Sajeev Kale
Managing Director
With a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and a Management program from IIM Ahmedabad, Sajeev brings over 39 years of industrial experience to the table. His background includes diverse roles in esteemed multinational corporations, focusing on areas like strategic management, new business launches, international business, and supply chain operations. Notably, his 24-year tenure at ITW, a Fortune 200 Company, equipped him with valuable insights and expertise that he now leverages to drive innovation and growth in the NDT product industry through Zchem Specialities. Sajeev Kale shares more about his industry expertise and journey, let’s hear from him.
Could you please tell us about your work experience and what drives you in your daily routine?
My professional journey spans over 39 years, including 11 years as an entrepreneur/MD of Zchem Specialties. The remaining 28 years were dedicated to corporate roles at Asian Paints and ITW India, a prominent US multinational. In these positions, I held leadership roles across manufacturing, marketing, international business, supply chain, new projects, quality control, and M&As, enhancing my expertise across diverse verticals. Success is my primary motivator, as achieving results drives me to continually strive for greater accomplishments.
Could you share the key milestones of your 39-year career in the
industry? Also, what is your approach to success?
I owe my success and career growth to the diverse assignments I handled during my tenure with the great companies. These experiences not only allowed me to excel but also provided a solid foundation for my entrepreneurial venture, leading to success in my own business endeavors. My approach to success, which I've mentioned before, involves having a clear vision and strategy from the start, along with a detailed action plan to achieve that vision. Execution excellence is crucial, supported by a well-trained and cohesive team. I strongly believe that significant achievements stem from effective teamwork rather than individual efforts alone. Developing and nurturing a strong team has been a successful strategy for me throughout my career.
What unique experiences did you gain from IIT Kharagpur, and what lessons did you learn beyond academic studies?
IIT Kharagpur provided an exceptional educational experience, and I feel lucky to have been a student there. It is an incredible institution that surpassed my expectations. It provided a fantastic environment that enriched my learning experience in ways I hadn't imagined. The quality of teaching and support staff, the infrastructure, and the overall ecosystem, including the caliber of students and the culture, were exceptional. These factors contributed to personal growth, increased self-confidence, and expanded exposure, preparing me effectively for real-world challenges. Overall, my time at IIT Kharagpur was a memorable and impactful experience.
Could you describe your leadership style and the strategies you employ to guide your team?
My leadership approach centers on having a clear vision, strategy, and action plan. This clarity begins with the leader's thinking and execution strategy. Communication is crucial. I ensure that my vision is communicated clearly to all team members so that everyone is aligned in their thinking. Identifying, nurturing, and developing emplo
I owe my success and career growth to the diverse assignments I handled during my tenure with the great companies. These experiences not only allowed me to excel but also provided a solid foundation for my entrepreneurial venture, leading to success in my own business endeavors. My approach to success, which I've mentioned before, involves having a clear vision and strategy from the start, along with a detailed action plan to achieve that vision. Execution excellence is crucial, supported by a well-trained and cohesive team. I strongly believe that significant achievements stem from effective teamwork rather than individual efforts alone. Developing and nurturing a strong team has been a successful strategy for me throughout my career.
I owe my success & career growth to the diverse assignments I handled during my tenure with the great companies
What unique experiences did you gain from IIT Kharagpur, and what lessons did you learn beyond academic studies?
IIT Kharagpur provided an exceptional educational experience, and I feel lucky to have been a student there. It is an incredible institution that surpassed my expectations. It provided a fantastic environment that enriched my learning experience in ways I hadn't imagined. The quality of teaching and support staff, the infrastructure, and the overall ecosystem, including the caliber of students and the culture, were exceptional. These factors contributed to personal growth, increased self-confidence, and expanded exposure, preparing me effectively for real-world challenges. Overall, my time at IIT Kharagpur was a memorable and impactful experience.
Could you describe your leadership style and the strategies you employ to guide your team?
My leadership approach centers on having a clear vision, strategy, and action plan. This clarity begins with the leader's thinking and execution strategy. Communication is crucial. I ensure that my vision is communicated clearly to all team members so that everyone is aligned in their thinking. Identifying, nurturing, and developing emplo
yees who share the vision is another key aspect of my approach. I strongly believe in the power of teamwork, as without it, achieving goals becomes challenging.
How do you keep yourself up to date with the ongoing industry trends?
As for staying updated with industry trends, I leverage technology extensively. This includes researching on platforms like Youtube, engaging with industry peers, and staying active on social media platforms such as Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. Despite my experience in the industry, I believe continuous learning is essential, as we can always learn from others regardless of their background or experience level. Keeping up with industry trends is not just a choice but a necessity for professional growth.
What are your plans for the future of the company in the next five years?
We have clear goals for the next four to five years. For the company, we aim to enter the global aerospace business segment by establishing an independent business unit dedicated to supplying our products exclusively to this sector. Additionally, we plan to double our exports from 20 to approximately 40 to 50 countries within the next three to four years. These are the two well-defined objectives we have set for the company's future over the next four to five years.
What advice would you offer to emerging leaders in the industry?
My advice to business leaders or aspiring entrepreneurs is to not be afraid to take risks and compete with industry titans. Think big because you know, when you start you become a startup company. This shouldn’t be stumbling block to take on the big guys. I would say our strategy has been to confront industry leaders head-on, which has led to our success.
Sajeev Kale, Managing Director, ZChem Specialities
Sajeev Kale is an entrepreneur and corporate leader. He holds a Master's in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and has completed a management program at IIM Ahmedabad. With over 39 years of industrial experience, he specializes in startup expertise, strategic management, international business, and operations.
How do you keep yourself up to date with the ongoing industry trends?
As for staying updated with industry trends, I leverage technology extensively. This includes researching on platforms like Youtube, engaging with industry peers, and staying active on social media platforms such as Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. Despite my experience in the industry, I believe continuous learning is essential, as we can always learn from others regardless of their background or experience level. Keeping up with industry trends is not just a choice but a necessity for professional growth.
What are your plans for the future of the company in the next five years?
We have clear goals for the next four to five years. For the company, we aim to enter the global aerospace business segment by establishing an independent business unit dedicated to supplying our products exclusively to this sector. Additionally, we plan to double our exports from 20 to approximately 40 to 50 countries within the next three to four years. These are the two well-defined objectives we have set for the company's future over the next four to five years.
What advice would you offer to emerging leaders in the industry?
My advice to business leaders or aspiring entrepreneurs is to not be afraid to take risks and compete with industry titans. Think big because you know, when you start you become a startup company. This shouldn’t be stumbling block to take on the big guys. I would say our strategy has been to confront industry leaders head-on, which has led to our success.
Sajeev Kale, Managing Director, ZChem Specialities
Sajeev Kale is an entrepreneur and corporate leader. He holds a Master's in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and has completed a management program at IIM Ahmedabad. With over 39 years of industrial experience, he specializes in startup expertise, strategic management, international business, and operations.