Utthunga Industry Avengers
Madhav Vemuri
Metals & Cement
A Visionary in Industrial Automation & Digital Transformation
Madhav is a dynamic leader with over 34 years of expertise in Industrial Automation & Digital Transformation. With a distinguished career with the global giant ABB, holding key roles such as President of Industrial Automation and Managing Director of ABB Global Industries & Services, Madhav has led numerous large-scale, complex industrial and utility projects worldwide.
As a strategic business leader, Madhav is credited with setting up a large Global Execution Center and spearheading transformational initiatives that delivered sustainable growth and customer value. His leadership has fostered collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence across global teams, earning him the prestigious Global CEO Award for exemplary customer-centric leadership.
With an impressive track record of delivering impactful digital innovations and building future-ready organizations, Madhav brings a wealth of experience in integrating customer value chains, nurturing talent, and driving inclusive, sustainable growth. We look forward to their leadership in guiding us through the next chapter of our organization’s growth and transformation!
With demonstrated expertise in driving customer-centric growth, Madhav has spearheaded Service Culture & Business Revenue, growing it from 80 MUSD to 250 MUSD in just six years!
In addition, he has been instrumental in establishing a Global Operation Centre for Process Automation and transforming it into a critical competence hub that challenges traditional low-cost resource models.
Finally, Madhav’s professional acumen highlights diverse academic accomplishments from esteemed institutions like IMD Switzerland, IIM Ahmedabad, and the George Washington University School of Business.
Sreekant Aradhya B
Discrete Manufacturing
Transformational Leader Driving Digital & Manufacturing Excellence
Sreekant is a seasoned leader with over 33 years of experience in CXO Advisory, Digital Strategy, and Practice Development in the Industry 4.0/ IIOT domain. He has a remarkable track record of driving profitable growth and delivering cutting-edge solutions working in premier companies like Bosch, Infosys and FANUC .
Having worked extensively across Automotive, Industrial, Consumer Goods, and Energy Sectors, Sree brings deep expertise in Industry 4.0, MES, SCADA, IIoT, and AI/ML technologies. He has led strategic digital transformations for global giants like Mitsubishi FUSO, METALSA , HOMAG, conceptualizing strategic digital roadmaps that drive long-term business value. His ‘Lead by Example’ approach has resulted in landmark achievements such as Bosch’s first 2MUSD + Industry 4.0 project and the development of award-winning solutions like DeviceBridge.
With an emphasis on innovation, Sreekant has successfully steered forward-looking digital products on platforms like AWS and CTRLX. His experience spans Global Portfolios, Partner Ecosystems, and pioneering Digital Solutions in cloud, AI, and Smart Manufacturing, all the while delivering exceptional business outcomes.
A recognized thought leader, Sreekant is an active industry ambassador who shapes the future of manufacturing. Interestingly, he serves on advisory boards, cherishes mentoring Centers of Excellence, and loves speaking at industry events.
Mata Prasad Pathak
Chemicals
An Industry Leader with 40+ Years of Global Industrial Excellence
With 40+ years of industry leadership, Prasad’s journey is one of remarkable achievements, turning experience into a lasting legacy.
Pathak brings extensive expertise across various sectors such as Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Fertilizers, and Oleochemicals. Holding senior roles like Managing Director, Senior President, and Joint President in globally respected organizations, he has driven strategic expansions, optimized complex manufacturing processes, and led global market operations. His career spans countries including the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and India, giving him deep insight into multinational business environments.
Pathak has consistently demonstrated an ability to navigate process-driven industries. His leadership spans essential functions like Manufacturing, Process Re-Engineering, Strategic Investment, Financial Controls, HR, and P&L management. He has led transformative projects in sectors such as Oil & Gas and Food Chemicals, delivering engineering innovations, cost efficiencies, and business growth.
Known for fostering strong safety cultures, customer relationships, and high-performing teams, Pathak has also expertly guided organizations through mergers, acquisitions, and strategic growth.
A Chemical Engineer from IIT BHU, Pathak has enhanced his expertise through global executive development programs, including Leadership Training at London Business School and Whitehead Mann.
