Joined Origin Materials, an innovative startup specializing in advanced furanic technology, as Director of Products. Developed and executed a global strategy for the Hydrothermal Carbon (HTC) portfolio, focusing on carbon-negative products derived from sustainable biomass.

I assumed a new assignment at Birla Carbon to accelerate global business development projects and lead coating technical growth initiatives. My responsibilities included spearheading customer-centric projects across rubber and specialty blacks sectors.In this role, I guided business development managers in transforming marketing leads into sustainable customer partnerships by providing tailored solutions. Utilizing Salesforce data analytics, I refined the technical sales process, emphasizing timely closure to enhance win rates.I directed the Technical Account Management strategy, which included introducing new products to global coating customers in automotive, industrial, and architectural sectors.

I led strategic investment programs aimed at enhancing capabilities for specialty blacks in the expanding Asian market. My responsibilities included overseeing comprehensive feasibility studies, which included site selection, capital approvals, and close collaboration with the engineering team to validate new processes prior to their approval for commercial-scale implementation.Once the initial phases were complete, I successfully handed over the project to the regional CAPEX/engineering team for final execution. To facilitate market entry, I introduced a proactive seeding plan designed to secure product approvals from key customers ahead of time, ensuring they were prepared for commercial purchases once the new plant became operational. The Asia Post Treatment program is a significant technological and strategic investment for Birla Carbon. In parallel, I implemented a stage-gate process management system through Salesforce for new product development projects across sectors such as plastics, sealants, coatings, and inks. This integration within Salesforce encouraged active participation from global project teams and streamlined workflows, enabling us to address any bottlenecks efficiently.

I moved to Birla Carbon HQ in Marietta to manage the Americas and Europe, including the application development lab for specialty black products. I identified two key challenges: delayed responses, repetitive product quality cases and stagnant growth of specialty new products with major global customers.To address these issues, I reshaped the quality handling process by improving coordination between production quality departments, sales, and technical service managers. This ensured timely responses and effective corrective actions for customer concerns.I led a team of 12 professionals, including business development experts and scientists. Focusing on expanding specialty blacks sales in LTAM and revitalizing growth in Europe, we worked closely with channel partners to improve product mix and customers. This strategic approach resulted in a 40% margin growth in FY16 compared to the previous year, while maintaining similar sales volume.

I joined a specialty blacks team to expand the EMEA customer base. Our products served as pigments in coatings, inks, and plastics, and as functional additives in conductive compounds, batteries, adhesives and sealant, among other applications.My role involved providing technical support and training to channel partners, driving product recommendations, and reviewing sales opportunities to ensure timely closure of sales.As the sole technical service manager for EMEA, I efficiently managed the diverse needs of the different geographical regions and broad spectrum of applications. Recognizing the growth potential and to further enhance our customer service, I strategically expanded the team by hiring two additional technical service managers.My responsibilities grew to include:➣ Analyzing the quality of opportunities and prioritization➣ Introducing new products for specialty applications such as polymer films, pipes and semi-conductive cables➣ Developing regional projects with local production unitsThese efforts enhanced innovation, market relevance, and our position in the EMEA specialty blacks market.

I was hired to improve a proprietary tire sealant designed to perform across an extreme temperature range (-30°C to +60°C). To address this challenge, I formed a team of five technical and business professionals and established a clear milestone plan with defined deliverables.Over two years of focused product development, we worked closely with a toll manufacturer and conducted extensive testing in extreme conditions. Our efforts resulted in the introduction of two new sealant variants, which secured sales of one million units and achieved a 25% cost reduction. These sealants effectively seal flat tires, providing temporary mobility for drivers. This experience enhanced my project management skills and my ability to lead cross-functional teams.In 2010, I led another task force to investigate the root causes of tire damage in tropical and subtropical environments. This initiative led to the development of a thermally stable tire rubber compound for commercial vehicle tires. I guided the team in designing and testing the compound’s performance in high-temperature conditions, focusing on preventing tire rim/flange brittleness and improving ease of tire mounting and demounting. Additionally, we aimed to enhance the tire's value for retreading purposes.This project deepened my understanding of tire rubber compound formulations and their impact on performance in the field. It also strengthened my ability to translate technical developments into practical benefits for customers. In 2012, I joined in a customer facing role at Birla Carbon to grow specialty blacks business.

As a PHD Researcher at The Dow Chemical Company in Schkopau, Germany, I led the optimization of polyester synthesis using a batch reactor. By justifying experimental results with computer simulation, I provided valuable insights for process improvement and studying catalyst efficiency.