Ashu Gupta’s journey in logistics is a compelling tale of unexpected beginnings and steadfast leadership, where a chance assignment became a remarkable career.
Problem-solving is the cornerstone of logistics
Ashu Gupta, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Koye Pharmaceuticals, firmly believes that effective leadership in logistics is built upon a foundation of five core qualities. “I believe strongly that every leader should possess 5Cs—character, courage, clarity, and confidence,” she states. This unwavering belief, coupled with the conviction that “where there is a will, there is a way,” drives her approach to fostering impactful change within the industry.
Embracing challenges: The mantra of growth
Gupta’s career is a testament to the power of embracing challenges and adapting to change. “The mantra of my career has been ‘Accept challenges head on. Do not hesitate to accept changes’ and use lots of common sense,” she shares. This philosophy is exemplified by her successful transition to retail supply chain management after 19 years in core pharmaceutical outbound logistics, a move that demonstrated her adaptability and resilience.
Destiny and dedication
Gupta’s entry into supply chain management was a serendipitous turn, deviating from her initial aspirations in marketing. “Back in 1987, after completing my MBA in Marketing from NMIMS, like any other starry-eyed girl with lots of dreams, I stepped into the professional world,” she recounts. Despite the initial challenges of navigating a male-dominated field, she found herself drawn to the dynamic and demanding nature of SCM. “Each day was a challenge, and each day I kept learning new ways of managing this rugged world,” she explains. Her dedication and passion for the field have solidified her belief that her decision to pursue a career in SCM was indeed apt.
Freshness delivered
Problem-solving is the cornerstone of logistics, and Gupta’s experience with Spinach Stores highlights her innovative approach. To address customer dissatisfaction with the freshness of produce, she overhauled the fresh supply chain. “I reworked the entire timelines along with multiple teams (Merchandising, Quality, and DC ) to reduce the turnaround time set & developed a robust & reliable SOP to enable reaching of the fresh produce to the DC in the morning and to the stores by noon/1 pm of the same day so that the customers got fresh products,” she explains. This strategic adjustment significantly improved customer satisfaction, increased sales, and reduced waste.
Driving organisational efficiency
Gupta’s leadership extends beyond day-to-day problem-solving to strategic decision-making that creates lasting organisational change. One such impactful decision was the relocation of a central warehouse from Mumbai to Nagpur. “During my tenure at a pharma MNC, I recommended relocation of the Central Warehouse from Mumbai to Nagpur, keeping in view its zero-mile location, well-developed infrastructure, and nearness to logistics hubs,” she states. This strategic move resulted in improved stock availability, enhanced delivery performance, and significant cost reductions, demonstrating the power of thoughtful and impactful decisions in supply chain management.
Ashu Gupta’s career exemplifies how a blend of adaptability, strategic thinking, and unwavering resolve can redefine supply chain leadership.
