Meet Lee Yen Khiew, Regional Solutions Lab Manager (South Asia)
Meet Pankaj Kshirsagar
Logistics & Transport Operation Manager works in India since 2012
What’s the secret to powering a triathlete over the finish line and into the next race? Find out how Pankaj Kshirsagar, our Logistics and Transportation Manager in India, translates his athletic successes into fuel for work.
Every challenge is a chance to shine for Pankaj Kshirsagar. For our India Logistics and Transportation Manager, that could mean anything from finishing a Half Ironman triathlon to helping set new benchmarks in the paints and coatings industry.
"I'm a fitness enthusiast by nature, and I think that your achievements can give you enormous energy for everything you do in your life," says Pankaj. "In the past few years, I've finished several half marathons and I recently finished my first full marathon (42.2 km). Last year in Colombo, Sri Lanka, I proudly became an Ironman 70.3 triathlon finisher!"
"I think recognition of the outstanding work we do, whatever that is, keeps us moving forward and achieving more," says Pankaj. "That's why I'm glad to always be working on new and exciting projects at AkzoNobel – projects which are giving us the edge over our competition."
"Recognition of the outstanding work we do keeps us moving forward and achieving more. That’s why I’m glad to always be working on new and exciting projects at AkzoNobel – projects which are giving us the edge over our competition."
Innovative logistics
Pankaj has worked on several innovative projects helping AkzoNobel to lead in our industry. Two of them were recognized last year as runners up for an internal award called the "Global ALPS Excellence Award" in the customer excellence and leading-edge technology categories.
"The first project used mobile GPS technology to provide last mile 'track & trace' of the delivery of our finished goods to market," explains Pankaj. "We now know the shipment status in real time and customers know when they will receive their products. We were the first in the industry to implement this, and our customers really appreciate it."
"Ahead of our competitors, we've also started 'e-bidding' and 'reverse-auctions' to buy expensive freight for Pan India. It's helped us to quickly reach out to more than 100 freight suppliers, resulting in better cost competitiveness in a fair and transparent way," he says.
Motivated to make a difference
Pankaj also points out that his team is has been able to make a positive impact on sustainability: "As part of another project, we 'upsized' our vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint by more than 210 metric tons of CO2. Being able to make a difference like that makes me very proud.
"AkzoNobel's core principles and values really do create an environment where my colleagues and I can give our best every day and work collaboratively across functions. I believe they really are a true reflection of what it's like to work here."
Run with it
Pankaj thinks it's important to keep learning new skills and find ways to participate in projects that will help you get to know other parts of the business. It's even possible to merge your interests: "Naturally I've gotten involved in 'Running around the World' (now known as "ACTIVE with AkzoNobel"), and I recently enjoyed driving our 'Movember' campaign at India's head office. I completely believe that good physical health leads to good mental health, bringing many personal and professional benefits."
