Interview with AXISCADES' new managing director and CEO

By: Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio

From one technology solutions provider to the next, there can be significant differences in the capabilities and quality of their various areas of expertise.

AXISCADES Technologies Ltd has forged its position as a technology solutions provider; and today, the company announced the appointment of Arun Krishnamurthi, as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Arun's appointment comes at a time when AXISCADES' investments in digital space is rewarding the business, while its innovation and research capabilities are driving factors for profitability. The company is strengthening its position through strategic partnerships and believes that Arun’s leadership will augment the bouquet of services.

International Metalworking News for Asia (IMNA) interviewed Arun for this issue’s Enterprise Close-up.

IMNA: Kindly give a brief history of AXISCADES

Arun: AXISCADES Technologies Limited was incorporated on 24th August 1990 as a private limited company under the name, "I.T. and T Enterprises Private Limited". On 11th December 1997, the Company changed its name, and changed its legal status to a public limited company. Subsequent to a Scheme of Arrangement, Cades Digitech Private Limited (a subsidiary of the Company) was merged with the Company, has filed its application with the Office of Registrar of Companies on 24th March 2014, wherein the Company’s name was changed to AXISCADES Engineering Technologies Limited with effect from 1st August 2014. Subsequently, on 10th November 2020, the company’s name was changed to its present name. The company is listed on the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE).

IMNA: Tell us about your service/product offerings

Arun: AXISCADES is a technology solutions provider, catering to companies in diverse industries, such as aerospace, defense & homeland security, heavy / off-highway engineering, automotive, industrial products, energy, and medical devices.

We are a preferred engineering partner for many global OEMs with complex supply chains, mission-critical applications, and highly advanced technologies. The Company supports customers across its entire value chain, from concept design to manufacturing to after-market solutions.

Our Key areas of expertise include Product Design & Definition, Analysis & Validation, Embedded Electronics, Systems Installation, and Integration, Testing Solutions, Virtual & Smart Manufacturing, 3D Digital Factory Layout & Optimisation, Assembly Process, Shop Floor Automation, CNC/NC programming, PLM & Engineering IT; and Digital Engineering, in particular IIOT & Industry 4.0 solutions, AI/ML-based solutions, Application Development, Industrial Automation, and Advanced analytics.

AXISCADES has expert teams developing products, such as Electronic Warfare Systems, Mission computers, Digital Engine Control Units, Display Processors, Automated Test Equipment for airborne/on-ground systems, Ground Handling and Support Equipment, Software and applications products. Our teams have also developed products/solutions, for example WeCareEST, connected tire pressure monitors, bolt loosening detection, etc.

IMNA: As the new managing director and CEO of AXISCADES, what areas do you see as requiring more focus in APAC, and what are you bringing to the company that will ensure you meet these objectives?

Arun: At present, our focus is on sector diversification and driving the growth of industries, like as Automotive, Energy, and Medical Devices. We hold a strong presence in the Aerospace and Heavy Engineering industry and are further looking at consolidating and growing these industries. In addition to this, we are looking forward to expanding our digital offerings as we see strong demand in this area from customers. We are working on some very interesting digital products and solutions to support the organisation’s objectives.

IMNA: What is your vision for driving AXISCADES to new heights in APAC?

Arun: There are two main elements that are a part of my vision – AXISCADES to be a strong partner to the industry and a leader in engineering and digital solutions for our customers. We see technology being the driving force in the entire engineering space and our track record in adopting this and embracing new trends will be aligned to the need of the market.

IMNA: How would you define AXISCADES's mission?

Arun: As a customer-centric company that drives impactful innovation, AXISCADES is committed to delivering engineering excellence for a better future and does that through effective collaboration and partnerships built on integrity. We strive to be one of the world’s most admired, trusted, and capable engineering solutions companies.

IMNA: What changes AXISCADES will see in the nearest 6 to 12 months in APAC?

Arun: With a focus on taking demand driving sectors like automotive, energy, and medical devices to new heights, we will be investing in these areas to address the market effectively with a focused approach. In addition to this, our investments in digital will continue and we see this as a transformative driving force for the company and the industry.

IMNA: What does your appointment mean to AXISCADES partners and clients?

Arun: I believe AXISCADES Technologies to be a resilient organisation that has the capabilities to become a leader in engineering and technology solutions. Going forward, our strategy will be to strengthen and increase wallet share with major customers while diversifying the sector mix, increase client portfolio and bring in new logos that will become key and strategic clients to the organisation. Digital and embedded are disrupting the engineering space and this will be a focus for our business growth and solutions going forward.

My prior industry expertise and understanding of new technologies, strategies for their adoption and acquisitions will help in taking the charge forward for aligning the growth strategy of AXISCADES. I look forward to adapt and recreate my previous success in pivoting business from a predominantly mechanical engineering footprint to Electronics, Embedded and ADAS areas. Our key focus remains on increasing the share of new technology trends in digital and engineering.