Journey of AGS – Alcon Global Services – An Overview:

Alcon became an independent company in 2019 and transformation was one of the key priorities in setting up Alcon Global services (AGS). AGS transformation resulted in a multimillion dollar savings from service delivery model transformation, standing up as an independent Alcon, build up knowledge in strategic areas and unlocking further transformation opportunities for re-investment in other priorities. AGS was a key enabler and a strategic partner to decide insourcing of several processes aligned with Alcon’s cultural imperative to drive ownership & accountability and speed & simplicity.

Starting in May 2019, within a span of four years, AGS India team has grown to 1000+ people organization having more than 10 functional capabilities being developed from India center especially ramped up during pandemic. IT, Finance, FP&A, Quality Assurance, R&D, Supply Chain, HR Operations & Transformation teams are based in AGS India.

Ramping up during challenging times of Covid19:

A strategic need occurred with the arrival of COVID-19 during AGS build up, necessitating the deployment of a full Business Continuity Management (BCM) plan to ensure the seamless functioning of day-to-day operations. Knowledge transfer was secured through virtual trainings and e-learnings. About 35 transition and insourcing projects were implemented with global collaboration virtually.

Alcon’s office, which is around 180,000 square feet and has 1000+ seats and state-of-the-art facilities, was constructed during the epidemic. To ensure consistent experience for all Alcon (from AGS’ partners to staff), cross-functional initiatives were grouped under Service Management Practices (SMPs) with AGS core team driving the implementation.

SMP priorities identified during Dec 2020 leadership meet were implemented, including:

• 96% of the workforce are millennials, and having a clear focus on diversity & inclusion with 34% of workforce being female colleagues
• Navratna is one of the key programs to integrate cross functional, enterprise mindset in our associates which brings various functions together to collaborate & contribute to center’s success in every way possible, regardless of the hierarchy & with a shared vision.
• From the beginning Alcon always tried to inculcate a Continuous Improvement mindset wherein we had 91% of eligible staff (555 during Dec 2021) trained in Lean Six Sigma White Belt. An ideation process was put in place for staff to submit improvement ideas. Over 200 ideas submitted with nearly 50% approved for implementation.
• To drive better Customer experience Customer orientation training became part of onboarding for new joiners with a strong focus on developing trusting relationships with customer to promote long-term success and growth.
• Alcon achieved high scores for the onboarding experience, while the quarterly employee satisfaction score for AGS was always above the company’s benchmark and have officially been certified as a great place to work building and sustaining high trust and high performance culture.
• A Center Management team was formed and a framework was created for structured and consistent means to increase the centers’ maturity level.

Value addition in the areas of Digital Customer Excellence/ Digital Health:

A strong emphasis was laid on the process of enhancing the customer experience and improving health outcomes through the use of digital technology which lead to better and enhanced customer experience and improved health outcomes.

In year 2023, Alcon has inaugurated the R&D lab at AGS Bangalore and opened this new research and development Software Verification & Validation laboratory. This lab is a part of Alcon’s global R&D network, which includes centers in the United States, Europe, and in Asia it is the first lab established outside of the United States with more than 200 + engineers / professionals working in the lab.

At Tata Motors (India, South Africa, Nepal and Latin America)

Puranik embarked on his career with Tata Motors in 1997, making his mark during a commendable 22-year tenure with one of India’s largest automotive giants. His time at Tata Motors provided him with a wealth of exposure in various departments, including customer support, strategy, sales, marketing, and brand management.

During his tenure, Puranik successfully handled key countries such as South Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, and Uruguay, enabling Tata Motors to achieve remarkable results in both sales and service sectors. He played a pivotal role in establishing Tata Cars in South Africa as part of a greenfield project. Additionally, he significantly improved the market share of Tata Cars in Nepal and Bangladesh by an impressive 13%. Puranik’s leadership was instrumental in organizing the Tata Motors’ pavilion at prominent international motor shows, including:

• JIMS (Johannesburg International Motor Show) at South Africa,
• The Geneva Motors Show at Switzerland,
• NADA SHOW in Nepal

His capabilities shined most in Nepal, where he introduced the innovative “Tata Motors Car Mela” concept, a retail-focused event that successfully ran for seven seasons. His inventive “Test Drive for Education” campaign in Nepal garnered 10,000 test drives and 500 retail sales in just three months.

