
Krishnan Raja
SENIOR OPERATIONS & MANUFACTURING HEAD = Metallurgical engineer from I.I.Sc., Bangalore with more than 35 years experience in the engineering industry
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About
Senior manufacturing and operations leader with extensive experience in greenfield project implementation, plant commissioning, business turnaround, heavy engineering, automotive components, metallurgy, and industrial operations. Proven track record of establishing manufacturing facilities, leading large operational teams, improving productivity, developing vendor ecosystems, and restoring underperforming businesses to operational stability and profitability. Experienced in working with multinational organizations, financial institutions, technology partners, government enterprises, and international stakeholders across Asia and Europe.
Experience
Vice President (Operations) at Dyanora Group (Indo Matsushita Group)
Led end-to-end business operations including manufacturing, finance, customer management, production planning, and business restructuring.
- Secured strategic customer agreements and restored operational profitability during challenging financial conditions.
- Repaid bank loans to some of the banks in a very short time.
Factory Manager at UCAL Mikuni Ltd.
Led implementation and commissioning of a major automotive components manufacturing facility in collaboration with Japanese partners. Supply to Maruti Suzuki.
- Achieved commercial production within days of installation and reached Japanese benchmark productivity levels within three months.
Managing Director at Ajantaa Forgings Pvt. Ltd.
Founded and managed a steel forgings manufacturing company serving automotive, engineering, and defence sectors.
- Developed a respected supplier base serving leading industrial organizations including TAFE, TVS Group, Rane Group, Royal Enfield, BHEL, and Defence establishments.
- Awarded Grade A vendor by TAFE
Vice President (Operations) at Kitty Steels Ltd.
Directed operations for a heavy engineering and fabrication company serving industrial and infrastructure sectors. Supply to cement plants.
Executive – Metallurgical Engineering at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
Implemented nationally significant projects including the Welding Research Institute and School of Welding. Managed advanced metallurgical laboratories, quality systems, and failure analysis programs.
Vice President (Operations) at Kelachandra Group
Led diversified business operations spanning manufacturing, real estate, textiles, garments, and technology infrastructure.
Education
M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering – Banaras Hindu University
B.E. in Metallurgical Engineering – Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
B.Sc. – A.M. Jain College, Chennai