With over 28+ years in automotive paint refinishing, Vivek Sahai leads the automotive refinish aftermarket division at AkzoNobel’s Automotive & Specialty Coatings Business Unit for India and Cluster countries. His role spans Repairers, OEM partnerships and insurer relationships, bringing a wealth of experience to the paint and coatings industry.
A science graduate with an MBA, Vivek enhanced his “leadership” credentials through executive certification at IIM Kolkata. His career journey, starting at Asian Paints and continuing at AkzoNobel, has been marked by transformative contributions to the industry.
Throughout his tenure, Vivek has pioneered several game-changing initiatives in India’s refinish sector. He’s been instrumental in optimizing product portfolios, implementing cost-efficient benchmarking systems, and introducing innovative solutions like single-cell production for rapid repairs. His expertise in waterborne paint systems has helped bodyshops transition to more sustainable practices.
As a part of South Asia’s membership team for Akzo’s automotive refinish landscape, Vivek now spearheads Sales, Services, digital transformation efforts while managing bodyshop profiles and service deployment. His consultative approach has consistently delivered improved productivity and profitability for customers across the country.
Known for his deep industry knowledge and strong interpersonal skills, Vivek has built lasting relationships with stakeholders throughout the automotive sector. His ability to foster trust and collaboration has been crucial in implementing value-driven programs and maintaining sustainable partnerships.
Beyond his professional achievements, Vivek embodies the spirit of continuous learning and community service. When he’s not transforming the refinish industry, you’ll find him enjoying cricket, exploring new travel destinations with family and friends, or indulging in his love for music.
