India’s leather industry is undergoing a significant transformation, aligning with global sustainability trends and international compliance requirements. With rising consumer consciousness, the sector is adopting ecofriendly practices, particularly in tanneries, which are shifting towards sustainable processes through certifications like the Leather Working Group (LWG).
These initiatives emphasize zero discharge of hazardous chemicals and the elimination of restricted substances such as lead and mercury, positioning Indian leather exports on par with stringent global standards. While synthetic alternatives like vegan and PU leather are gaining attention, they remain complementary markets due to their shorter shelf life and reliance on synthetic materials. Genuine leather, with its biodegradability and durability, continues to hold a competitive edge.
As Director of Roj Leather Exports, Akshay Rajan Sounderrajan has played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of India’s evolving leather industry with a commitment to innovation and quality. Leading a workforce of over 700 employees, he combines strong people skills with a democratic leadership style to foster collaboration and innovation. He oversees product development, ensuring alignment of design aesthetics and commercial goals across Roj Leather Exports categories. He manages sourcing strategies, costing, and milestones for timely delivery. By fostering cross-functional collaboration, enhancing factory performance, and building global partnerships, Akshay drives process efficiency. He mentors teams implements strategies, and ensures compliance while achieving financial and margin objectives.
His strategic decisions during critical periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, reflect his commitment to balancing employee welfare with business sustainability. His leadership emphasizes open communication and adaptability, qualities that have enabled Roj Leather Exports to thrive amid global challenges. With a deep understanding of both opportunities and obstacles, Akshay continues to drive the company’s vision of sustainable and quality-driven leather exports.
Strategies and Leadership
The company, under the visionary leadership of Akshay Rajan Sounderrajan, has established itself as a benchmark in the leather manufacturing industry. The organization’s core philosophy revolves around meticulous planning and the implementation of robust standard operating procedures (SOPs). Guided by the principle that "failing to plan is planning to fail," the company ensures that every aspect of its processes is streamlined, from sourcing leather to delivering mass-produced garments.
To uphold its reputation for quality, the company has dedicated teams for quality assurance, beginning at the tannery level. These teams rigorously evaluate the leather against market standards before it enters the factory. Once the leather is in production, additional layers of quality checks are introduced at critical stages like assorting, cutting, stitching, and fusing. This meticulous approach ensures that each garment adheres to the highest standards. The director also emphasizes transparency and accountability, inviting third-party inspectors from reputed auditing firms such as Eurofins to validate the product quality.
In addressing unforeseen challenges, Akshay Rajan Sounderrajan has implemented contingency planning as a key strategy. For instance, if an order for leather skins deviates in color or quality, backup raw materials are prepared in advance to avoid delays. This proactive approach minimizes wastage and ensures timely fulfillment of buyer commitments, reflecting the company's adaptability and foresight.
His leadership is evident in tackling industry challenges, such as the declining availability of skilled artisans. Recognizing that leather garment production is an intricate art form, the company has launched training programs to sustain a skilled workforce. At the same time, the organization is exploring opportunities in smart manufacturing, integrating advanced technologies to digitize production processes. Real-time data collection and analytics are being adopted to enhance operational efficiency, ensuring the company stays ahead in the competitive landscape.
A cornerstone of the company’s success is Akshay’s ability to cultivate synergy within cross-functional teams. Regularly scheduled meetings promote constructive dialogue, enabling departments such as merchandising, logistics, and accounting to work collaboratively. When faced with challenges like urgent buyer requests, he fosters a culture of flexibility and proactive problem-solving, ensuring customer satisfaction without compromising internal processes.
This blend of strategic foresight, commitment to quality, and technological innovation defines both the company’s operational excellence and the director’s role as a transformative leader in the leather manufacturing industry.
With a deep understanding of both opportunities and obstacles, Akshay continues to drive the company’s vision of sustainable and quality-driven leather exports
Pushing Beyond Limits
Akshay Rajan Sounderrajan shares a valuable lesson from his younger days, imparted by a great teacher named James. Through a powerful exercise, he learned that limits are often self-imposed. When asked how many people he could carry, he initially doubted his ability beyond two. Yet, his teacher kept adding more people, and Akshay found himself carrying five, far exceeding his expectations. The moral of the story is simple yet profound: without trying, you’ll never know your true potential. To aspiring leaders, he advises them to keep trying, embrace failure, and view it as a stepping stone to growth and success.
“We are no longer just a garment manufacturing company; we are evolving into a goods manufacturing enterprise, broadening our horizons. As one of the largest international suppliers, we collaborate with leading brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti and others. Our growth now extends to launching our product lines, including handbags and wallets. Our double-audited processes ensure global compliance, and we uphold sustainability by sourcing exclusively from LWG Gold Certified companies. Recognized by NIFT for fostering internships, we are committed to continuous innovation, expanding our success story, and shaping a sustainable future”, concludes Akshay Rajan Sounderrajan.
Akshay Rajan Sounderrajan, Director, Roj Leather Exports
Akshay Rajan Sounderrajan, Director of Roj Leather Exports, is a leader in India’s leather industry. Managing a workforce of over 700, he combines strategic planning, innovative problem-solving, and collaboration to overcome challenges and drive growth. From quality assurance to smart manufacturing, he ensures excellence across operations. Committed to sustainability and workforce development, his efforts have positioned Roj Leather Exports as a frontrunner in delivering high-quality, sustainable leather products to global markets.
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