Akash Somkuwar, a distinguished professional in the fields of Quality and Business Excellence, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Adico Escorts, a joint venture company with Escorts Kubota Ltd. Adico Escorts specializes in the design and manufacturing of specialized compact tractors for agricultural applications. With over 25 years of industry experience, Somkuwar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role, promising to drive operational excellence and innovation within the company.
Akash’s extensive career includes significant contributions to renowned companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Escorts Kubota, Sigma Electric, Microtek International, and VST Tillers Tractors. At these organizations, he held various key positions, showcasing his skills in quality assurance, operational excellence, and leadership. His experience is further highlighted by his numerous certifications, including Master Black Belt in Business Excellence, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Total Quality Management (TQM) & Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) facilitator, Lead Auditor for Integrated Management Systems (IMS), and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Throughout his career, Akash has been recognized for his ability to solve complex problems and implement successful projects. He has received several awards, including the “Passion for Excellence” category award from the SBQ-Division in Mahindra in 2009 and multiple accolades for his problem-solving capabilities at Mahindra’s Nagpur plant. His contributions to new product launches at Escorts in 2013 further cement his reputation as a leader in driving product innovation and quality improvements.
In his previous roles, Somkuwar has demonstrated his commitment to fostering teamwork and transparent communication. He believes in delegating authority and empowering subordinates, fostering a collaborative work environment that drives big results. His expertise spans various quality and excellence frameworks, including Shainin DOE problem-solving, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC core tools, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and Continuous Improvement (CRE) initiatives. Additionally, he has successfully led projects aimed at achieving zero defects, improving JD Power CSI scores, and stabilizing new product launches.
As COO of Adico Escorts, Somkuwar is eager to leverage his extensive experience in operational and business excellence to contribute to the company’s growth and success. He expressed his gratitude to the Adico Escorts team for their warm welcome and appreciation for the support from his mentors, colleagues, friends, and family throughout his career. Somkuwar’s strategic vision and dedication to quality make him well-suited to lead Adico Escorts in its mission to innovate and excel in the agricultural machinery sector.
Akash Somkuwar’s journey is a testament to his passion for excellence and continuous improvement. With a background that encompasses significant achievements and a commitment to quality, he is poised to make a substantial impact in his new role at Adico Escorts. The company and its stakeholders can look forward to a period of dynamic growth and operational excellence under his leadership.