Prior to this, Rao was marketing manager at Alghanim Industries.

Armed with three decades of advertising experience, Rao began his career with BBDO Worldwide advertising group (India) in the late 80s.

Then he moved to DDB Worldwide (Saudi Arabia) and spearheaded marketing communication programmes for brands including Frito-Lay, Sony, Clorox, Landmark retail group and Almarai Diary.