Sharad Baviskar

Manufacturing Quality Head

Non-Independent Director

"30 Years, Three Plants, One Legacy: My journey with the Kirloskar family began from November 9, 1995, with a walk-in interview at Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd., Pune. I walked away that afternoon as a Junior Engineer, unaware that I was starting a 30-year partnership with a company that deeply values its people. Looking back, that 'crisp November day' was the foundation of everything that followed.

From the Shop Floor to the Fields of Punjab
My foundational years were spent in the Quality Assurance department, managing the assembly and testing of the engines. However, my education went beyond technical specifications. Early on, I was given a pivotal opportunity to work with our largest customer at the time: Swaraj Tractors.

I traveled through the fields of Punjab, speaking directly with the farmers who used our engines. It was here I learned a lesson that has guided my entire career:

"Quality isn’t just a metric on a spreadsheet—it’s the reliability a farmer feels in the heat of the field."

Expanding Horizons: Global Lessons and Technical Mastery
As I transitioned into a Senior Engineer role for the HA Series air-cooled engines, my "classroom" expanded globally. From studying product performance in the harsh environments of the Middle East to the rugged landscapes of South Africa, I saw firsthand how Kirloskar engines powered progress worldwide.

These insights paved the way for my role as Senior Manager (QA) at our Khadki plant, where we focused on scaling our quality standards to meet international benchmarks.

2008: The Greenfield Dream and the "Toyota Way"
The most significant shift in my career came in 2008 when I was appointed Head of Quality Assurance for a dream project: the Kagal Manufacturing Plant. This wasn't just a new location; it was a total shift in mindset.

Kirloskar invested in my growth by sending me to the heart of Lean manufacturing. Immersing myself in the Toyota Production System (TPS) in Bangalore and Japan changed my perspective on operational excellence forever. It taught me that excellence is a continuous journey, not a destination.

A Culture of Continuous Learning
One of the reasons I have called Kirloskar "home" for 30 years is the company’s unwavering support for professional development. During my tenure, I was encouraged to earn several certifications that sharpened my leadership edge: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, CQI & IRCA Lead Auditor for QHSE, CII Business Excellence Assessor & PGDBM in Operations.

These tools allowed me to give back to the organisation, eventually leading to one of my proudest moments: serving as a key member of the team that achieved the prestigious CII-EXIM Bank Award for Business Excellence in 2019.

Leading the Legacy into the Future
Today, as the Associate Vice President for Quality Assurance, I am responsible for our Kagal, Nashik, and Bhare plants. The modern manufacturing landscape is changing rapidly, but the core values of the "Kirloskar Family" remain the same.

I started as a Junior Engineer with a passion for engines. Today, I stand as a leader committed to ensuring that the legacy of excellence I joined in 1995 continues to thrive for the next generation. I am filled with gratitude for a company that showed faith in me and provided a platform to learn, travel, and lead.

Here’s to 30 years of excellence—and the journey ahead!"