Dhananjay Salunkhe has been reappointed as the Managing Director of Huhtamaki India, reaffirming his leadership in the packaging industry. With decades of experience in multinational environments, Salunkhe has built a distinguished career in P&L management, B2B customer management, manufacturing, and supply chain, along with deep expertise in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Extensively trained in Lean manufacturing techniques in Europe and certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, he has a proven track record of driving business growth and change management. His ability to influence and motivate teams has led to significant professional and organizational successes.
Before his role at Huhtamaki India, Salunkhe served as the CEO of the Packaging & Printing Business at ITC Limited, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s operations and strategic direction. His leadership journey also includes a nine-year tenure at 3M, where he was the Head of Manufacturing Operations, overseeing four plants and vendor manufacturing, supporting over $220 million in sales. Additionally, he managed sourcing operations with a spend of $110 million and took on the role of Six Sigma Master Black Belt, helping 3M businesses achieve market success.
Salunkhe’s career spans over two decades, covering diverse industries such as automotive, capital goods, powder metallurgy, and industrial sectors. Earlier in his career, he worked in PMP Satara, Sulzer India, GKN Sinter Metals, and Carraro India, gaining expertise in machine shop operations, assembly shop management, supplier development, project management, and operational excellence. His ability to drive organizational efficiency and foster leadership development has set him apart as a transformational leader.
As he continues his journey at Huhtamaki India, Salunkhe is expected to bring innovative strategies to further strengthen the company’s position in the global packaging industry. His reappointment signals a continued focus on business expansion, sustainability, and operational excellence, ensuring Huhtamaki India’s continued growth in a rapidly evolving market.