Tanmay Saksena Leading the Digital Healthcare Revolution at 1mg  

Rajshree Upadhyaya | Business Remedies | March 20,2025 | Tanmay Saksena is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in technology, operations, and business development. His journey began with a strong academic foundation, earning a Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. Seeking to expand his expertise, he pursued an MBA from Stanford University, a decision that would shape his career trajectory and provide him with a global perspective on business and management.

His professional journey took him to Silicon Valley, where he joined Playdom, a rapidly growing social gaming startup. His contributions played a key role in the company’s success, leading to its acquisition by The Walt Disney Company in July 2010. Following this acquisition, he assumed the role of Vice President of Studio Operations at Disney Interactive Media Group, where he managed the company’s largest gaming studio and played an instrumental role in launching multiple successful online games. This experience honed his ability to oversee large-scale operations and drive strategic growth in a competitive digital landscape.

After nearly a decade in the United States, Saksena returned to India in 2015, drawn by the dynamic opportunities in the country’s growing digital economy. He joined Zomato as the Global Business Head of Online Food Ordering, a role in which he was responsible for establishing and expanding the company’s food delivery services across India, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Manila. His leadership played a crucial role in making online food ordering a significant contributor to Zomato’s revenues. His strategic insight and execution led to his promotion as Chief Product Officer, where he continued to drive innovation and strengthen the company’s position in the market.

In May 2016, he transitioned into the healthcare sector by joining 1mg as the Chief Operating Officer. The move was a natural progression, given his experience in scaling consumer internet businesses and driving operational excellence. At the time of his appointment, 1mg had just secured ₹100 crore in a Series B funding round led by Maverick Capital Ventures, with support from Sequoia Capital and Omidyar Network. Saksena’s arrival marked a crucial phase for the company, as it aimed to expand its online pharmacy and diagnostics verticals while introducing digital health products and personalized health solutions for consumers.

His vision for 1mg was centered around leveraging technology to address the fragmentation in India’s healthcare system. He believed that digital platforms could bridge the gap between healthcare providers and consumers, making essential services more accessible and efficient. Under his leadership, the company focused on integrating its services to build trust in the e-pharmacy sector, emphasizing the importance of offering a seamless and reliable healthcare experience. He played a key role in strengthening 1mg’s supply chain, overseeing the company’s expansion into new cities, and ensuring the platform provided consumers with high-quality, verified medical products and services.

Beyond his executive responsibilities, Saksena has been an active voice in discussions surrounding the challenges faced by Indian startups, particularly in retaining senior leadership talent. His diverse career, spanning industries such as gaming, food technology, and healthcare, showcases his adaptability and strategic mindset. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to navigate different sectors, applying his expertise to drive growth and operational efficiency.

Through his journey across various industries, Saksena has established himself as a leader who combines technical expertise with business acumen. His work at 1mg continues to shape the evolving digital healthcare landscape in India, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making healthcare services more accessible, transparent, and consumer-friendly. His contributions highlight his dedication to innovation and his ability to build businesses that not only scale but also create a lasting impact in their respective industries.