Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Projects
Instruments Used
Research
Social Activities
Timeline
Generic
PRASHANTHAKUMARA K R

PRASHANTHAKUMARA K R

Mangaluru

Summary

Dynamic quality management professional with over 18 years at BASF India, excelling in ISO standards implementation and supplier quality assurance. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Expert in SAP QM and passionate about fostering a culture of quality, resulting in enhanced customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Deputy Manager, Quality Management & Quality Assurance

BASF India Coatings Private Limited
Mangaluru
07.2007 - Current
  • Over 18 years of leadership in quality management, driving long-term objectives and continuous improvement in the automotive coatings industry.
  • Extensive experience implementing and enhancing QMS (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001) in matrixed, global organizations.
  • Led internal, customer, and certification audits; played a key role in resolving major non-conformances and ensuring compliance with IATF standards.
  • Managed supplier quality assurance, including vendor audits, NCM process development, and supplier development initiatives.
  • Directed strategic projects such as SAP QM module implementation and digital transformation across Asia Pacific.
  • Developed and updated quality manuals, SOPs, and best practices to align with organizational goals.
  • Trained and mentored cross-functional teams on quality tools, audit competency, and problem-solving methodologies (G8D, Ishikawa, why-why analysis).
  • Proficient in data analysis, COPQ reporting, and operational systems improvement using tools like Power BI, SAP QM, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Recognized for effective collaboration, resource management, and delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, and customer satisfaction.
  • Adept at leading cross-functional teams, managing multiple projects under tight deadlines, and fostering a culture of quality and safety.

Education

Ph.D. - Polymer

National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK)
India
12.2015

M.Sc. - Chemistry

Kuvempu University
Karnataka, India
12.2007

B.Sc. - Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Sahyadri Science College, Kuvempu University
Shivamogga, Karnataka, India
12.2005

Skills

  • Team Leadership & Mentorship
  • Business Partner Engagement
  • Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
  • Interactive Training & Effective Communication
  • Lean Manufacturing & Change Management
  • Process & Procedure Development
  • Microsoft Office & Digital Tools (Power Automate, Power BI, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams)
  • Time Management & Multitasking
  • Lead Auditor (ISO 9001), VDA 63 Process Auditor
  • Paint Process & Quality Tools Expert
  • Global 8D, PDCA, PQ Analysis, Makigami, Value Stream Mapping
  • SAP QM Module Expertise
  • Automotive Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC)
  • Supplier Qualification & Audit Management
  • Part Development & Supplier Quality Assurance

Certification

  • IRCA Certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor
  • VDA 6.3 Process Auditor
  • LEAN Champion
  • Internal auditor of IMS (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 50001 standards) and Automotive QMS (IATF 16949:2016)
  • Global 8D Problem Solving
  • Paint Process Expert (BASF Germany)
  • Automotive Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC)

Accomplishments

  • Received Extra Mile Award for leading packaging material optimization, enhancing quality, cost savings, and sustainability.
  • Recognition Award for leading QM process in senior project ‘NGBA’ at BICPL.
  • Completed Digital Upskilling Program focused on Power Automate, SharePoint, and MS Approval.
  • Best Performance Award for significant COPQ reduction among seven business units.
  • Developed and implemented NCM process integration with SAP QM for continual improvement.
  • Led successful transition to IATF 16949:2016 certification with new APEX Quality manual.
  • Achieved near-zero craters through targeted project initiatives.
  • Awarded Certificate of Appreciation for supporting Auto Quality Council and other business units.
  • Drove continual QMS improvement for sustainable development in Coatings Solutions.
  • Recognized by CEO for leading and executing 'World Quality Week' celebration.

Projects

  • Led multiple process optimization and efficiency improvement projects, including packaging material and batch size optimization.
  • Managed sustainability initiatives such as VOC reduction, water conservation, and packaging material upgrades. Product insourcing for cost reduction.
  • Spearheaded digital transformation projects, including Asia region document management platform using Power Automate and SharePoint.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through enhanced complaint closure processes.
  • Achieved waste reduction, improved yield, and increased production capacity via milling and pack size optimization.
  • Implemented cleaning concepts to reduce chemical exposure and technical process mapping to boost productivity.
  • Contributing to global digital document management (D2 project)

Instruments Used

  • Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
  • Z-scan instrument for non-linear optical (NLO) study
  • UV-visible Spectroscopy
  • Fluorescence-Emission Spectroscopy
  • FT-IR Spectroscopy
  • Cyclic Voltammetry

Research

  • Synthesized and characterized novel heterocyclic polymers using advanced organic reactions.
  • Established methods for purification and structural analysis using NMR, FT-IR, and chromatography.
  • Investigated optical and electrochemical properties of conjugated polymers via spectroscopic techniques.
  • Utilized instruments such as GPC, UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry.
  • Explored applications of polymers in non-linear optics and PLEDs.
  • Published multiple papers on polymer science in international journals.
  • Presented research findings at national and international conferences

Social Activities

  • Founder & managing Trustee, Avashya Charitable Trust
  • President, Kannada Janapada Parishath, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka

Timeline

Deputy Manager, Quality Management & Quality Assurance

BASF India Coatings Private Limited
07.2007 - Current

Ph.D. - Polymer

National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK)

M.Sc. - Chemistry

Kuvempu University

B.Sc. - Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Sahyadri Science College, Kuvempu University
PRASHANTHAKUMARA K R