CEO Insights India

One of the most ancient fabrics used by humans, leather today represents a multi billion dollar global industry. The demand for leather goods is growing at a rapid pace and so are the arguments about its environmental impacts. These environmental impacts are, however, driving the organizations towards sustainable alternatives. Vijay Jha, Founder, Savi Leathers, is a global leader in the leather industry with his ecofriendly strategies to develop environmentally sustainable leather. He applies his profound knowledge that he acquired from Central Leather Research Institute for laying down strategies, including for better water management in the tanning process. Considering the global needs and awareness, all his units and factories are socially and environmentally responsible, in addition to strict adherence to regulatory compliances. Vijay also takes a keen interest in the designing of the products something that helps him lead a highly skilled inhouse design team that possesses a great insight into global fashion. He personally engages in indepth research of the latest trends in the market and by understanding the pattern and the consumer behavior, he successfully creates designs that are admired and appreciated across the global markets. Vijay's passion for the designs and finesse with the cuttingedge technologies have helped him lead this industry for more than 12 years from the front. Let's hear it from him.

What was the inspiration that led you to start your professional journey in the leather segment?
My family has been into the leather industry since 1990. I have a degree in leather from CLRI. After completing my education, I started my journey as a merchandiser in one of the export houses. I have worked in merchandising and

marketing for almost nine years. Later in 2009 I established Savi Leathers. The inspiration behind venturing into the leather industry was to reach out to global markets and produce leather garments for international fashion leaders.

How would you define Savi Leather as an organization and the unique propositions that it offers to its clients? Also, tell us aboutits positioning in the market.
Savi Leathers is an apparel and fashion company. Cutting edge technology, modern infrastructure and innovation in designing are some of the features that describe Savi Leathers as an upcoming pioneer in the field of leather garment and Accessories Industry. We have four professionally managed factories spread over 1,00,000 square feet and have trained a workforce of about 1700 personnel. At present we have a production capacity of 2,50,000 garments and 9,50,000 accessories per annum with a strong back up of two vertical tanneries.

How has been your response to the challenges posted by the Covid affected market and the need for new strategies? How would you describe your role in tackling those challenges?
Covid has affected every other business sector. It was a very tough period for us as well. Even today our clients have not started working to their full capacity. We have managed to hold our work force during the lockdown, by taking care of their basic needs. We have put our HR team at work and made sure to be in touch with each employee. We virtually connected with our team to encourage them to keep their hopes high.

What are the changes in market behavior that you anticipate and what are the strategies that you are planning to implement to meet these changes?
Fashion industry is dynamic and is moving at a fast pace. In the leather industry, there is a big change coming in the market. Every organization in the industry is striving to make sustainable leather products, such as leathers which are easily biodegradable and nature friendly. We are working on implementing different kinds of advanced leather processing techniques and practices which are environment friendly. We are inventing a process which would consume very less water for tanning. We are furthermore planning to shift our tanning processes to plant based materials.

In your professional journey so far, which are the milestones that bestowed you with utmost satisfaction?
One was definitely when I was recognized for meeting 100 Crore turnover. The recognition in the form of a trophy gave me a sense of contentment and made all my hard work pay off. I also feel grateful for being able to develop a vast workforce and create employment opportunities for such a huge number of people through my organization.

Vijay Jha, Founder, Savi Leathers
Having a bachelor's in engineering degree, Vijay has been leading a global fashion business for more than 12 years. He aspires to offer his unmatchable services to all the esteemed buyers from all over the world.

Hobbies: Playing golf and gardening
Favorite Cuisine: Italian seafood
Favourite Travel Destination: Europe

Awards & Recognition:
•Awarded first position in Garment Export in 2018-2019
•Awarded first position in Garment Export in 2019-2020
•Awarded second position in Garment Export in 2020-2021