PPAI has promoted market economist Alok Bhat to an elevated role of director of research and public affairs as it continues to invest in long-term member value and industry impact.

Bhat, who joined the Association in 2023 as senior manager of research, has seen his responsibilities expand with the reorganization of PPAI’s public affairs efforts, which shifted under the purview of the Association’s media department.

Bhat’s work as research and public affairs lead has brought unprecedented enhancement to PPAI’s intelligence output, helping members make informed business decisions while organizing advocacy efforts that move the needle for our industry.

Alok Bhat headshot
I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to take on this role and build on the work that’s already underway.”

Alok Bhat

Market Economist, Director of Research & Public Affairs, PPAI

“Alok exemplifies the values we have at PPAI: growth, integrity, community and joy,” says Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Ralston, CAS. “He’s constantly thinking about member and industry value, he’s passionate and dedicated to the strategic goals we have set, and he has most recently led one of the largest industry-shaping research initiatives to truly define our overall impact.”

In his new position, Bhat will have increased responsibility for budgeting, which comes with greater opportunities to set the strategic and visionary course for the next phase of PPAI’s impactful efforts in research and government affairs. He’ll continue to oversee, plan and execute all phases of PPAI research into the branded merchandise market and adjacent industries. This includes:

  • Leading research projects and managing relationships with key stakeholders and third-party partners
  • Interpreting statistics visually and through written content and presentations
  • Delivering data analytics and insights to support PPAI and drive informed decision-making throughout the branded merch industry


“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to take on this role and build on the work that’s already underway,” Bhat says. “I’ll continue to focus on helping our members make better decisions and grow, strengthening the voice of the branded merchandise industry and helping more buyers understand its value and impact.”

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Bhat reports to Josh Ellis, senior director of media, research and public affairs.

A Career In Consulting

Bhat’s career began at the global consultancy Accenture, where, as a senior analyst, he established a strong foundation in technology, consulting and business.

  • After nearly three years, he moved to IT services and consulting giant Infosys, where he was an assistant marketing manager.
  • Then, he joined fellow IT services and consulting giant Wipro, contributing to sales enablement, mergers and acquisitions and research endeavors.
Alok exemplifies the values we have at PPAI: growth, integrity, community and joy.”

Melissa Ralston, CAS

CMO, PPAI

In December 2012, it was something of a homecoming for Bhat, as he returned to Accenture to lead initiatives in go-to-market solution development, research and strategic planning.

  • His efforts resulted in multi-billion-dollar sales pipelines for clients.


Bhat resides in McKinney, Texas, along with his wife, Lidwin, and their 11-year-old daughter, Aanya. “I cherish spending quality time with them, whether it’s exploring new places during our travels, enjoying leisurely swims or even experimenting with cooking in the kitchen,” he says.