Under Puranik’s guidance, Tata Motors’ launches in Nepal received esteemed recognition, winning awards such as the Asian Leadership Awards Marketing Campaign of the Year for the launch of Tata’s ‘Zest’ in Nepal and the CMO Asia Awards Marketing Campaign of the Year for the Tata Bolt in Nepal. He played an instrumental role in the development of Tata Motors’ new brand identity, “Connecting Aspirations,” which resulted in an enhanced brand perception, increased brand metrics such as NPS (Net Promoter Score), consideration, top-of-mind awareness, and spontaneous awareness. Additionally, he played a key role in designing and developing the new dealer corporate identity for Tata Motors’ passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as the brand identity for the electric vehicle vertical.

Throughout his tenure with Tata Motors, Puranik received the prestigious “Three Cheers” award five times, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the company from 2012 to 2018.

At IME Automobile Division (Nepal)

Presently, Hemant Puranik serves as the Group CEO of the IME Automobile Division at IME Group in Nepal for the past three years. The IME Automobile Division serves as the distributor of prominent brands such as Ashok Leyland, Escorts, Vert Equipment, Hyundai Heavy Equipment, and Raft Motors (Electric Vehicles) in Nepal.

Upon assuming the role of CEO at IME Motors, Puranik steered the company away from significant challenges, including declining sales and fierce competition from international rivals. Under his leadership, the company adopted a customer-centric approach, prioritizing a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs and delivering tailored solutions. Through comprehensive market research and analysis of customer feedback, IME Motors successfully introduced services and enhancements that resonated with their target audience, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Under Puranik’s guidance, the company experienced steady growth, surpassing competitors in key regions and segments. Ashok Leyland’s market share in the addressable segment surged from 9% to 28%, while Escorts’ market share improved from 8% to 21%. Consequently, Ashok Leyland and Escorts have ascended to become the second-ranked players in their respective industries, having previously held the fourth and third positions.

Puranik’s remarkable achievements have garnered widespread recognition, and he has been bestowed with numerous accolades, including the prestigious “Automobile CEO of the Year” award from the prominent industry publication “Auto Nepal.” His success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders in the automobile industry, showcasing the transformative power of visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

He is an accomplished professional with a strong track record, boasting over 25 years of outstanding experience in overseeing overall company operations and resources. His extensive travels across India, Africa, Latin America, and Asia have endowed him with a profound understanding of diverse cultures. Puranik possesses a keen acumen for identifying business opportunities and devising strategies to capitalize on them. His true value lies in his exceptional execution skills, No matter what the task is, he executes – per brief, within the deadline, and within budget.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning over 25 years, Puranik has been instrumental in promoting several Indian automobile brands, including Ashok Leyland, Escorts, Tata Motors, Vert Equipment, and Raft Motors across three continents and eleven countries.

Throughout his career, Amal has consistently demonstrated his prowess in the highly competitive field of Data and AI. He has not only grown his team but also delivered the best data and AI platform in the region, earning international certifications along the way. In just four years, he progressed from an Analyst to the Head of Delivery for data solutions, leading projects involving more than 120 professionals and delivering a value exceeding 20 million USD.

Amal’s exceptional skills and talent have garnered recognition from the UAE Government, resulting in him being granted the prestigious Golden Visa under the Special Talent Category. This honor is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the UAE economy.
With over a decade of experience in the field of Data, Amal has worked with renowned multinational companies such as Infosys, Ernst and Young (EY), Barclays, and Mindtree, holding esteemed positions and delivering impactful outcomes.

Amal’s achievements in the area of data and AI extend beyond his organizations and have reverberated globally. Through his work, he has successfully implemented groundbreaking solutions, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in data-driven decision-making and AI innovation.
Amal’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned him a reputation as a trailblazer in the data and AI industry. He has successfully combined his technical expertise with strategic thinking, enabling organizations to harness the power of data for informed decision-making and achieving tangible business outcomes. Amal’s ability to lead large-scale projects and deliver substantial value has positioned him as a sought-after professional in the field.
Beyond his professional achievements, Amal is known for his commitment to nurturing IT talent and fostering a data-driven mindset. He actively contributes to the development of the industry by sharing his knowledge and experience, inspiring future generations of IT professionals in the UAE to embrace data and AI.

