Parvat Gangurde

Senior Consultant

With over 33 years of experience across some of India’s leading engineering companies, Parvat brings a rare blend of technical depth and practical wisdom to every project. A Mechanical Engineering graduate, he has worked with reputed organizations like Crompton Greaves and Kirloskar Tractors, where he played a key role in driving quality systems and operational improvements. Parvat’s expertise spans Lean manufacturing, supply chain, quality management, and 5S implementation. He is also certified in Total Quality Management, ISO Internal Auditing, and the Theory of Constraints—equipping him to lead strategic improvements from the ground up. Today, Parvat supports clients in building strong operational foundations through a thoughtful mix of structure, discipline, and continuous improvement. His calm, methodical approach earns him trust on the shop floor and in boardrooms a like.

Sunil Lakhe

Senior Consultant

With over 30 years of robust industry experience, Sunil brings deep expertise in Lean Management, 5S, Kaizens, Value Stream Mapping, Supply Chain, and Quality Management Systems. He has worked with renowned organizations including Bajaj Auto Ltd., Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., and Badve Engineering Pvt. Ltd., where he led several impactful improvement initiatives. Sunil also possesses strong expertise in surface treatments and paint technology, making him a valuable asset in automotive and manufacturing domains where precision and process reliability are critical. His extensive experience and hands-on knowledge enable him to deliver high-value solutions that drive efficiency, quality, and sustainable performance improvements.

Rugved Marathe

Senior Consultant

Rugved brings over 15 years of industry experience with a sharp focus on driving manufacturing excellence. A BE in Automobile Engineering and a Certified Lean Practitioner from IMTMA, he brings structured methodologies and a results-oriented mindset to every engagement. His expertise spans TPM, 5S, and productivity enhancement. Currently managing consulting assignments in the electrical and automotive sectors—including core engineering, machining, and forging—Rugved has played a pivotal role in helping industries achieve measurable improvements. His practical insights and collaborative style make him an effective change agent across shop floors.

Ravindra Mekhe

Senior Consultant

Bringing over four decades of industry wisdom, Ravindra is a veteran in production processes and new product development. A Production Engineering diploma holder from Mumbai University, he has led operations at renowned firms like Modison and Asia Automotive. His strengths in structured problem-solving, clear communication, and continuous improvement have consistently driven impactful results. Ravindra is presently leading lean transformation programs for clients in the electrical, component manufacturing, and OEM sectors—reinforcing his reputation as a dependable leader in operational excellence.

Ajay Vaidya

Senior Consultant

Ajay’s career spans over 25 years, rooted deeply in the principles of Lean and operational excellence. With diplomas in both Applied and Industrial Electronics, he has built a reputation for transforming complex shopfloor challenges into structured, impactful solutions. Over the years, Ajay has become a go-to expert for 5S implementation, layout optimization, and Lean Six Sigma initiatives. Today, he’s actively driving change for clients in diverse sectors—from electrical to food and core engineering—bringing clarity, structure, and results to every engagement. His ability to adapt to different industrial settings makes him a strong pillar in any transformation journey.

Hemant Kale

Senior Consultant

With over 18 years of diverse experience across operational, supervisory, and managerial functions, Hemant has developed strong competencies in driving organizational excellence. His career spans production, supply chain management, finance, taxation, accounts, HR & IR, and statutory compliance,equipping him with a 360-degree understanding of business operations. In addition, he brings specialized expertise in Lean implementation, helping organizations streamline processes, eliminate waste, and build a culture of continuous improvement. Known for his practical approach and hands-on guidance, Hemant brings both strategic insight and operational rigor, making him a valuable partner for businesses on their continuous improvement journey.

Santosh Paithankar

Senior Consultant

With over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and operations industry, Santosh has built a reputation for delivering excellence across production planning, quality management, and plant operations. A Mechanical Engineer by background, he has led cross-functional teams, streamlined complex workflows, and consistently delivered high-quality outcomes under demanding timelines.Throughout his career, Santosh has held leadership positions in reputed organizations, where he successfully managed production plants, optimized resource utilization, and strengthened operational performance. His expertise spans welding and fabrication processes, compliance with ASME, PED, and ISO standards, and hands-on proficiency in pressure vessels, heat exchangers, distillation columns, dryers, and agitators. Beyond technical expertise, Santosh has demonstrated strong capabilities in strategic planning, OEE monitoring, and process optimization. His ability to bridge shop-floor execution with executive-level goals has made him a trusted leader for driving operational excellence.

