The global leather industry is undergoing a stylish renaissance, where sustainability meets sophistication, and tradition blends with technology. As the world pivots toward conscious luxury, India is stepping into the spotlight with the leather goods market poised to grow at a remarkable 22 percent CAGR over the next five years. The shift in global manufacturing, from China’s dominance to a diversified ‘China +1’ strategy, has opened the doors for India to become the new epicenter of leather craftsmanship.
With its skilled workforce, competitive labor costs, rich raw material base, and infrastructure-friendly policies, India offers the perfect stitch in the fabric of global supply chains. However, the real runway lies at home, where rising incomes, urban lifestyles, and a style-conscious population are fueling a new wave of domestic demand.
With only 15 percent of the industry in the organized sector, the canvas for growth is vast and vibrant. This is the moment for industry leaders to reimagine leather, by embracing digital design, sustainable practices, and global collaborations. Shiv Ajagane, CEO of Sara Suole, stands at the forefront of India’s evolving leather industry, an industry that is rapidly transforming into a hub of innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
With a rich academic foundation spanning technology, management, and global leadership, Shiv brings a rare blend of creative insight and strategic acumen to the table. His journey began with a passion for fashion design, drawing him into the world of leather, where he started his career in product design and development.
However, his engineering mindset and business education soon propelled him into operations and leadership roles. Shiv views leather not just as a material, but as a fusion of art and science, requiring both craftsmanship and commercial vision. His hands-on experience on the shop floor taught him resilience, problem-solving, and people management, while executive education from top institutions such as INSEAD and University of Michigan equipped him to navigate digital disruption and lead large-scale transformation.
Bridging Industry & Innovation
Shiv’s leadership in the leather industry is uniquely shaped by a career that seamlessly bridges traditional manufacturing and cutting-edge technology. Contrary to conventional trajectories, it was his early experience in discrete and process manufacturing, producing for global retail giants, that laid the foundation for his success in the IT sector with firms like Tech Mahindra and Atos.
His deep understanding of global supply chains, merchandising, and operational challenges enabled him to deliver digital solutions across manufacturing, retail, logistics, and hospitality domains.
From IoT and AI to cloud services and cybersecurity, Shiv has spearheaded complex digital initiatives for global clients. “I view digital transformation not as a siloed function but as a universal language reshaping industries. I have consistently driven business turnarounds and sustainable growth by applying cross-sector best practices”, informs Shiv.
Synergy of Craft & Sustainability
At the helm of Sara Suole, Shiv has implemented strategies that have firmly positioned the company as a differentiated player in the global leather and footwear industry. Sara Suole has developed a competitive edge that resonates with both international clients and discerning consumers by combining product innovation, advanced automation, and speed to market. “We focus on creating unique designs, materials, components, and accessories, along with producing intricate, handcrafted products that enhance product exclusivity and elevate consumer willingness to pay a premium. Sustainability is a core pillar of our company’s philosophy and is seamlessly integrated into our operations”, asserts Shiv.
The company aligns with global environmental standards with a strong emphasis on biodegradable products and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Shiv balances sustainability and profitability through efficient supply chain planning, logistics optimization, waste minimization, and investment in traceability systems. Product engineering plays a critical role in maintaining cost efficiency without compromising quality. Sara Suole not only meets the evolving expectations of the market but sets a benchmark for responsible growth by sourcing eco-conscious components globally and adopting responsible production techniques.
Sustainability is a core pillar of our company’s philosophy and is seamlessly integrated into our operations
Blending Tradition with Technology
Integrating technology into the traditionally manual leather industry has been both a challenge and an opportunity for Sara Suole. Recognizing the need for modernization, the company has embraced advanced technologies to enhance productivity and precision across operations. The company steadily reduced manual intervention while improving quality by leveraging PLC-based automated process controls in tanneries to AI-powered machines that optimize material usage and detect defects.
The adoption of advanced scanning systems has strengthened quality assurance, while generative design tools and customer data analytics have revolutionized product development and customization. Virtual imaging now allows customers to visualize products before purchase, elevating the buying experience. Sara Suole is redefining efficiency while preserving the craftsmanship that defines the leather industry through the strategic integration of digital tools.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape and the opportunities it presents, Shiv shares, “My advice to young professionals is to approach the leather and footwear industry with passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn. It is a challenging space, but one that offers immense growth and leadership opportunities. Take ownership, build strong interpersonal skills, and identify untapped areas within your organization. Those who embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities will grow faster in their careers”.
Shiv Ajagane, CEO, Sara Suole
Shiv Ajagane, CEO, of Sara Suole, has a B.Tech from Anna University, an MBA from Bharathidasan Institute of Management, and executive education credentials from INSEAD and the University of Michigan. From managing international joint ventures at Tata International to senior leadership roles at Tech Mahindra and Atos, he has led strategic businesses across manufacturing and technology sectors.
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