Amal’s journey from a Junior Engineer to a respected leader in the field of Data and AI is a testament to his exceptional abilities, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions to cultivating a data-driven culture, IT talent development, and his impressive accomplishments in the global data and AI industry make him an exemplary figure in the UAE’s tech landscape. As he continues to push boundaries and drive innovation, Amal’s impact on the industry is poised to grow even further, leaving a lasting legacy of transformative change.

After having a successful career as a Chef, Tarun has transitioned into the role of Sales Professional. He holds a Diploma in Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Advanced Nutrition from IHMCTAN, and he has worked in the Hospitality sector for over 30 years. Tarun’s forte is excellent sales.

He has been recognised with a number of accolades, including “Most Influential Hospitality Professional,” “Food Expert of India,” “Man of Excellence in F & B,” “Club of Champions” by Rational AG Germany, “Young Restaurant Manager” by FHRAI, and “Glory of India” by the Indian Achievers Forum.

As Kiran continues to advance in his career, he remains steadfast in pushing the boundaries of technology and inspiring others to do the same. Through his mentorship, he creates a ripple effect, shaping the future of the IT industry one talented individual at a time. Kiran’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and passion have established him as a respected leader and an invaluable asset to the field of Information Technology.

Kiran Peddireddy currently holds the position of a Senior System Engineer within the Data Engineering team at Cox Automotive. Prior to this, Kiran worked as a Data Engineer at Pratt & Whitney, where he focused on serving clients in the aerospace and automotive industries. Throughout his career, Kiran has developed expertise in various technical roles, including System Engineering, Data Engineering, and Design Engineering. His specialization lies in the field of Data Engineering, where he has honed his skills and demonstrated exceptional performance in his technical domain.

Having obtained a Master of Science in Engineering Technology from Central Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Technology from JNTU Hyderabad, he has accumulated over 15 years of professional experience in the field of Engineering Technology. Kiran Peddireddy holds the esteemed position of Senior Member in the Institutes of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. In addition to his memberships in these renowned professional organizations, Kiran actively serves as an editor and reviewer for various publications. He is also affiliated with other esteemed professional bodies such as BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) and IEI (The Institution of Engineers).

Kiran Peddireddy has served as an esteemed Judge in multiple awards competitions as a Data Engineering expert. As an independent researcher, Kiran has made significant contributions to the field, publishing numerous scholarly articles in international conferences and high-impact factor journals. His work has garnered attention from global media (TechTimes and Goodmen project), further solidifying the impact and relevance of his research.

Rahul has published papers in the IEEE Digital Library titled “Smart Health Monitoring System measuring vital parameters in emergency situations in real-time” for remotely assisting tens of thousands of elderly patients.

Due to multiple remote attacks and data exposures in Fintechs, his focus shifted to cybersecurity during 2013-2014. Therefore, he decided to pursue a career in information technology and gain execution experience. The path from Electronics professor to Cybersecurity professional was quite difficult. But his focus and zeal for development enabled him to reach the goal.

As an individual contributor, he simultaneously managed multiple cybersecurity assessments and penetration tests. He managed the team and laboured to develop the cybersecurity process and in-house tools. Currently employed as the “Senior Advanced Cybersecurity Architect” for the Honeywell Global Security team.

Ketan’s best-selling evidence-based book “the Legendary Quest” marries ancient wisdom with modern science. The book has been widely cited and has garnered great reviews from readers all across the globe. His second book “Soar: A soul’s quest” is an inspirational fable and will be published in summer of 2023.

Ketan is a passionate entrepreneur and has launched several start-ups and businesses particularly with a focus on fairness, sustainability, longevity, and contribution to economy. He is an advocate of equity, diversity, inclusion, social justice, and change.

Ketan has completed over 75 articles, podcasts and interviews on wellbeing, burnout, and success nationally and internationally. Ketan is on the cusp of launching a not-for-profit organization to serve under-privileged sections of the society and immigrants. His recently launched YouTube channel (SavvyPhysician) is focused on moral and financial awareness for children and youth.

He received the prestigious Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) award and Brainz 500 global award in 2022; and Nav Rattan (9 Jewel) Award and Indian achievers award in 2023. He was recently awarded an Honorary PhD in Humanities