A confluence of internal and external forces including the government’s push towards rapid infrastructure development, PLI schemes, Make In India initiative, increasing purchasing power, a thrust to domestic manufacturing capabilities, the global China plus policy, and rising awareness around home and personal care chemicals, is driving the growth of the chemical industry in the country. As leaders in the industry strive to emerge at the top, Sarad Gupta, COO of the FOGLA CORP has been making strides, spearheading some of the most critical projects undertaken by the firm which hold the potential to revolutionize the industry. A seasoned professional who rose through the ranks, Sarad has embraced several roles and donned many hats, to become a leader who understands process fundamentals and intricacies.
Ascending the Career Ladder
With an engineering educational background and management skills gained on the job, Sarad’s journey to his current role at the COO has been one of continuous learning and exceptional growth. His transition from marketing roles to project and operations provided insights to both sides of the business, gaining him valuable learnings and skills in every profile. His diligence in understanding every role and an innate drive to excel at it has enabled him to establish a unique leadership style, which has promoted the firm’s growth exponentially.
“I strongly believe that business success relies on creating mutually beneficial outcomes for all involved parties and optimizing resource utilization to improve efficiency. To effectively oversee daily business operations, a comprehensive vision is essential, which addresses immediate needs while aligning with long-term goals. Furthermore, effective communication, collaboration with colleagues, and inspiring leadership are fundamental components of achieving success at every stage of the journey. This involves adopting a forward-thinking approach with clear objectives and anticipating potential challenges, alongside developing mitigation strategies”, shares Sarad Gupta, COO, FOGLA CORP.
Beyond shaping his analytical skills, project management expertise, leadership abilities, collaborative skills, operational control, problem-solving capabilities, understanding of machinery, processes, and optimal resource utilization; his career is also studded with extraordinary contributions like spearheading the establishment and management of the FOGLA CORP’s Sulphonation plant, a project that also demanded overseeing the development of India’s largest reactor of that time.
This was followed by him facilitating the development of one of India’s largest surfactant plants from conceptualization to execution.
Some more notable contributions include the leading initiatives for forward and backward integration within the firm, and expansion into untapped areas of specialty chemicals, in addition to governing day-to-day business operations and goal setting for long-term objectives.
Role as COO
In his daily role as COO, Sarad dedicates his time in optimizing workflows, resource allocation, manpower management, and overall operation management alongside setting performance goals to establish accountability, fostering open communication and a spirit of collaboration among stakeholders to promote a culture of transparency and problem-solving at all levels.
Apart from the daily management and supervisory tasks, Sarad is significantly involved in the management of critical functions like supply chain management, which, in the current business landscape, is highly dependent on planning, technology, and effective communication. The firm’s dealings with large FMCG companies, which operate on Just-In-Time strategies, necessitate the development of successful supply chain management strategies to ascertain the seamless operation of client plants. Responsible for handling multiple processes including the meticulous planning for production, transportation, and raw material sourcing, Sarad values fostering strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to facilitate the seamless management of supply chain complexities for such highly demanding purposes.
I strongly believe that business success relies on creating mutually beneficial outcomes for all involved parties & optimizing resource utilization to improve efficiency
Besides fostering strategic partnerships, Sarad also oversees technology integration measures within the company. With automation technologies playing a game-changing role in the chemical division development strategy at Fogla, the firm has made substantial investments in top-tier SCADA-based systems. Since automation holds a pivotal position in the quality control measures, the firm strategically implements a systematic approach which helps reduce dependence on manual skills. The firm also utilizes state-of-the-art ERP systems which enable flawless coordination across organizational functions, helping streamline processes and improving transparency and accountability.
However, his role is not one without challenges. Acknowledging the role that these numerous challenges played in shaping him into the leader that he is, Sarad shares, “Throughout my tenure as a COO, I've encountered numerous challenges that have served as valuable learning opportunities. Transitioning from a marketing background to this role presented a significant adjustment in the field. One of the foremost challenges was assembling the right team and making tough decisions to address underperformers who hindered team progress. Despite external pressures to take easier paths, we remained steadfast in our decisions, which ultimately resolved in our favor.
Additionally, instilling a safety culture among the labor force proved to be a significant challenge. Overcoming this involved preparing others to embrace change and recognize the ever-evolving nature of the business landscape, thus necessitating adaptability in strategies and processes”.
An exemplary leader, Sarad embodies the spirit of an inspirational force, guiding the future generations of leaders to continue believing in the power of honesty, hard work, and smart work to achieve success. His emphasis on the value of continuous learning, staying updated with transformations within one’s field, and approaching every task with a passion to succeed, have driven his success, and act as valuable lessons for future leaders as well.
Sarad Gupta, COO, Fogla Corp
Sarad Gupta, a trailblazing leader in India's chemical industry, has a rich history of spearheading transformative projects at FOGLA CORP, including the establishment of India's largest reactor and surfactant plant. Sarad's career ascent, from engineering to marketing and now operations, reflects his commitment to continuous learning and excellence, making him a driving force shaping the industry's future.
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