Suruchi Marthu Shanbhag : Building A Legacy Of Innovation & Excellence In Process Engineering
Suruchi Marthu Shanbhag
Director & CEO
What began as a full-blown consultancy firm soon became Shachi Engineering Pvt. Ltd., an engineering company that has acquired a reputation for innovative process equipment designs, high performance solutions and a spirit of excellence that serves Indian and global clients alike.
An IIM Calcutta alumna, Suruchi brings over two decades of specialized experience in process equipment design, project management, and operations. Holding a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, executive education at IIM Ahmedabad and Wharton University, she has successfully managed Shachi’s expansion to global markets and created a culture of incessant learning and strategic development.
This includes strong initiatives like sponsoring four Suruchians to IIM-C’s MDP program. Shachi Engineering has emerged under her leadership as a reliable partner to some of the major industrial behemoths in the world, with world-class solutions and by reinventing the essence of process engineering. We are delighted to engage in an exclusive interview with Suruchi, who reminisces about her academic journey and talks about her leadership style and vision.
What were the most transformative lessons you learned at IIM Calcutta?
During my IIM Calcutta days, the most valuable learning came from industry expert lectures, where real-life challenges and entrepreneurial journeys went far beyond textbook knowledge and
inspired us with practical insights. Equally enriching was peer learning; interacting with classmates from diverse professional backgrounds, such as advertising, finance, and law, gave me fresh perspectives, meaningful discussions, and innovative solutions to real-world problems. Together, these experiences shaped my ability to analyze situations from multiple angles and think more strategically.
How did these experiences strengthen your entre - preneurial spirit and sharpen your business acumen?
We implemented significant strategic changes in our business. We established a structured sales process by bringing in a trained coach through the IIM network. Additionally, we updated HR policies and revamped marketing activities and collateral. We also expanded our operations with a new unit in Saykha, Gujarat. These changes, guided by the learning from peers, professors, and industry lectures, helped us think strategically and create a larger, long-term vision for the business.
What opportunities did the institute provide to build partnerships and gain diverse perspectives?
After IIM, we moved beyond our earlier conservative approach and actively explored global opportunities. While we did not form formal global partnerships, our exports grew significantly. The diverse peer network proved invaluable. For example, their guidance helped us successfully navigate complex financial transactions during a project in Russia, ensuring smooth execution and full payment recovery. This global exposure was one of the key outcomes of the IIM experience.
How did the institute instill in you a sense of responsibility toward society and the environment?
Giving back to society has always been a part of our values. Through our family trust, we sponsor education for children, with a special focus on girls, supporting them from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. On the environmental front, our factories and units emphasize greenery with indigenous plantations, and our projects focus on sustainability, such as zero
Never stop learning, regardless of age, position, or organi -zational size
How did these experiences strengthen your entre - preneurial spirit and sharpen your business acumen?
We implemented significant strategic changes in our business. We established a structured sales process by bringing in a trained coach through the IIM network. Additionally, we updated HR policies and revamped marketing activities and collateral. We also expanded our operations with a new unit in Saykha, Gujarat. These changes, guided by the learning from peers, professors, and industry lectures, helped us think strategically and create a larger, long-term vision for the business.
What opportunities did the institute provide to build partnerships and gain diverse perspectives?
After IIM, we moved beyond our earlier conservative approach and actively explored global opportunities. While we did not form formal global partnerships, our exports grew significantly. The diverse peer network proved invaluable. For example, their guidance helped us successfully navigate complex financial transactions during a project in Russia, ensuring smooth execution and full payment recovery. This global exposure was one of the key outcomes of the IIM experience.
How did the institute instill in you a sense of responsibility toward society and the environment?
Giving back to society has always been a part of our values. Through our family trust, we sponsor education for children, with a special focus on girls, supporting them from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. On the environmental front, our factories and units emphasize greenery with indigenous plantations, and our projects focus on sustainability, such as zero
liquid discharge and energy-efficient equipment, ensuring we contribute positively to the environment.
What were the most memorable moments from your time at the institute?
Some of the most memorable moments at IIM were the quarterly sessions of our LEAD program, which brought us back to a true college-like atmosphere.
Titles and positions were left aside, and everyone became a student again, sharing laughter, enjoying evening gatherings with professors, bonding over music, and even picking up new habits like morning runs. These experiences created lasting bonds and remain the most cherished memories.
What is the next chapter you look forward to in your journey?
Going forward, we are focused on building global technological collaborations, particularly with partners from Europe and Asia. Our Pune facility is envisioned as a major manufacturing hub for these partner - ships, supporting advanced product development and innovation.
This step will not only strengthen our technological capabilities but also open new opportunities for global growth and long term sustainability.
What advice would you give to budding industry leaders?
Never stop learning, regardless of age, position, or organizational size. Engage with premier institutions like IIMs and IITs, as the peer learning and exposure there are invaluable.
Equally important is taking care of your health, since as leaders you carry responsibility not only for your family but also for the many people who depend on you. Lastly, extend learning opportunities to your teams, so they can share your vision and shoulder greater responsi -bilities along side you.
Suruchi Marthu Shanbhag, Director & CEO, Shachi Engineering
Suruchi is a visionary leader who blends engineering, strategy, and innovation to create high-performance, cost-effective process solutions, transforming industrial operations and process engineering globally.
•Hobbies: Reading, learning astrology, and spending time with dogs
•Memorable Travel Desti - nation: Trans-Siberian Rail road
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian
What were the most memorable moments from your time at the institute?
Some of the most memorable moments at IIM were the quarterly sessions of our LEAD program, which brought us back to a true college-like atmosphere.
Titles and positions were left aside, and everyone became a student again, sharing laughter, enjoying evening gatherings with professors, bonding over music, and even picking up new habits like morning runs. These experiences created lasting bonds and remain the most cherished memories.
What is the next chapter you look forward to in your journey?
Going forward, we are focused on building global technological collaborations, particularly with partners from Europe and Asia. Our Pune facility is envisioned as a major manufacturing hub for these partner - ships, supporting advanced product development and innovation.
This step will not only strengthen our technological capabilities but also open new opportunities for global growth and long term sustainability.
What advice would you give to budding industry leaders?
Never stop learning, regardless of age, position, or organizational size. Engage with premier institutions like IIMs and IITs, as the peer learning and exposure there are invaluable.
Equally important is taking care of your health, since as leaders you carry responsibility not only for your family but also for the many people who depend on you. Lastly, extend learning opportunities to your teams, so they can share your vision and shoulder greater responsi -bilities along side you.
Suruchi Marthu Shanbhag, Director & CEO, Shachi Engineering
Suruchi is a visionary leader who blends engineering, strategy, and innovation to create high-performance, cost-effective process solutions, transforming industrial operations and process engineering globally.
•Hobbies: Reading, learning astrology, and spending time with dogs
•Memorable Travel Desti - nation: Trans-Siberian Rail road
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian