Ashish Kagdelwar

Leadership, Strategy, Transformation

Phone:

+91 9765490609

Email:

k.ashish.27@gmail.com

Address:

Pune,

India.

A bit about me

With over 20 years of experience in Corporate Strategy, Product Management, and Operational Excellence, I've had the privilege of leading transformative initiatives at some of the world’s most respected companies, including Volkswagen, Skoda, and Ford. From spearheading product strategy and managing high-impact projects to driving operational improvements and fostering cross-functional collaboration, my career has been built on a passion for simplifying complex challenges and delivering measurable results.

I thrive in high-stakes environments, working alongside talented teams to solve business pain points and create lasting value. Whether it’s navigating mergers, optimizing business processes, or leading product lifecycle strategies, I focus on actionable solutions that align with organizational goals and deliver growth.

As a strategic thinker, I’m always looking for new opportunities to learn and evolve, currently expanding my expertise into AI and emerging technologies to stay ahead of the curve. I’m now bringing my skills and experience to help businesses drive change, foster innovation, and achieve their objectives in today’s competitive landscape.

Work Experience

Feb 2023 - Jul 2025

Jan 2020 - Feb 2023

Jan 2019 - Dec 2019

Jan 2016 - Dec 2018

Aug 2013 - Dec 2015

Jan 2012 - Aug 2013

Aug 2008 - Dec 2011

Jan 2004 - Jul 2008

Sep 2002 - Jan 2004

Entrepreneur and Co-founder

During this period, I co-founded two startups: iCottage Cart Pvt. Ltd., focused on supporting homemakers and self-help groups with homemade products, and Artiqvibes Pvt. Ltd. (Artisi), which promotes traditional Indian handicrafts and artisans. In both ventures, I took charge of operations, strategy, product development, and brand building, successfully creating platforms that connect local artisans with consumers while driving sustainable business growth.

Head (DGM) – Product Management & Corporate Strategy

I led the Small Car Product Line from conceptualization to execution, aligning with strategic objectives. I spearheaded the Model Year responsibility transfer to India under the India 2.0 project, ensuring seamless cross-functional transitions. I drove ₹182 Cr (€20M) profit growth through innovations, introduced market-driven features, and optimized supply chain management during the semiconductor chip shortage. Additionally, I contributed to global strategy discussions at Škoda/Volkswagen HQ for future product planning.

Corporate Strategy of Volkswagen Group India

I led the development and execution of STRATEGY 2030, overseeing 9 key initiatives, defining KPIs and KRIs, and assigning board-level ownership. We implemented a bottom-up approach with workshops and SWOT and VUCA analysis. Regular operational and management committee meetings ensured alignment and progress towards strategic goals.

Integration Management Office (IMO)

Co-led the merger of three Volkswagen Group entities in India into a single legal entity, achieving €27 million in synergies. Successfully integrated key functions—Legal, HR, Finance, IT, Technical, and Quality—by collaborating with an external consultancy to ensure a smooth transition.

Head (AGM) – Office of the President & MD and PMO

Led the successful implementation of Strategy 2022 at Volkswagen India, driving company performance to 125% in 2018. Developed an in-house KPI dashboard and aligned KPIs with employee KRAs/MBOs. Managed the MD’s office, overseeing town halls, board meetings, and high-profile external events, while handling crisis situations and ensuring smooth operations.

Head (AGM) – Quality Planning, Problem Steering & Customer Satisfaction

Led Quality Assurance for new projects in India, ensuring on-time launches of models like Polo, Vento, and Škoda Rapid. Established the Typeleader function, making Pune the mentorship plant for Polo/Vento production. Pioneered problem resolution strategies, forming cross-functional teams (CFTs) to address chronic challenges. Drove customer satisfaction initiatives, achieving #1 rank in J.D. Power IQS for consecutive years, and led product camps in India and Mexico.

Section Head – Supplier Quality Electrical and Electronics

Spearheaded the localization of key electrical and electronic components (e.g., battery, wiring harnesses, infotainment, lights, switches, ECUs, etc.) to optimize costs and enhance supply chain resilience. Led Quality Audits (VDA6.3) and Technical Reviews to ensure component feasibility and alignment with sourcing strategies. Oversaw PPAP approvals and supplier validation, driving a 60% reduction in defects (PPM) and line disruptions (LDs) through proactive quality control measures and performance enhancement.

Volkswagen Group Lead Auditor

Led 100+ audits, including VDA6.3 Process Audits, Potential Analysis, and Technical Reviews, earning global recognition as a VDA6.3 Lead Auditor. Conducted audits in Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, and South Africa as part of the Auditor Qualification Program. Established the Critical Supplier Escalation Program, improved supplier qualification, and initiated Supplier Quality Days to drive performance, mitigate risks, and enhance quality.

Ford India & Global Sourcing Office, Senior STA Enginner

Led supplier quality management for electrical commodities like horns, switches, and sensors. Conducted 30+ on-site PPAPs, verifying documentation, Run-at-Rate, and capacity. Achieved $25 per vehicle cost savings through localization efforts, reducing warranty issues from 40 repairs/1000 to 2.2 repairs/1000. Delivered 5 Q1 awards and drove emerging market sourcing for Ford, Jaguar, and Volvo. Conducted 50+ Manufacturing Site Assessments, ensuring quality improvements and seamless sourcing for new programs, including 6F transmission and Puma Engine parts.

Mahindra Hinoday, Graduate Apprentice Trainee

Joined as a Graduate Apprentice Trainee in Quality Assurance, handling in-process and final inspections of cast and machined components. Led QS 9000 activities, including PPAP documentation, PFMEA, Control Plan, and MSA studies. Developed small software applications using Excel for Cpk, Ppk, and Control Charts. Responsible for customizing and implementing QMS software for APQP, Project Timing, FMEA, SPC, and 8D.

Overseas Experience

South Africa: Conducted VDA 6.3 Process Audits of Volkswagen South Africa suppliers
Europe (Germany, Poland, Italy, Czech Republic): Led VDA 6.3 Process Audits for Volkswagen AG suppliers
Czech Republic: Deep dive workshop for Future Platforms & 2030 Product Planning for India
Malaysia: Performed field quality analysis of high-failure suppliers & to established Typeleader Network for Vento
China: Technical workshop on wiring harness
Mexico: Organized Product Camp for Polo and Vento
Spain & South Africa: Represented Volkswagen India in Typeleader Conferences to lobby VW India's position as future leader
Russia: To establish Typeleader Network of Vento
Thailand: Engaged with Ford & Mazda at Corporate Quality Development Center

Certifications / Training

Management Development Program: XLRI, Jamshedpur
Personnel Development Program: (Qualification for Management Position) - Skoda Auto Volkswagen Academy
Leadership License: Volkswagen Group Academy
VDA 6.3 Lead Auditor Worldwide Release for Volkswagen Group: Germany
ISO/ TS16949 Internal Auditor: TIQMS, South Africa
Corporate Quality Development Center: Auto Alliance, Thailand (JV of Ford & Mazda)
Lean Manufacturing: Lean Academy
Process Design, FMEA, Six Sigma: Ford Design Institute
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing: Satyam Computer Services