Synovate’s ex- managing director Alok Shanker passed away on October 6, 2008. hanker was suffering from cerebral cancer for the past two years and succumbed to the disease. He was 51 years old.
Shanker was responsible for the phenomenal growth of Blackstone Market Facts, India (BMFI). Later, when Synovate acquired Blackstone Market Facts, Shanker was the managing director of Synovate until December 2007, when he stepped down due to his health.
Shanker was expected to resume work in 2008. Talks about him resuming in April were on, but his health did not allow it.
He was seen as someone who created an environment of growth for those who worked with him. Madhurima Bhatia, head marketing and communications for Synovate, India says that Shanker was a very humble person; and even returned every call that was made to him. He was also very easy to approach, and thus, drove growth in the organisation.
“He was a very jovial person, full of energy and always thinking about work,” says Bhatia.
Apart from Synovate and Blackstone Market Facts, Shanker also held senior appointments with ACNielsen and IMRB. He started his career with Gallup in 1982.
Shanker is survived by his wife, who is a teacher and a homemaker, and his two college going children.