Faces of Lubricants: Kunal Kharche
Sep 09, 2019
Business Manager Kunal Kharche is responsible for Ingevity’s lubricants and dispersants business for the Indian market and has been with the company for nearly a year. Professionally trained as a chemical engineer, Kunal brings diverse experience to his role. Prior to joining Ingevity, Kunal held various positions at Godrej Industries including: process engineering, demand planning, supply chain, sales and marketing, and product management. Kunal currently resides in Mumbai, India with his wife and son.
Tell us about the experience you bring to your role and what you do at Ingevity.
I graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from ICT Mumbai, one of the premier engineering institutes for in India. I have been working in the chemical industry for the last 12 years. Prior to joining Ingevity, I held various roles at Godrej Industries including process engineering, demand planning, supply chain, sales and marketing, and product management.
As business manager, I am responsible for Ingevity’s lubricants and dispersants business for the entire Indian market.
What do you enjoy most about working with Ingevity’s lubricants team?
I’m currently working on increasing awareness of our main product lines (AltaLUB, Altapyne and Diacid) available in the Indian market. I’ve greatly enjoyed learning about the unique benefits Ingevity product offer. Within no time, I started to feel at home with the support of the lubricants team.
What does your typical day look like?
I like to live a balanced life full of exercise, work, family time and hobbies. My work days are always different but involve a lot of traveling and working closely with customers.
What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
When I’m not working, I value spending time with my lovely wife and kid. My wife and I love to cook together and are ultimate foodies. I am a huge Liverpool fan and I would end up watching a soccer game if Indian Cricket team is not playing on that weekend. My family also enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring local hikes.
Name your favorite thing about working at Ingevity.
Flexibility and freedom to work autonomously. We’re also constantly motivated toward innovation.
Name something people may not know about you.
I am a decent cook and enjoy trying new recipes.
Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, Madhura, and my son, Maitreya.
What is your life motto?
I live by these three things: genuineness, hard work and sustainable growth.
Where are you from and what is special about the place you grew up?
I grew up in a city called Amravati. In Sanskrit, Amravati means ‘abode of immortals’ and is famous for its unique variety of food. The city has historical significance in Hindu mythology. The city has temple of Goddesses Amba and Ekvira and is an example of religious architecture. There’s a legend that when Lord Krishna ran away with Rukhmini from her wedding ceremony, he used a tunnel laid from Ambadevi temple to Koundinyapur (another spiritual place near Amravati). This tunnel is still in existence, but it is now caved in.
