Leaders

In the modern corporate landscape, leadership in­creasingly demands a high level of interdisciplin­ary thinking and the ability to connect disparate fields of knowledge. This shift makes unconven­tional professional journeys particularly significant, as they bring unique perspectives to traditional industries.

Dr Smita Patel, Director, Takshi Auto Component, stands as a prominent figure in this category. Her professional narrative is a remarkable one, beginning in the clinical world of medicine and transitioning into the high-stakes, rigorous environment of the automotive manufacturing sector.

Hailing from a family with a strong entrepreneurial background, Smita was immersed in business discussions from a young age. However, her initial calling was academic and humanitarian, leading her to study medicine at the prestigious Savitribai Phule Pune University.

She practiced as a dedicated doctor for a decade. But her innate desire for business leadership eventually led her to co-found Takshi Auto alongside her husband, Amol Patel. Recognizing that passion alone would not suffice in the complex manufacturing world, she pursued management education at IIM Bangalore.

Today, Takshi Auto exists as a perfect amalgamation of Smita’s strategic business acumen and her husband’s deep technical expertise.

In her current role, Smita heads Finance, HR, Legal, Sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She is the primary strategist steering Takshi Auto—already a major Tier-1 auto component supplier toward becoming a ₹1,000-crore enterprise.

Known for her empathetic leadership style and an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, Smita is the driving force behind the company’s "Axellence" journey, a holistic initiative aimed at operational superiority and cultural integrity.

As an alumna of Pune University, how did your academic journey and campus exposure contribute to your professional growth?

My roots are in Pune, specifically at Savitribai Phule Pune University, provided a foundation of intellectual curiosity and resilience. My initial medical training instilled a meticulous, detail-oriented approach that I later carried into my management style.

The vibrant campus culture in Pune, a hub for both education and industry helped me understand the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge.

During this time, I also became aware of women’s empowerment, realizing access to education and opportunities brings the responsibility to empower others. I strongly believe financial independence transforms women’s lives, giving them confidence, voice in the family, and ability to break cycles of dependence. These experiences shaped my aspiration to build something impactful.

How is Takshi expanding its product portfolio and global presence?

Our key product category is axles, axle housings, banjo beams, and EV axles, as our core offerings alongside a few additional products. Operating seven plants across India, serving major OEMs while expanding into exports.

Our e-axles, used in golf carts, are supplied to European countries, Australia, Indonesia, and parts of Southeast Asia. We are also receiving RFQs from the United States and the United Kingdom and exploring these opportunities.

While we are a leading supplier for SUVs and commercial vehicles, we are now entering the high-stakes defence-axle segment through a technology tie-up with an Italian design house. Globally, we have transitioned from being a domestic player to exhibiting at international stages like Hannover Messe and Auto Mechanika.

We are targeting markets in the US and Europe, focusing on last-mile electric mobility with our proprietary electric axles for golf carts and three wheelers which are 100 percent made in India.

Our vision is to double our topline by 2030 by positioning ourselves as a comprehensive solution provider for OEMs. For this, we have partnered with global motor suppliers, integrating with our axle housings for customers such as Mahindra, Volvo, and Tata Motors.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in manufacturing?

The manufacturing shop floor has traditionally been male-dominated, which often brings a layer of skepticism for a woman in leadership. Entering this space after a career in medicine meant I had to prove my 'business acumen' through results rather than just titles. Breaking these traditional barriers required consistent performance and a focus on Industry 4.0 to modernize our processes.

I believe the biggest challenge is not the technical work, but the cultural shift in making manufacturing an inclusive space where women can lead with both empathy and authority.

Highlight key milestones that you have achieved over the years.

A key milestone for me has been seeing the company grow to its current scale. I have collaborated with CII, ACMA, and the Indian Women Network, served as co-convener and convener for the MSME panel at CII, mentored students, spoken at IIMs, and judged business forums.

Takshi has won Golden Peacock Awards for 3 consecutive years and multiple National & State level awards from CII, ACMA, Quality circle of India. Implementing rainwater harvesting and energy-reduction programs that have made our plants literal 'green zones'. Our CSR programs are also close to heart where we focus on Girl’s education & women empowerment.

What trends make you optimistic about India’s automotive sector?

India has a promising future. The creativity and potential of India’s youth is extraordinary. The 'Make in India' initiative and the rapid shift toward electrification are incredibly promising.

Numerous innovations and technological developments are taking place in the automotive sector. Strong infrastructure development, including new highways, flyovers, and transport corridors, is improving logistics and mobility.

Better connectivity will boost demand for trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles, while rising incomes will drive passenger vehicle growth. Electric mobility is a major trend, with EVs becoming increasingly common, and expanding metro networks are shaping last-mile mobility solutions.

Dr Smita Patel, Director, Takshi Auto Component

Dr Smita Patel, Director at Takshi Auto Components, is a visionary leader blending finance, HR, and sustainability to drive growth. With a medical background and IIM Bangalore education, she champions Industry 4.0, women’s empowerment, and purpose-driven innovation, steering the company toward global expansion and operational excellence.