Professional Overview
Satish Karunakaran is an accomplished business executive with over 25 years of diverse experience in supply chain management, strategic operations, and retail transformation. He currently serves as the Director of Transformation at Pepe Jeans India Limited, where he is responsible for driving the company's digital-led business transformation and optimizing end-to-end supply chain operations.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Transformation at Pepe Jeans India Limited, Satish is tasked with leading the company's strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, drive digital innovation, and improve customer experience. He is instrumental in spearheading cross-functional projects that leverage data-driven insights to streamline supply chain processes, enhance inventory management, and optimize logistics for the brand's omnichannel retail operations.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Satish held several senior-level positions, including Chief Supply Chain Officer at More Retail Limited, Chief Operating Officer at Fonterra Future Dairy Private Limited, and Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer at Fonterra. He has also held leadership roles at Madura Fashion & Lifestyle and Dal-Tile Corporation, where he successfully implemented supply chain transformation initiatives and drove operational excellence.
Throughout his career, Satish has demonstrated a strong ability to navigate complex business environments, optimize supply chain performance, and deliver measurable results. His diverse industry experience, combined with his expertise in digital transformation and change management, has positioned him as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to organizations in the retail, consumer goods, and dairy sectors.
Academic Background
Satish holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela. He has also completed executive programs in Supply Chain Management and Strategic Leadership from prestigious institutions, further strengthening his technical and managerial skills.
Areas of Expertise
- Supply Chain Management
- Operational Excellence
- Digital Transformation
- Retail Strategy
- Change Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Data-Driven Decision Making
Professional Impact
During his tenure as Chief Supply Chain Officer at More Retail Limited, Satish led the implementation of a cutting-edge warehouse management system and automated fulfillment processes, resulting in a 25% reduction in inventory carrying costs and a 15% improvement in on-time delivery performance.
At Fonterra, Satish was instrumental in driving the integration of the company's global supply chain operations, enabling greater visibility, responsiveness, and cost optimization across the business. His strategic initiatives contributed to a 12% increase in operational efficiency and a 20% improvement in customer service levels.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, technical expertise, and proven track record of transformative leadership, Satish Karunakaran is well-positioned to continue driving significant business impact and operational excellence in his role as Director of Transformation at Pepe Jeans India Limited. His strategic vision, coupled with his ability to leverage data and technology, make him a valuable asset in the evolving retail landscape.
