Propane Personality: Nandini Sankara

Nandini Sankara

Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy, Suburban Propane

EDUCATION

University of Bridgeport
Master of Business Administration, Management Information Services and Marketing
Class of 2001

University of Mumbai
Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting and Economics
Class of 1999

WORK EXPERIENCE

Suburban Propane

October 2021-Present
Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy

January 2017-October 2021
Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy

Modernizing a nearly 100-year-old brand

Although she didn’t have any previous experience in the propane industry prior to working for Suburban Propane, Sankara was interested in “responsibly modernizing a brand with over 95 years of history,” while also building its path for the next century.

“The opportunity to innovate within this essential industry and contribute to sustainable energy solutions was incredibly appealing to me. This combination of modernization and sustainability motivated me to join – and make a meaningful impact in – the propane industry.”

Creating a marketing and brand strategy

Sankara is responsible for building and executing Suburban Propane’s marketing and brand strategy. She launched a reimagined strategy that integrates digital, social media, public relations and market research. At the same time, she has overseen a complete brand revitalization, known as The Three Pillars of the Suburban Propane Experience.

Moreover, she’s launched SuburbanCares, a philanthropic platform that annually supports more than 80 events in Suburban Propane’s local communities. The platform addresses the local area’s critical needs via funding, volunteerism and community engagement initiatives.

“Additionally, I played a pivotal role in launching our subsidiary, Suburban Renewable Energy (Suburban Renewables) in March 2022, aligning with our strategic goal of building a renewable energy platform. This initiative underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.”

Advice for other propane retailers

Above all else, Sankara advises other propane retailers to embrace change, especially with regard to technology and sustainability. She also recommends retailers engage with their community and give back.

“Pay close attention to industry leaders and their strategies. Adopting a customer-centric approach – and leveraging data and new technologies to drive strategic decisions – will be key to success.”

A world traveler

“I have had the honor of traveling to six continents, 63 countries and 41 states in the U.S. My travels have profoundly influenced my role at Suburban Propane by providing unique perspectives on brand resonance, cultural differences and commonalities.”

Due to her global outlook, Sankara can approach situations and problem-solving with a broader, more inclusive mindset than she may have otherwise. She can also develop marketing and brand strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. After all, she can speak four languages fluently: English, Hindi, Marathi and Tamil.

Advancing women’s roles in marketing

Aside from her role with Suburban Propane, Sankara is involved with the Women in Marketing Leadership Forum, enabling her to share best practices and innovative strategies with her peers. In turn, she’s been able to advance women’s roles in marketing, one of her primary goals.

“I gain valuable insights and inspiration by connecting with women across various countries and markets, while fostering mentorship opportunities that enable us to support and uplift each other.”

Named a role model by the World Liquid Gas Association in 2022, Sankara is particularly interested in helping “other individuals that want to grow and thrive in the energy industry.”

Hobbies

When Sankara isn’t working, she’s often traveling and reading, two hobbies that offer her new perspectives on work, along with ample opportunities to relax. She also works with numerous organizations in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand to save elephants.

“Most recently, I have been sponsoring a baby elephant through Save Elephant Foundation, which is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of visiting this foundation twice so far.”