Nikhil Sosale was born on August 18, 1986, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. As of 2025, he is 38 years old. Nikhil has gained recognition primarily through his long-standing role as the Head of Marketing and Revenue for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL franchise while working under parent company Diageo India. His career spans over a decade in sports marketing and brand partnerships.
Early Life and Education
Nikhil grew up in Bengaluru in a middle-class family. Details about his early schooling aren’t widely publicized, but public profiling indicates he pursued higher education abroad, likely earning a degree in International Business and Management & Entrepreneurship from James Cook University (2008–2010) .
Career in Marketing and Sports Partnerships
He began his professional journey with UB Group in sports marketing (2009–2012) before joining United Spirits/Diageo India. He held roles including Head of Business & Commercial Operations and later Head of Marketing and Revenue for RCB (2012–2023) . As of September 2023, he’s officially the Head of Marketing & Revenue for RCB under the Diageo banner .
In this role, Nikhil shaped RCB’s brand image, secured partnerships (including the notable Qatar Airways collaboration), and worked on cross-promotional deals involving Formula 1 and Indian football .
Incident: Bengaluru Stadium Stampede
On June 5, 2025, a tragic stampede outside Bangalore’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during an RCB victory celebration left 11 pitchers dead and over 50 injured. On June 7, June 6, and June 5, police arrested Nikhil Sosale along with three DNA Entertainment executives in connection with crowd-control failures .
Reports suggest investigators allege Nikhil attempted to leave Bengaluru following the incident. He reportedly held responsibility for marketing and event oversight but has not faced formal charges yet; investigations continue .
Personal Life
Nikhil is married to Malvika Nayak, an MBA in marketing and sales who previously worked at Intelenet (Serco). They’ve been spotted at high-profile events alongside Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh .
Physical Profile
- Date of Birth: 18 August 1986
- Age (2025): 38 years
- Spouse: Malvika Nayak
- Residence: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Net Worth (Estimated 2025)
Publicly available sources do not detail Nikhil’s net worth. As Head of Marketing & Revenue for a major IPL team and through roles in Diageo, his annual income is likely significant, though exact figures are not disclosed .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Nikhil Sosale?
A: He’s the Head of Marketing & Revenue for IPL’s RCB, employed by Diageo India, and a key figure in sports and brand partnerships for over 13 years .
Q: When and where was he born?
A: 18 August 1986 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Q: What education does he have?
A: He completed a double major in International Business and Management & Entrepreneurship at James Cook University (2008–2010) .
Q: What happened during the Bengaluru stampede?
A: After a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium following an RCB victory celebration resulted in 11 deaths and dozens of injuries, Nikhil and others were arrested. The investigation continues .
Q: Is he married?
A: Yes, to Malvika Nayak, an MBA and former business development professional .
Q: What is his net worth?
A: Not publicly known, but likely considerable given his high-level roles in sports marketing.
Conclusion
Nikhil Sosale has played a defining role in elevating RCB’s brand through strategic marketing and partnerships in sports and entertainment.
As of mid-2025, he faces serious scrutiny over a deadly crowd-control lapse. Whether cleared or held accountable, the incident will weigh heavily on his legacy and leadership in the IPL’s operational environment.
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