Ratnakar Bhutekar

Senior Consultant

With over 35 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Production, and QMS leadership, Ratnakar has developed expertise in designing and sustaining management systems, leading improvement initiatives, and mentoring teams. He has driven transformational projects including SMED, Vendor Self-Certification, ISO implementations, and ZED Bronze & Gold certifications. A certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015 and Internal Auditor for IATF 16949 and VDA 6.3, he blends technical mastery with practical business insight. As a lifetime member of QCFI, he continues to advance a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Rahul Hire

Senior Consultant

With over a decade of hands-on experience in quality management systems and auditing, Rahul Hire brings strong expertise in ISO certification, system implementation, and compliance-driven process improvement. A certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor (QCI/IRCA), he has supported organizations across industries in building, implementing, and sustaining robust management systems aligned with international standards.

Rahul’s experience spans ISO documentation, internal and customer audits, audit preparedness, and customized training programs aimed at improving compliance, operational efficiency, and workplace safety. Having worked extensively as a Management System Coordinator and as an independent Lead Auditor, he combines structured system thinking with practical, on-ground execution.

Known for his methodical and approachable working style, Rahul helps organizations simplify complex quality requirements, strengthen safety practices, and embed a culture of continuous improvement-making him a valuable contributor to transformation initiatives across manufacturing and service environments.

Smita Aher

Senior Consultant

Smita Aher brings over 16 years of diverse professional experience across administration, marketing, accounts, client relationship management, and Lean operations. Her career reflects strong versatility, having worked closely with top management roles while supporting both operational and strategic functions across engineering, manufacturing, and service-oriented organizations.

She has hands-on experience in client relationship management, marketing coordination, event execution, and operational support for global engagements, including exposure to international IT and non-IT staffing environments. Smita has also handled end-to-end administrative operations, accounts support, facility management, and compliance-related activities, ensuring smooth day-to- day functioning of organizations.

In her lean-focused roles, she has actively contributed to process improvement initiatives through 5S implementation, Kaizen activities, audits, visual SOPs, and waste elimination practices driving improvements in efficiency, workplace discipline, and standardization. Known for her structured approach, reliability, and execution focus, Smita plays a key supporting role in enabling operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across client engagements.

Sayali Bendale

Senior Consultant

Sayali Bendale brings over 10 years of cross-functional experience spanning design engineering, quality assurance, and quality planning within manufacturing environments. With a strong foundation in mechanical design, she has worked across hydraulic systems, induction heating solutions, and agro-engineering applications, consistently applying Lean principles to improve manufacturability, reliability, and efficiency.

Her experience includes converting 2D concepts into optimized 3D models, developing special purpose machines, and integrating Lean design practices to reduce rework, setup time, and design cycle time. Transitioning into quality-focused roles, Sayali has led ISO-based QMS implementation, conducted audits, and driven Kaizen, root cause analysis, and 5S initiatives to strengthen compliance and continuous improvement culture.

In senior quality and planning roles, she has executed APQP and PPAP activities, improved supplier quality through CAPA, and implemented defect-prevention practices such as Poka-Yoke. Known for her structured thinking and practical execution, Sayali plays a key role in enhancing process flow, optimizing resources, and driving sustainable operational performance.

Shailesh Shelke

Operations Analyst

Shailesh is a skilled professional with a strong foundation in Mechanical Engineering and hands-on expertise in Lean Implementation, Business Process Excellence, and Productivity Improvement. He has collaborated with a diverse range of clients, driving impactful initiatives across functions. Known for his practical approach and execution capability, Shailesh has become a dependable go-to resource for meeting aggressive deadlines and solving complex operational challenges. His ability to quickly adapt and deliver results across multiple projects highlights his commitment to driving measurable value for clients.

Purnima Bamb

Operations Analyst

Purnima is an Industrial Engineer with hands-on experience across a range of assignments, including productivity improvement, value stream assessments, setting operational KPIs, and driving lean transformations. Her exposure spans across functions within organizations and diverse client environments. With a solution-oriented mindset and excellent communication skills, Purnima excels at identifying operational challenges and facilitating practical, impactful solutions. Her structured approach and collaborative style make her a strong contributor to organizational improvement initiatives.

Akshay Newadkar

Operations Analyst

Akshay is a Mechanical Engineer with a strong go-getter attitude and a sharp learning curve. He has been an active contributor to several projects focused on Lean Plant Layouts, Lean Transformations, and Business Process Excellence. His ability to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them effectively has enabled him to add meaningful value to each engagement. Akshay's enthusiasm and adaptability make him a valuable asset in driving operational improvements for clients.

Aditya Patil

Operations Analyst

With hands-on experience across multiple Operations Excellence projects in industries such as lighting solutions, packaging, machined components, and the electrical domain, Aditya brings a sharp eye for identifying and applying the most appropriate Lean tools for each unique context. At AB Associates, he has played a key role in successfully driving Lean Implementation and Operations Excellence initiatives, delivering measurable improvements and sustainable outcomes for clients.