Karthik Raman
About Karthik Raman
Karthik Raman serves as the Head of Product Management for India and the Middle East at Kennametal, where he has worked since 2020. With over 20 years of experience in product management and business development, he focuses on market intelligence and new product development.
Current Role at Kennametal
Karthik Raman serves as the Head of Product Management for India and the Middle East at Kennametal. He has held this position since 2020, working from Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. In this role, he leads a team of product managers focused on delivering products that meet market needs and represent viable business opportunities. His responsibilities include overseeing product strategy, new product development, and product life cycle management.
Previous Experience at Kennametal
Prior to his current role, Karthik Raman worked at Kennametal in various capacities. He was the Head of Application Engineering & Aerospace Business from 2011 to 2020 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He also served as a Product Specialist and Business Development professional from 2008 to 2011 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Additionally, he held the position of Assistant Manager: Sales & KAM Specialist from 2004 to 2008 in Chennai, where he implemented the 'Stage-gate process' for new product launches.
Education and Qualifications
Karthik Raman earned his Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a focus on Marketing and Finance from Loyola College, completing his studies from 2007 to 2010. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Mechanical Engineering from Tamilnadu College of Engineering, which he completed from 1997 to 2001. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his roles in product management and engineering.
Professional Background
Karthik Raman has over 20 years of experience in various sectors, primarily focusing on achieving revenue and profitability growth in dynamic market environments. Before joining Kennametal, he worked as a Manufacturing Engineer at ELGI Equipments Limited from 2001 to 2003 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. His extensive background in engineering and product management has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate complex business challenges.
Leadership and Management Philosophy
Karthik Raman emphasizes 'change management' as a crucial factor in shaping the future of product development and business strategies. He focuses on market intelligence and product strategy to ensure that his team delivers differentiated products that align with market demands. His leadership approach is centered on fostering innovation and adapting to changing market conditions.