Rethinking FMCG: Growth Beyond Cities

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I am a seasoned professional in the manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on polymer and resin-based adhesives. As the Manufacturing Operations Head at a leading company in India, I bring over two decades of experience in driving operational excellence, strategic planning, and people performance in manufacturing settings.

My expertise lies in optimizing production systems, ensuring process safety, and leading large-scale transformation initiatives across plants. I am particularly known for implementing structured methodologies like DMAIC to enhance team effectiveness and improve asset management systems. My leadership is characterized by a deep understanding of the technical, regulatory, and commercial aspects of various manufacturing industries, particularly FMCG and Chemicals.

Having worked with reputable organizations such as Dabur, Mondelez, McCain, PepsiCo, and HUL, among others, I have nurtured cross-functional teams, mentored young professionals, and championed innovation in supply chain and production efficiency.

Q2. Are you seeing notable shifts in consumer demand across urban vs. rural segments in recent years?

India's economy has undergone a dramatic and rather surprising shift in recent years, with rural consumption surpassing urban consumption in terms of…