R.K. RAMNATH
Madurai
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Aurolab, driving global product development and commercialization of ophthalmic innovations. Expert in regulatory strategy and cross-functional collaboration, successfully launching advanced IOLs and laser systems. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and integrating AI in medical devices, fostering impactful stakeholder engagement.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head – New Product Development
Aurolab
Madurai
08.2023 - Current
- Lead the New Product Development function for ophthalmic implants, consumables, and capital equipment, supporting international markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
- Strategic Leadership - Lead a 28-member multidisciplinary global-ready team comprising Embedded Engineers, Mechanical Designers, Laser & Optics Engineers, Biomedical Engineers, Software Engineers, Optometrists, and Moulding & Tool Development Engineers. - Define NPD roadmap aligned with global market needs, regulatory pathways, and competitive benchmarking.
- Global Product Development & Commercialization - Successfully commercialized Advanced Monofocal IOLs on a refractive platform, ensuring global quality, performance, and regulatory compliance. - Led the g launch of the Multispot Green Laser System for Diabetic Retinopathy treatment, meeting international safety and performance standards. - Headed the commercial introduction of Phakic Contact Lenses, establishing a dedicated optometrist-led clinical adoption model. - Leading development of next-generation ophthalmic capital equipment, including Phacoemulsification systems and Green Laser platforms for global markets. - Driving development of diagnostic imaging systems for fundus and retinal imaging with scalability for international deployment.
- Innovation & Digital Health - Driving integration of AI-based features into diagnostic and therapeutic devices to enhance accuracy, clinical outcomes, and workflow efficiency. - Collaborating with software, optics, and data teams to enable future-ready digital ophthalmology solutions.
- Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration - Work closely with Marketing, Finance, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain, and International Clinicians to ensure smooth global commercialization. - Interface with global partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies to enable timely product approvals and launches.
Head of Operations – Suture Needle Division
Aurolab
Madurai
01.2022 - 08.2023
- Led manufacturing and operations for a high-volume ophthalmic consumables division supplying global markets.
- Implemented automation and lean initiatives resulting in significant productivity improvement and cost reduction.
- Ensured continuous compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and FDA QSR requirements.
Product Development Manager
Aurolab
Madurai
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Led development and global commercialization of ophthalmic and specialized surgical devices based on direct clinician collaboration.
- Supported regulatory submissions and market entry for multiple international regions.
Graduate Engineer Trainee
Aurolab
Madurai
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Early career exposure to Quality Systems, FDA 510(k) documentation, validation, and cleanroom manufacturing.
Education
PG Diploma in Business Management - Operations
IGNOU
IndiaBachelor of Mechanical Engineering -
Thanthai Periyar Government Institute of Technology
Vellore, IndiaSkills
- Global product development and commercialization
- Project management
- Product commercialization
- Multisite team leadership
- Ophthalmic implants
- Laser technology
- Capital equipment management
- Diagnostic imaging systems
- Regulatory strategy development
- AI integration in medical devices
- Design control processes
- Risk management strategies
- Clinical validation techniques
- Manufacturing transfer processes
- Scale-up methodologies
- Cost optimization strategies
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Stakeholder engagement
Global Leadership Competencies
- Global New Product Development & Commercialization
- Multisite & Multidisciplinary Team Leadership (28+ members)
- Ophthalmic Implants, Lasers & Capital Equipment
- Diagnostic & Imaging Systems (Fundus & Retina)
- Regulatory Strategy (FDA, CE, MDR, ISO 13485, 21 CFR 820)
- AI & Digital Feature Integration in Medical Devices
- Design Controls, Risk Management & Clinical Validation
- Manufacturing Transfer, Scale-up & Cost Optimization
- Cross-Functional Leadership (R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, QA, Operations)
- Stakeholder Engagement with Clinicians & KOLs
Certification
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- Certified Internal Auditor – ISO 9001 & ISO 13485
- Industry 4.0 – CII
- TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) - GCCI
- FMEA & Cost Management – CII
- Leadership Development Program – Center for Creative Leadership
- Leadership Development Program – IIM, Lucknow
Global Value Proposition
- Demonstrated success in bringing cost-effective, high-quality ophthalmic technologies to global markets.
- Strong bridge between engineering, clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams.
- Experience scaling products from concept to mass production under stringent international regulations.
- Leadership style suited for VP Engineering, Head of R&D, Director – NPD roles in multinational medical device organizations.
Open To Global Roles
True
Languages
- English
- Hindi
- Sourashtra
- Tamil, Native
- English, Fluent
- Hindi, Conversational
- Sourashtra, Fluent
Executive Profile - Summary
Medical device leader with 20+ years of experience driving end-to-end New Product Development, commercialization, and scale-up of ophthalmic implants, laser systems, capital equipment, and diagnostic platforms. Currently serving as Head – New Product Development at Aurolab, leading large multidisciplinary engineering and clinical teams across the full product lifecycle. Proven ability to translate clinical needs and market insights into globally compliant products meeting FDA, CE, and ISO 13485 standards. Strong exposure to international markets, cross-border stakeholder collaboration, and development of cost-effective, high-performance medical technologies for both emerging and developed healthcare systems.
Personal Information
Willing To Relocate: 1
Timeline
Head – New Product Development
Aurolab
08.2023 - Current
Head of Operations – Suture Needle Division
Aurolab
01.2022 - 08.2023
Product Development Manager
Aurolab
01.2016 - 01.2022
Graduate Engineer Trainee
Aurolab
01.2005 - 01.2009
PG Diploma in Business Management - Operations
IGNOU
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering -
Thanthai Periyar Government Institute of Technology