Innovation you can build on™
Innovation you can build on™
June 2007
I started working as a Plant Engineer in Uniqema in 1995 and held roles as a Plant Manager, Manufacturing Manager and Works Manager in the Thane plant. After Uniqema was acquired by Croda, I was given a chance to be the Operations Director. My role expanded to include Supply Chain which involved Procurement, Customer Service and IT. This allowed me to get closer to customers and gave the opportunity to align the entire chain in serving the customers better. We worked on taking actions to improve operations, planning, and delivery and become more responsive to our customers. Understanding the dynamics of sourcing and working with suppliers gave the opportunity to link it up to real needs of the business – value addition that we can do, working closely with our suppliers as partners. I got much support to take actions to transform the site. It allowed me to work on a five year master plan and many projects were executed – separation from ICI, new Lab and Office block, warehouses, site restructuring as well as many expansion and improvement projects. An oversight responsibility for the Cikarang site in Indonesia gave me more learning about another country and culture. Last but not the least, after much deliberation and evaluation we acquired land for a new site in Gujarat which is an important milestone in building Croda for the future.
April 2013
My journey in Croda continued with confidence shown in me to take up the challenge and opportunity to head the business in India. My responsibility for leading the business and teams for all sectors in India gave me an opportunity to grow the business in India. It required me to run the business efficiently, take actions for building the business for the future and create a culture which focuses on the customer, encourages innovation and high standards. It is also my role to leverage Croda’s capability world-wide and enable the team to serve the customers in the best possible way. At the same time it is also about making use of the capabilities in India for other markets wherever we can. When I look back at my journey, I am reminded of the learning, the freedom, the support and the fantastic team which has made my journey satisfying and enjoyable. I am also reminded of the importance of a good work culture as well as motivated and committed people which will continue to be at the heart of all efforts for adding value to our customers and for creating a successful Croda.
September 2015
Broadening my horizon beyond the shores of India in my new role of Managing Director – Operations for three sites in Asia is both exciting and challenging. I am now responsible for Operations at Thane, India; Cikarang, Indonesia; and Shiga, Japan as well as leading a newly appointed approach to a regionalised Supply Chain throughout Asia. With the alignment of the organisation structure with the centre, this gives me immense opportunities to work across various cultures across the borders. This is a very important aspect which adds a lot of value and broadens the perspectives of a true leader. I am looking forward to making the real impact in the requisite areas of work.