Swiggy’s Director – PR and Corporate Communications, Sanjana Shetty reflects on her eight years of growth, challenges, milestones, and the unmatched power of storytelling.
“It’s not something everyone gets to do!”
That’s what Sanjana Shetty says about her role at Swiggy. Eight years ago, in what was her first real taste of the Indian startup ecosystem, Sanjana started her Swiggy ride. This was after gaining years of experience in the corporate communications space, a field she ventured into by chance. What followed next? From steering the brand’s PR efforts to leading communications for the IPO, her eight years at Swiggy have been filled with growth, learning, and impactful outcomes. Here’s her story of strengthening Swiggy’s brand reputation, one initiative at a time.
1. Tell us about the journey that led you to PR and Communications.
Coming from a family of doctors and academicians, I’d say my journey into Public Relations happened by chance! It was during a journalism internship that I discovered PR and its role in building brands and shaping narratives. With time, it turned into a passion that I continue to pursue even today.
2. What was your first day at Swiggy like?
Before Swiggy, my work experience was confined to corporate communication roles at MNCs. Swiggy was, therefore, quite a big change, and marked my entry into the startup world. I still remember the date I joined – January 23, 2017. On my very first day, I sensed this would be different. I knew I was in for an exciting ride!
3. Tell us more about your journey of leaving Swiggy and then coming back.
My first stint at Swiggy lasted 13 months, and I learned a lot in that brief period. After my wedding, I had to relocate to a different city, and I thought that was it for my Swiggy journey. However, I was surprised when Swiggy was more than willing to let me work with them again, even from a different city. My job became a constant as I adjusted to life in a new city. I think this speaks volumes about Swiggy’s commitment to supporting the personal journeys of its people.
4. How has Swiggy evolved since the beginning of your journey here?
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much Swiggy has grown over the years! When I joined, we were celebrating two lakh orders per day, which was huge at the time. It was a feeling of pride for all of us, knowing that so many people trusted us daily. And today, we hit this number in just one city for a single business! In all these years, Swiggy has expanded its ways of bringing convenience to customers. But what’s even more amazing is that the company has stayed true to its values amidst all the transformation.
5. What has kept you going as a Swiggster for eight years?
For me, the culture, growth opportunities, and the impact of my work have been the top reasons for staying. I have had the chance to build the PR function from the ground up and lead the PR efforts at Swiggy across many milestones including Swiggy’s landmark IPO. In these eight years, there has never been a dull moment. What’s even better is the chance to work alongside some of the best in the business, tackling exciting challenges within a positive, supportive environment. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
6. As Director of PR and Corporate Communications, how do you balance transparency and communication while safeguarding Swiggy’s reputation?
According to me, this is one of the easiest parts of my role here! One of Swiggy’s core values is ‘Be Honest and Display the Highest Level of Integrity’. I see that being practised across every level of the organisation. Because of this, there has never been a dilemma when it comes to communicating transparently. No matter how things are, we always keep it real.
7. What has been your most challenging phase here that you now remember fondly?
From navigating the highly competitive food delivery space between 2017-18, tackling intense challenges during and after the pandemic, to the launch and rapid growth of the quick commerce business – every quarter, every new initiative, and every crisis has taught me something.
However, the last year in particular stands out, considering the many exciting innovations and milestones at Swiggy. I had the unique opportunity to work in a small, but incredibly efficient two-member team, managing everything from day-to-day tasks to high-impact campaigns. Leading communications for Swiggy’s IPO has been a career-defining moment for me. It was not just a proud achievement, but also a testament to the dedication, hard work, and teamwork that got us there.
8. What’s the one thing you wish people knew about your role at Swiggy?
There’s more to PR and communications than just eye-catching campaigns or product launches. For a brand like Swiggy, which is already a household name, it’s crucial to maintain its reputation and build strong connections with customers. It’s about ensuring that the brand consistently reflects its values and engages authentically with its audience.
Also, I feel public relations isn’t about spinning a quick story or seeking instant press coverage. It’s about being transparent and honest with your words. As a well-known brand, every update, no matter how small, is closely watched. So managing and shaping public perception requires sustained efforts, addressing issues before they escalate, and ensuring that every message we put out aligns with what we stand for.
9. How would you describe working at Swiggy to aspiring Swiggsters?
Truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! It’s rare to be part of something where what you do has such an immediate and profound impact, helping millions of consumers lead more convenient, fulfilling lives. The chance to work on areas that have fundamentally changed how urban Indians live is not something that comes along every day.
10. What advice would you give someone who wants to venture into a career similar to yours?
I would advise them to become more aware of the far-reaching impact of Public Relations as a function. There is a reason it deserves a seat at the table. PR shapes public perception, builds trust, and plays a critical role in a brand’s long-term success. Once you realise this, and see the bigger picture, your job becomes much easier!
11. What Swiggy value do you connect with the most?
There are three values that I resonate the most with! Be Humble, Do More With Less, and Think Win-Win. Simply because it’s important to be grounded in your approach, make the most of what you have, and create mutually beneficial outcomes for all. Given my role, these values drive me the most.