Recognized for his dedication to business excellence, Pathak has earned numerous prestigious awards, including the Aditya Birla Group Chairman’s Award and the National Productivity Leader Award from the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
P Nataraj
Pharma Solutions
The Expert in Plant Operations & Industrial Equipment Management
With a distinguished career spanning 35 years, Mr. Nataraj brings a wealth of expertise in both technical and managerial aspects of complex industrial operations. Starting his journey as a Service Engineer with HCL Limited in 1989, Nataraj quickly rose through the ranks, earning recognition for his deep understanding of equipment servicing and maintenance. His career highlights include over 23 years with Jubilant Pharmova Ltd., where he served as Director of Engineering, driving operational excellence, engineering innovation, and cost efficiencies across large-scale plant operations.
Nataraj’s hands-on experience with critical industrial machinery—including Water & Brine Chillers, Steam Boilers, Thermic Fluid Heaters, and advanced systems such as Agitators, Centrifuges, and High-pressure Vessels—sets him apart as a seasoned expert in optimizing plant performance. His proficiency in managing specialized equipment like Nauta Mixers, Fluid Bed Driers, and Hydro Generators further emphasizes his technical mastery.
Beyond his technical acumen, Nataraj has excelled in leading cross-functional teams across Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Civil domains. His strategic focus on preventive maintenance, equipment commissioning, and resource optimization has enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability. He has also successfully managed multi-million Opex budgets and led key Capex projects, driving operational success.
Nataraj’s collaborative leadership style and his focus on innovation and team-building will undoubtedly enhance Utthunga’s operational capabilities. We are excited to welcome him on board and look forward to the impact he will make in driving our continued growth and success.
Ramana Tadepalli
Water & Waste Water Management
A Trailblazer in Technology, Sustainability, and Rural Resilience
With over 30 years in the IT industry, including 11 years in the United States, Ramana brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to our organization. His career, which began in 1982, spans interesting roles with global Multi-billion $ technology giants such as Accenture & Mphasis and several early/late-stage startups.
As an advisory board member, Ramana has mentored technology entrepreneurs, in scaling up businesses, blending his passion for innovation with his deep understanding of managing growth.
Ramana’s breadth of experience in leveraging technology, ranges from scaling businesses to addressing critical Social/Rural issues at a National level. He has dedicated significant efforts to understanding rural distress through the lens of risk management, including disaster preparedness and response. Currently, he is collaborating on developing a Fragility Index, aiming to provide early warnings and build resilience in rural India, working with leading institutions like IITs, IISc, IIMs, and WELL LABS, a think tank.
As part of his work on rural resilience, Ramana is deeply engaged in Water Management Solutions, addressing the needs of diverse Water Systems. His expertise extends to leveraging advanced technologies—IoT, Robotics, Drones, Satellite Data, and ML/AI—for sustainable water resource management.
Ramana’s exceptional blend of technical acumen, change management skills, and commitment to sustainability makes him a valuable asset and an inspiring leader for our organization.
Manjunath Rao
Oil & Gas
40-Years of Excellence in Global Oil & Gas Commissioning and Operations
Manjunath has a stellar professional career spanning 40+ years in the Oil & Gas industry, a track record that few can boast of. He is an exceptional leader in the global Oil & Gas industry with extensive experience in commissioning, operations, and large-scale project management. His robust onshore background enables him to deliver highly effective solutions that optimize plant operations while integrating cutting-edge technologies. As a skilled Commissioning Expert, he has consistently led projects from mechanical completion through startup, ensuring full compliance with quality, regulatory, and HSSE standards.
In the New Build Rig and Cross-country pipeline projects, Manjunath has played a pivotal role in managing pump stations and utility systems. His strategic expertise in cost control, risk mitigation, and project execution ensures that each phase of the commissioning process runs seamlessly. By fostering collaboration across departments, contractors, and stakeholders, he drives innovation while maintaining operational excellence.
Collaborating with a range of industry experts in Oil & Gas and related technologies, Manjunath aligns engineering and commissioning strategies with overall business objectives. His ability to integrate technical precision with strategic management has been instrumental in delivering complex projects within strict timelines and budgets. Through his leadership, he consistently achieves project milestones, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety, performance, and technological advancement.
With a combination of hands-on operational expertise and global exposure, Manjunath is a highly sought-after expert capable of steering complex projects to success, adding real value across all aspects of plant operations in the fast-paced Oil & Gas sector.