales over next 5 yearsOwn and expand Ambassador programme across 800 private schools (800,000 students)Drive commercial relationships, rights negotiations, marketing, and media strategyLead both B2B2C sales through schools/academies and direct-to-consumer salesShape and execute local Go To Market strategy in collaboration with Group LeadershipBuild Kabuni brand into household name across Indian cricket communitiesQualifications10+ years commercial leadership experience with proven marketing excellenceEstablished reputation and strong network within Indian cricket communityDemonstrated success scaling consumer brands in Indian marketTrack record in both B2B2C and D2C sales models, preferably with education sector experienceExperience building and leading high-growth teams in startup or scale-up environmentsDeep passion for cricket and sports technology innovationStart-up mindset: proactive, resourceful, and comfortable with ambiguityRequired SkillsMulti-channel brand building expertise across digital and traditional mediaExperience working with school networks or educational institutionsSome understanding of sports rights and media partnerships landscapePrevious exposure to AI or technology-driven consumer productsNetwork within Indian sports governing bodies or franchise cricketRecognised thought leadership in sports or education sectorsPreferred SkillsCandidates seeking established corporate structures with guaranteed budgetsProfiles uncomfortable with equity-weighted compensation or start-up growth phasesLeaders who prefer predefined roles over shaping strategy and building from scratchRisk-averse individuals unwilling to operate in fast-paced, ambiguous environmentsCompensation packageCompetitive base salary, reflecting seniority and reputation - to be discussed on a case by case basisPerformance bonus: Revenue share on school network and sales performanceEquity: Significant share option packageApplication & Next StepsAll applications via LinkedIn, with covering letters if deemed sensibleApplications reviewed by 3 December 2025, with applications closing on 2 DecemberInclude covering note as applicable highlighting relevant experience and connection to Indian cricketInitial screening questions to assess fit before interviews based on JW Markets' initial assessmentHiring ProcessInitial screening with JW MarketsVideo interview with Group CEO or Group COOFace-to-face meeting in Mumbai or London (depending on travel schedules)Final stage presentation of 5-year strategic plan for Kabuni IndiaReference checks and formal offerFurther info - Leadership Team ProfilesNimesh Patel - Founder & CEO: Serial entrepreneur with track record of taking two companies public. Lifelong cricket enthusiast and former captain with deep understanding of player development needs. Combines product strategy expertise with distributed team leadership experience.Jo Rothwell - Chief Operating Officer: Nearly 20 years' financial services experience including strategic operations leadership at Tristan Capital Partners (€15bn AUM). Former competitive swimmer with belief in sports discipline translating to business excellence. Proven track record in scaling organisations with precision and purpose. Chartered Accountant and former M&A adviser at KPMG.Patrick Badenoch - Co-Founder & CFO: Over 20 years' financial markets experience at Schroders, Bluemountain Capital, Bluecrest and Millennium. Managed $1 billion European assets through 2008 financial crisis and Eurozone crisis. Former inner-city school teacher with firsthand understanding of coaching impact. Passionate cricket parent with son in Surrey county pathway system.Alex Lowe - Chief Marketing Officer: 20+ years senior sports marketing leadership at Formula 1 with Liberty Media (Head of Branding / Marketing), ESPN, Sky Sports, Bath Rugby and Wasserman. Launched ESPN's TV business in EMEA and led first-ever Formula 1 rebrand. Broadcast sports expertise across rights holder, broadcaster and