What does it take to build lasting value in a rapidly evolving company? Discover this through the experiences of Swiggy’s Senior Manager – Merchandising Operations, Prabhakar K, who shares his insights and learnings upon completing 10 years with the company.
Staying committed to one organisation for a decade demands finding a fixed purpose in a corporate environment that undergoes constant change. When Prabhakar K joined Swiggy in July 2015 as an Assistant Manager in the Operations team, he became part of a lean team with big dreams.
The following years witnessed his journey through multiple roles and responsibilities as the company scaled exponentially. A decade later, he serves as Senior Manager – Merchandising Operations, having experienced Swiggy’s evolution from a food delivery startup to an ecosystem serving millions. Filled with candid reflections and valuable insights, here’s his story.
When you joined Swiggy, you probably walked into an office with fewer employees in a relatively smaller space, and today, how does it feel to be part of an organisation with 8,000 employees in this huge office space?
I began my journey with Swiggy on July 15, 2015, as an Assistant Manager in the Operations team it felt like stepping into the heart of a dream in the making. The energy was raw, the team was lean, with around 30+ members, and the ambition was sky-high. We operated out of a much smaller office, wearing multiple hats and tackling challenges head-on. While resources were limited, our determination was unlimited.
Fast forward to today, walking into a buzzing, vibrant campus surrounded by over 8,000 talented colleagues is nothing short of surreal. Watching Swiggy grow from a fledgling startup into a name recognised and trusted across the country has been an incredibly humbling and proud journey. It’s truly fulfilling to know that I’ve been a part of the company’s transformation from those scrappy early days to what it is now.
How has your perception of Swiggy evolved over the years?
Initially, I described Swiggy as a food delivery app trying to solve the convenience problem. Today, I describe it as an ecosystem that redefines how India consumes services, whether it’s food, groceries, logistics, or even experiences. Swiggy has evolved from being just a product to becoming a way of life for millions.
In an era of frequent job changes, what’s been the magic ingredient that has kept you at Swiggy?
For me, the people, purpose, and pace have kept me here. Swiggy fosters a culture where innovation meets ownership. Every year brought and continues to bring new challenges, learnings, and milestones – it never felt stagnant. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to grow, contribute, and most importantly, feel valued. That’s rare and special.
Looking back 10 years, what’s the most unexpected Swiggy offering that you never saw coming?
Instamart, without a doubt. I never imagined we’d redefine grocery delivery with such speed and efficiency. From delivering biryani to bananas in 10 minutes – that leap in logistics and scale is something I would’ve never predicted back in 2015.
If you had the chance to swap roles with anyone at Swiggy, who would it be and why?
I’d love to switch roles with someone from the consumer research or innovation team. Understanding customer behaviour at a granular level and shaping new offerings excites me. I’d dig into insights, run experiments, and be a part of shaping Swiggy’s next big disruption.
How do you believe you have grown personally along with the company?
I’ve grown from being task-oriented to being impact-focused. My strategic thinking, leadership skills, and ability to navigate ambiguity have evolved significantly. Swiggy has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and in doing so, helped me become a more resilient, agile, and empathetic professional.
Is there a specific period during your tenure that was particularly challenging but now holds a special place in your memory?
The early COVID period was extremely challenging – shifting to remote work, maintaining operations, managing uncertainty, all whilst staying aligned with the customer. But looking back, it was one of the most defining phases. The camaraderie, grit, and speed at which we adapted will always stay with me.
Which Swiggy value resonates most deeply with you?
‘Customer Comes First.’ Everything we do, whether it’s product, operations, or design, revolves around delighting the customer. This value anchors decisions and inspires innovation at every level.
What invaluable advice would you offer someone aspiring to grow and thrive at Swiggy?
Be curious, be accountable, and never hesitate to raise your hand. Swiggy rewards those who take ownership and deliver outcomes. Also, the company’s strength lies in its cross-functional energy. If you bring passion and proactiveness, growth will follow.
In what ways do you believe Swiggy delivers unparalleled convenience to its employees?
From flexible work policies to a strong support system and an open culture, Swiggy empowers its employees with autonomy and trust. Here, we have an environment where people can do their best work whilst feeling supported and celebrated.
