Gopinath Lakshmanan
Global Transformation Lead
Coimbatore
Summary
Global Transformation & Product Leadership Executive with 20 + years of international experience driving enterprise modernization, digital thread integration, and large-scale new-product development (NPD) and launch programs across North America, Europe, China and India. Expert at aligning business strategy with engineering and manufacturing transformation to accelerate time-to-market, strengthen governance, and optimize cost, quality, and performance outcomes. Currently leading global transformation for Schneider Electric’s Medium Voltage Line of Business, holding full P&L accountability for a €800 M portfolio. Directs enterprise-wide agility, change management, and transformation governance across multi-regional operations. Previously at Ford Motor Company, led end-to-end product-development and launch initiatives, embedding digital-thread and PLM frameworks into design, validation, and manufacturing processes to deliver measurable efficiency, cost, and quality gains.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
Global Transformation Lead
Schneider Electric
08.2024 - Current
- Reporting to the SVP of the Medium Voltage Line of Business.
- Owns an €800 million portfolio; drives profitability, investment alignment, and value realization.
- Standardized transformation governance and readiness framework, improving decision velocity and adoption.
- Defined a three-year roadmap integrating digital initiatives, process modernization, and capability development.
- Established a global community of practice to build leadership maturity and execution discipline.
- Chairs Transformation Steering Council is aligning engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and business operations.
- Reports to the Executive Committee on strategy, KPIs, and transformation ROI.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Delivery Head – Virtual Engineering Transformation
Ford Motor Company
05.2021 - 07.2024
- Implemented Siemens PLM backbone, linking design, manufacturing, and quality systems, resulting in a 30% efficiency gain and a 7-month launch-cycle reduction.
- Consolidated redundant applications and processes to generate approximately $70 million in annual savings in licensing and maintenance.
- Introduced model-based verification and virtual validation to improve launch quality and defect prevention.
- Advanced simulation and virtual build processes using Industry 4.0, and automation technologies.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance delivery processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Developed strategic initiatives to optimize supply chain logistics and reduce lead times.
- Implemented performance metrics to monitor and improve delivery service quality.
- Spearheaded technology integration to streamline order fulfillment and tracking systems.
Program Manager – EV & Connected Vehicle Strategies
Ford Motor Pvt Ltd
10.2019 - 04.2021
- Formulated EV and Connected Vehicle strategies for JV and emerging markets; used connected-vehicle data for design rationalization → $9.2 M annual savings.
- Leveraged predictive analytics to enhance feature offerings and reduce warranty costs.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives aligning with corporate goals.
- Developed and implemented program management frameworks to enhance project delivery efficiency.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
- Monitored project progress and facilitated problem-solving sessions to ensure timely resolution of issues.
Program Manager – Platform Programs
Ford of Australia
08.2018 - 09.2019
- Delivered SUV and pickup platforms for 150+ markets; achieved 60% component commonality, and 20% complexity reduction.
- Directed matrixed teams across regions to align design, sourcing, and launch strategies.
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
Launch & Localization Manager
Ford Motor Pvt Ltd
07.2013 - 03.2018
- Delivered four major vehicle programs for domestic and export markets; achieved on-time launch with optimized tooling and validation.
- Executed total-value management initiatives, yielding approximately $400 million in cost savings.
- Developed funding plans and capital approvals, ensuring ROI and budget alignment.
- Directed cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and streamline production processes.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to reduce costs and improve product quality.
- Mentored and developed staff to foster a high-performance work environment.
Earlier Engineering & Quality Roles
Ford Motor Pvt Ltd | Toyota Kirloskar Motor | IFB Pvt Ltd
01.2004 - 01.2013
- Managed product quality, supplier development, and design optimization for body and chassis systems.
- Integrated DFMEA, DVP practices, and voice-of-customer insights to enhance robustness and reliability.
- Implemented Lean / Kaizen initiatives reducing warranty claims by 15 %.
Education
B.E. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Madras
Villupuram01.2003
Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
State Board of Technical Education
The Nilgiris01.2000
CORE LEADERSHIP DOMAINS
Enterprise Transformation | New Product Development & Launch | Agile Operating Models & Governance | Program Delivery Excellence | Change Management | Cost & Portfolio Optimization | Digital Thread & PLM Strategy | Stakeholder & Leadership Engagement | P&L & Financial Performance
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Full P&L ownership for €800 M Medium Voltage portfolio.
- Standardized transformation governance and agility framework across four regions.
- Achieved > 30 % efficiency gain and 7-month launch-cycle reduction.
- Delivered ~$70 M annual savings through system and process optimization.
- Realized $400 M cost reduction through localization and TVM programs.
- Expanded vehicle portfolio and market reach in Brazil and MEA.
Certification
PMP | CSM | Digital Transformation & Industry 4.0 (Schneider Learning Academy)
Timeline
Global Transformation Lead
Schneider Electric
08.2024 - Current
Delivery Head – Virtual Engineering Transformation
Ford Motor Company
05.2021 - 07.2024
Program Manager – EV & Connected Vehicle Strategies
Ford Motor Pvt Ltd
10.2019 - 04.2021
Program Manager – Platform Programs
Ford of Australia
08.2018 - 09.2019
Launch & Localization Manager
Ford Motor Pvt Ltd
07.2013 - 03.2018
Earlier Engineering & Quality Roles
Ford Motor Pvt Ltd | Toyota Kirloskar Motor | IFB Pvt Ltd
01.2004 - 01.2013
B.E. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Madras
Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
State Board of Technical Education