Experienced leader in global procurement and supply chain with 25+ years in strategic sourcing and operations for major OEMs like Ford and Hyundai. Demonstrated ability to manage $10 billion+ in direct material spend, delivering over 20% in cost savings and ensuring zero production stoppages. Proficient in supplier development, risk management, and contract negotiation, with a focus on establishing greenfield suppliers. Known for optimizing supply networks and leading multicultural teams across various regions, emphasizing team growth and development.
Hi, I’m
Sathiyanarayanan Kesavan
General Manager - Capacity And Constraints
Chennai
Summary
Overview
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Ford Motor Company
General Manager – Global Supplier Capacity & Constraints/Supply Chain
12.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Ensured "NIL" production loss across Ford global plants due to global constraints/supply disruption issues Eg. Middle East Crisis, Nexperia IC constraints, Parker Lord Fire, China Rare Eare Element Restriction etc.
- Achieved Zero Units Lost by aligning supplier capacity with demand, safeguarding uninterrupted production.
- Reduced premium freight costs by 50% YoY through proactive forecasting and supplier mitigation actions.
- Improved supplier readiness (MMOG) by 20%, strengthening delivery reliability.
- Implemented Geo-Fencing disruption tracking tool, cutting response time to geopolitical risks.
- Directed and developed a 60-member global team to manage constraints in VUCA environments.
Ford Motor Company
Business Head – Ford Smart Mobility
03.2021 - 11.2022
Job overview
- Held P&L accountability for PAN-India operations, delivering $12M revenue with 5% profit margins.
- Launched 3W EV for last-mile delivery, creating a new business vertical.
- Served as Board Member, driving portfolio strategy for revenue diversification.
Ford Motor Company
Strategic Sourcing Head – Ford Smart Mobility
02.2020 - 02.2021
Job overview
- Managed sourcing partnerships delivering 34K+ rides/day across 7 cities.
- Secured ticketing solutions contract with Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL).
- Converted supplier partnerships into Enterprise Tech Solutions (ETS) opportunities.
Ford Motor Company
General Manager – Regional Strategic Sourcing/ India CBG Head / Programs
09.2013 - 01.2020
Job overview
- Managed $700M+ chassis parts spend across APAC & Africa.
- Achieved Ford’s first “Best Cost at Job1” for chassis frames.
- Developed cost models improving 75% sourcing efficiency on wheel & tire transitions.
- Responsible for $10B+ direct material spend across 2 vehicle and 2 powertrain plants.
- Established 16 greenfield supplier sites at Sanand, enabling flawless Figo launch.
Ford Motor Company | Hyundai Motor India | South India Drugs & Devices
01.1996 - 01.2013
Job overview
- Led procurement for B-Car launches (2000+ parts), meeting cost/tooling targets and boosting exports by 40%.
- Developed APAC sourcing strategies and drove localization in Germany role.
- Built $1B sourcing pipeline from India for North America & Europe, delivering 20%+ savings.
- Consistently achieved 3% annual supplier cost reductions at Hyundai.
- Developed life-saving cardiac devices and vendor base at South India Drugs & Devices.
Education
SRM UniversityChennai India
M.Tech from Data Science
06-2026
University Overview
Ongoing
Loyola Institute of Business AdministrationChennai India
Executive Business Management (Distinction)
01-2017
University Overview
GPA: 7.8/9
VEC (Now VIT)Vellore
B.E. from Mechanical Engineering
01-1995
University Overview
GPA: 79%
Skills
Operations management
Customer relationship management
Team leadership
Project management
Team building
Business development
Effective leader
Project planning
Strategic planning
Training and development
Relationship building
Risk management
P&L management
Team player
Process improvements
Problem resolution
Efficient multi-tasker
Supply chain management
Interpersonal skills
Administrative skills
Skilled negotiator
Process automation
Exceptional interpersonal communication
Vendor relationships
Purchasing and planning
Troubleshooting expertise
Succession planning
Vendor sourcing
Risk mitigation
Change implementation
Purchasing
Vendor negotiations
Timeline
General Manager – Global Supplier Capacity & Constraints/Supply Chain
Ford Motor Company
12.2022 - Current
Business Head – Ford Smart Mobility
Ford Motor Company
03.2021 - 11.2022
Strategic Sourcing Head – Ford Smart Mobility
Ford Motor Company
02.2020 - 02.2021
General Manager – Regional Strategic Sourcing/ India CBG Head / Programs
Ford Motor Company
09.2013 - 01.2020
Ford Motor Company | Hyundai Motor India | South India Drugs & Devices
01.1996 - 01.2013
VEC (Now VIT)
B.E. from Mechanical Engineering
SRM University
M.Tech from Data Science
Loyola Institute of Business Administration
Executive Business Management (Distinction)