Leaders

The automotive Industry has been witnessing a positive growth in the last few years. With numerous players, and dealers in the domain driving the needed innovation, the market’s growth bandwagon is poised to see tremendous growth. S. K. Wheels was synonymous to trust, honesty, and a superb automobile purchasing experience. With over 70,000 vehicles sold, the firm had created a strong customer-centric atmosphere and was committed to offering an outstanding client experience. The firm also had a comprehensive network of automobiles, dealerships, and service facilities in Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad.

Further, it had state-of-the-art technologies in place with around 50,000 Sq. Ft. of overall vehicle display area. Talking about Kamal Hyundai, it has expanded across three distinct shops in just five years as a car dealership. Kamal Hyundai is a one-stop shop for all corporations, and among the corporate clients are specialty enterprises from a variety of sectors. The company's path has been marked by historical landmarks and a wide range of accomplishments.

To know more about the Journey of Chandrima Saha, CEO, Kamal Hyundai, read the excerpt below from her exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur.

What Are Some Important Features About Your Expertise As A Business Leader That Help You In Successfully Leading S. K. Wheels?

Exceptional communicator with consultative sales approach, great negotiating skills, problem solving talents, crisis management, motivator, numerous mentors, and keen client requirement assessment aptitude are some of the areas where I drive my expertise. Further, I had always focus on identifying prospects aggressively, so as to create tactical business solutions.

Take Us Through Your Prior Industry Experience That You Bring To The Table. What Motivated You To Foray Into The Automotive Field As A Business Leader?

My professional career began in 1996 when I started as a trainee at the Citi Bank in Kolkata. Following that, I worked as a Sales Executive for S. K. Automotive Ltd. [BAJAJ Dealership] in Mumbai from 1999 to 2001. In 2001, I was promoted to Showroom Manager. Then, I worked as a General Manager- Sales & Service from 2005 to 2009 for S.K. Wheels. Pvt. Ltd. which is an authorized Maruti Suzuki dealership. And since 2012, I've been working as the Chief Executive Officer - Sales & Service at S.K. Wheels. Pvt. Ltd. [Maruti Suzuki Authorized Dealership]. Presently I am the CEO of Kamal Hyundai [Authorised Hyundai Dealership].

What Are The Various Roles & Responsibilities That You Currently Shoulder At Kamal Hyundai?

I've always believed in the power of enabling operational excellence. I oversee operations right from negotiating with bankers for better ROI inventory, establishing new sales and service setups, to generating new business through networking efforts, and executing creative marketing plans within strict  recruiting, interviewing, and training new sales managers, marketing department heads, service managers, and other managers.

What Are Some Of The Most Challenging Aspects Of Your Role As The CEO? How Do You Overcome Them?

Managing personnel, ensuring service quality and safety requirements are met, and developing a customer-oriented and lucrative sales organization are some of the most difficult components of any firm. To combat this, I believe in successfully presenting a clear and strategic sales strategy, as well as properly educating and mentoring both senior and younger team members. It is necessary to focus on root cause analysis for each problem and endeavor to address all difficulties on a positive note.

Tell Us About The Varied Expertise That You Possess In The Automotive Industry.

I monitor overall corporate operations, manage operational expenditures, and do market research on changing business situations. I've been collaborating with the major MNC banks, nationalized banks, finance firms, and insurance organizations to enhance revenue and profit margins. I negotiate with vendors, banks, finance firms, and insurance organizations to establish product assortments, pricing, structures, sales allowances, rebates, and monthly promotions.

What Have Been The Most Significant Milestones That You Have Achieved So Far In Your Professional Journey?

Leading a firm of over 1000 workers and ranking first in the region as CEO of SK Wheels (2009-2019) has been one of the most significant achievements of my career. Now, I am heading the Hyundai dealership as CEO leading to more than 500 employees. A new TATA dealership has been added to the company.

What Is Your Guiding Leadership Philosophy?

Managing employees and controlling business processes, cultivating entrepreneurial drive in each team member, and maintaining relationships, has been the success mantra for me.

How Do You Keep Yourself Well Aligned With The Periodic Evolutions Occurring Within Your Respective Field Of Work?

Adapt to adjustments as needed, and constantly be on the lookout for new methods to succeed. One has to have the desire to learn new things and to come up with novel solutions to existing issues.

“it is necessary to focus on root cause analysis for each problem and endeavor to address all difficulties on a positive note”

As A Successful Businesswoman What Would Your Advice Be To Young Women And Girls Aspiring To

Become Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs In The Future?

Dream big and work for yourself. Scale your dreams to new heights with a positive mind and a clear vision. Set your own goals.

Chandrima Saha, Ceo, Kamal Hyundai

Quick Facts

Educational Qualification

• B.A (Hons) Political Science

• Post-Graduation Diploma in Sales & Marketing Bhavans Institute, Kolkata

Awards Of Recognitions Won So Far

• Achieved foreign trip from Hyundai for whole sale target achievement. 2019.Q3 & Q4

• Highest sales in T-Permit of XCENT CNG 2021, Q2.

• Ever highest in western region of Hyundai in Extended Warranty sales. 2021 Q3.

• Region best in Digital retail conversion ratio 2021 Q3.

• Achieved multiple foreign trips for highest finance penetration & completion of 5 cr retail finance in a qtr.2010-2011.

• Year on Year growth in Maruti Insurance penetration. 2011-2012,2012-2013,2016- 2017,2017-2018

• Regional highest in converting Non MI to MI 2014-2015

• All India highest in reduction of No of days in Inventory of Spares 2014-2015

• All India highest growth in Maruti Suzuki Genuine Accessories per vehicle 2016- 2017, 2017-2018.