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Dr. Subramanian Arunkumar
Chief Strategy Officer
Within the ever-evolving domain of business strategy, the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) plays a crucial role in steering organizational growth and fostering innovation. At FINERN Group, Dr. Subramanian Arunkumar occupies this pivotal position, drawing upon a rich reservoir of expertise cultivated through diverse corporate endeavors. With more than 18 years of immersion spanning engineering, manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and strategic marketing, Dr. Arunkumar's strategic acumen revolves around propelling innovation and operational excellence. His leadership philosophy places a strong emphasis on mentorship, nurturing an environment conducive to embracing transformative advancements in industrial technologies.
Dr. Arunkumar's tenure as CSO encapsulates a dedication to driving forward-thinking strategies that position FINERN Group as a trailblazer in its industry. The relevance of Dr. Arunkumar's academic background to his organization’s business field is an added advantage for him to share/apply academic insights and influence the peers to effectively shape the landscape of business strategy. His contributions extend beyond the boardroom, as he actively mentors aspiring leaders and advocates for diversity and inclusion initiatives, further solidifying his impact on both the company and the broader community. Let’s hear more from him in this one on one interaction.
Could you provide a concise overview of your professional history and experiences? Additionally, what drives your daily activities and keeps you motivated?
With more than 18 years of experience spanning engineering, manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and strategic marketing, acquired from positions in reputable multinational corporations like Mattel, Johnson Electric, and British American Tobacco, I bring a diverse and comprehensive set of skills to the table alongside my academic background in engineering and a doctorate from City University of Hong Kong. I aim to make significant and lasting contributions to the automation industry, driving forward transformative advancements in industrial technologies. Currently, my strategic objective revolves around revolutionizing the custom engineering aspects of automation business by advocating for the adoption of highly valuable and accessible modular technology solutions.
My approach is anchored in the principle of 'Leading by Example,' wherein I underscore the significance of strategic growth & urgency through tangible demonstrations
As a strategic executive, my top priority is navigating through the complex operational dynamics of our company and the industry at large, ensuring a clear and purposeful direction forward. I actively engage in continuous self-education, immersing myself in diverse resources and learning opportunities to stay abreast of the latest trends and developments. However, I also recognize the importance of maintaining a balanced approach, avoiding becoming overwhelmed by statistical data and numbers, and instead focusing on strategic insights that drive actionable decisions and propel our organization towards sustainable growth and success.
How do you characterize the Finern Group as an organization, and where do you see its current standing in the market?
Situated in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, FINERN Group stands as a pioneering force in the dynamic realm of automated production systems (APS), serving discerning clients in advanced intelligent manufacturing industries worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to delivering bespoke solutions spanning testing equipment, measurement systems, and APS, FINERN has cultivated a sterling reputation as a trusted partner since its inception in 2011. Particularly esteemed within the automotive sector, approximately 70 percent of its business entails collaborations with top-tier multinational corporations, underscoring its prominence and reliability in the industry. In recent years, FINERN has been at the forefront of a transformative revolution within the industrial and consumer product sectors by offering standardized, modular, and flexible APS solutions. This innovative approach has facilitated the seamless deployment of numerous production lines, resulting in substantial cost savings totaling millions of dollars. Such achievements further solidify FINERN's position as an industry leader in automated manufacturing solutions, poised to continue driving innovation and excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of industrial automation.
In your role as the CSO, what recent strategic initiatives have you implemented to enhance operations, optimize growth, and reach out to new audiences in the market?
At the heart of any strategic roadmap lies the imperative task of creating value for the organization. In my role as a strategic executive, I have been dedicated to honing our value proposition and fortifying internal processes, highlighted by the implementation of FNPMS—an innovative, platform-based system for product development and project management. Embracing the principle of 'do it right the first time' inherent in FNPMS, we have witnessed notable enhancements in operational efficiency and a reinforcement of trust among our partners. This positions us favorably for substantial expansion beyond our traditional markets. Our current strategy centers on forging closer collaborations with trusted partners, thereby facilitating the rapid global expansion of our footprint. Guided by our vision for technological leadership, we are streamlining costly and labor-intensive custom design and engineering processes into solutions that are more accessible, affordable, and flexible, ensuring our continued success and growth in the ever-evolving landscape of strategic innovation.
Please describe your approach to leadership. What principles or methodologies guide your leadership style?
In my pivotal role as Chief Strategy Officer, the collaboration with the Chairman & the CEO stands as a cornerstone of our organization's success. While the CEO steers the ship of current business operations with agility, I am entrusted with charting the course for future growth trajectories. Yet, introducing long-term strategic visions can often encounter skepticism or resistance within the organization's ranks. To navigate this challenge, I prioritize mentorship as a means to ensure the seamless integration of these visions without disrupting existing operations abruptly.
My approach is anchored in the principle of 'Leading by Example,' wherein I underscore the significance of strategic growth and urgency through tangible demonstrations. For instance, I actively engage with our Research and Development teams, to showcase the feasibility of new technologies and then offer strategic guidance to stimulate innovation and expansion across our business units. Through this collaborative and mentorship-driven approach, we adeptly navigate the complexities of strategic planning, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustained growth that propels our organization toward continued success in an ever-evolving landscape.
What future destination are you heading towards, and what advice would you offer to budding industry leaders considering your strong experience within the industry?
As the famous quote suggests, 'It’s not the destination but the journey' that matters. I take pleasure in laying strong foundations for my current role by providing clear and thoughtful directions, firmly believing that the results will inevitably lead us to a greater destiny. In the face of rapid technological advancement, we find ourselves propelled into a hyper-automated industrial landscape. As leaders, it becomes imperative to focus on developing and deploying human capital and skills in a manner that ensures adaptability and resilience against easy disruption. This proactive approach not only prepares us for the challenges of today but also positions us strategically for the uncertainties of tomorrow, guiding us towards sustained success and growth in an ever-evolving business environment.
Dr. Subramanian ArunKumar, Chief Strategy Officer, Finern Group
The chief strategy officer at finern group, is renowned for his visionary leadership and strategic acumen. With a passion for laying strong foundations and charting clear directions, he navigates the company towards greater destinies. Dr. Arunkumar's expertise extends to advising budding industry leaders on navigating the rapid technological advancements shaping the hyper-automated industrial landscape. He emphasizes the development and deployment of adaptable human capital to ensure resilience amidst disruption.