Rohit Bhat
AVP - Product Management & QA
10 YEARS
WITH EC
You've been with EC for over 10 years - how did it all begin, and what’s the story so far?
I started at EC as the only QA person. At that time, testing was not taken seriously, developers just pushed code live. I saw a chance to fix that. I set up processes, brought in tools, and slowly built a QA team from scratch.
From one person, today we are 35. Along the way, I got to be part of EC’s first mobile app, our first big digital transformation, and grew from QA Lead to now AVP of PM & QA.
In these 10 years, I’ve seen EC move through four offices and many ups and downs. What makes me happiest is that friends like Andrew, Shrinath, and Viru are still here with me. Sure, there have been tough days, but that’s the spirit of EC - we tackle them together and grow stronger each time.
How has your role at EC changed or grown over the years?
My role at EC has grown alongside the company's journey. I started out as the only QA person, set up processes, and built the team from one to 35. Over the years, I moved from QA Lead to QA Manager, then Director, and now AVP - PM & QA.
The work itself has also changed a lot. In the early days, it was mostly brand campaigns and smaller digital projects. Now, we're handling large-scale, enterprise tech that needs far more complexity, scale, and innovation. Projects like the Samsung Shop app and Cheil Indonesia's digital solutions have been especially exciting, not just big in size but also in impact. They pushed me to think bigger, take on tougher challenges, manage larger teams, and deliver solutions that reach millions of users.
Looking back, that shift from simple campaigns to cutting-edge enterprise solutions has shaped my role and pushed me to grow as a leader and problem-solver.
You’ve seen a lot of people come and go, what keeps you grounded through all the changes?
What’s kept me grounded is the growth and opportunity I’ve had here. From the start, I could see EC had tremendous potential, and being an early member of the core tech team gave me a front-row seat to that journey. The kind of work that came my way - from ads and campaigns in the beginning to enterprise-level projects later, kept me motivated and excited. Watching both the company and myself grow together is what’s kept me steady through all the changes.
Tech work can get intense. How do you deal with pressure when things get hectic?
Tech work can get intense, but I’ve learned to handle the pressure in a way that keeps me going. When things get hectic, I try to stay calm, break tasks into smaller steps, and focus on what really matters.
A big part of staying grounded is the team. Our periodic tea breaks, quick chitchats throughout the day, team lunches, and outings give us a chance to pause, share ideas, and release the pressure. Sometimes we unwind with a game of carrom, a quick PlayStation match, or just casual conversations, it helps keep the energy up and keeps work from feeling overwhelming.
For me, pressure isn’t something to dread, it keeps things exciting. With the support of the team and little moments to recharge, even the busiest days become manageable and sometimes, even fun.
What’s one common myth or wrong idea people have about working in tech at EC?
- A common myth is that tech at EC is just coding or testing, it’s not. It’s about solving real problems, understanding users, and creating impact.
- Some think only leaders grow here, but anyone who takes ownership and keeps learning can.
- Processes don’t slow us down, they help us move fast without losing quality.
- And good ideas can come from anyone, not just seniors.
If you weren’t doing tech, what do
you think you'd be doing
today?
If I weren’t in tech, I think I’d be in a
kitchen, cooking and
experimenting as a chef!
EC then (early days) vs EC now - what’s changed the most, and what’s still the same?
EC then was like a bunch of kids figuring things out, small team, a few projects, and a tech-first mindset. Now, after being part of Cheil, we’re more organised, process-driven, and compliant, in a good way!
We’ve grown into a 360° integrated agency. Today, we do it all, from cutting-edge tech to social and media, to video production, tackling bigger, complex projects while keeping the same youthful energy and drive. The vibe is still fun, hungry, and always pushing boundaries.
Who’s your go-to person at EC?
Andrew has worked with me for over 10 years, he knows me so well he can predict my reactions before I do. He’s seen the good, the bad, and the “let’s not talk about it” moments. With him, it’s a bro-level comfort, I can share anything without worrying about judgment. I’ve learned a lot from him about business, leadership, problem-solving… and sometimes, creating problems too!
Sagar has also become a go-to, especially for tech stuff or personal chats. Our team breaks with him usually start as casual chats but somehow turn into mini strategy sessions, with plenty of laughs along the way.
If you could crash any other team at EC for a day, which one would it be and why?
If I could crash another team at EC for a day, it would definitely be the creative or video production team. Honestly, it feels a bit glamorous too, working with celebrities like Neeraj Chopra and Kiara Advani, collaborating with influencers, and seeing ideas come to life on screen. I’ve always admired how they take an idea and bring it to life visually, telling stories that really connect with people. Spending a day with them would be exciting, a great chance to see the whole creative process up close, and probably a lot of fun too. Plus, I’m sure I’d pick up a few tricks to bring more creativity into my own work!
Toughest part about working at EC?
EC doesn’t do comfort zones. You’re juggling multiple hats, tight deadlines, and surprises everywhere. It can get hectic, but that’s also what makes it fun, and yes, lots of chai helps!
Best part about working at EC?
The culture, hands down. The vibe is fun, we work hard and party harder, and the team feels like a family. We celebrate almost every festival together, share laughs, and still manage to get big things done. It’s that mix of energy, learning, and togetherness that makes EC special.
What’s your most memorable moment at EC?
There are so many moments I’ll never forget, my first offer letter, first day, first project, they all felt special.
But if I had to pick one, it would be winning one of EC’s biggest employee awards, the Pride of EC, in 2023. Receiving it was both a proud and humbling moment - a reminder of how far I’d come and the amazing journey I’ve had here.
Your team won the ECPL trophy this year - what was that like?
Winning the ECPL trophy this year was an incredible feeling! We almost lost it on Day 1, but Day 2 completely turned things around, more players stepped up, the energy shifted, and we won match after match, ultimately taking home the trophy.
Even now, I catch myself looking at the trophy every day and reliving those moments. The stress, the tension, the celebrations, the adrenaline - it’s all so fresh. The buzz from this season will definitely stay with us until ECPL 2026, and I can’t wait to get back on the field, whether it’s with Boundary Badmash or any other team I’m part of.
Tell us about your life beyond work?
After work, it’s all about family. I love spending time with my kids, playing with them and enjoying the little everyday moments. I also love travelling, and some of my favorite trips have been with family to places like Ladakh and Jammu.
I also enjoy reading about new technology and innovations. I like learning about new gadgets, apps, and tech trends, and thinking about how they could change the way we live. It’s something that keeps me curious and adds a bit of fun to my day.
Your tip for the new joiners at EC?
Be curious, stay hungry. The more you ask, learn, explore and challenge yourself, the faster you’ll grow here. EC is a place that rewards initiative, so don’t hesitate to experiment and take ownership.
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