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)
India12.2015
M.Sc. - Chemistry
Kuvempu University
Karnataka, India12.2007
B.Sc. - Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Sahyadri Science College, Kuvempu University
Shivamogga, Karnataka, India12.2005
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