CEO– Kaizen Paint Pakistan

Evolve: You have an extensive and impressive career history, demonstrating your expertise in various industries and your ability to navigate diverse environments. Could you walk us through your professional journey, highlighting key milestones and experiences that have shaped your career, especially in the context of your roles in the paint industry and your contributions to fostering international business relations?

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: My career journey has been characterized by diverse experiences that have contributed to my expertise and leadership acumen, particularly in the paint industry. It all began after completing my master's in Organic Chemistry from the University of Punjab, where I started my career at Glaxo-Pharmaceutical (GSK) before transitioning to ICI paints in 1989, where I started as a training technical officer and eventually rose to the position of technical manager, the highest rank in the technical function. In 2007, I joined Kansai Paint as the first employee and served as the technical director. I was entrusted with additional responsibilities to oversee the automotive business, marking my first foray into commercial ventures. I managed this transition single-handedly and ran the automotive business for one and a half years until the inception of the Lahore factory. Following this, I was tasked with supporting Kansai Paint Middle East's operations in Iran, where I played a key role in establishing automotive coatings and eventually served as the country head for nine years. During this period, I also continued to lead the technical function for the group. Upon returning to Pakistan in September 2020, I assumed the role of CEO for Kaizen Paints Pakistan and also took on the additional responsibility of COO for the group, alongside retaining my position as the technical director for the entire group.

Evolve: As the COO of Kaizen Paint Middle East and the CEO of Kaizen Paint Pakistan, how do you approach the challenges and opportunities in the paint industry. What strategies have you implemented to drive growth and innovation within these organizations

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: Navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities in the paint industry requires a multifaceted approach that balances innovation, market expansion, and operational efficiency. As both the COO and CEO, I prioritize a strategic focus on these key areas to drive sustainable growth and maintain our competitive edge.

One of the strategies we've implemented is diversification of our product offerings. We identified the demand for decorative paints as a growth opportunity and strategically expanded our portfolio to include decorative paints alongside our existing automotive coatings. This move diversified our revenue streams and also helped us to tap into new market segments and consumer demographics.

We also prioritize investment in technology and innovation. Our development of automotive coating technology in Dubai has enabled us to produce cutting-edge products that meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry. These innovation reinforces our position as a leader in the market.

Additionally, employee welfare and development is a cornerstone of our strategy. By providing generous benefits, fostering a positive work environment, and investing in employee training and development, we ensure that our team remains motivated, engaged, and equipped with the skills necessary to drive our growth initiatives forward.

Evolve: How did you successfully navigate the challenges of transforming Kansai Paint Iranian from a loss-making entity into a profitable unit, particularly in terms of operational cost reduction and revenue generation

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: When I arrived in Iran back in 2011, the company was experiencing a million dollars in losses every month, with no funds available to pay salaries. Additionally, we were owed a substantial amount by a customer, increasing our financial strain. Through diligent efforts and strategic renegotiation of contracts, we managed to reverse the company's fortunes within the first six months. By addressing loss-making contracts and fostering open dialogue with customers, we achieved breakeven status within four months and turned profitable by June. Subsequently, within a year, the customer settled their outstanding debt of 8 million dollars, marking a remarkable transformation for the company. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, strategic decision-making, and the invaluable role of teamwork in overcoming adversity.

Evolve: What do you believe are the three essential qualities a CEO should possess?

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: Well, firstly, I would emphasize the importance of humility. A CEO should be humble enough to acknowledge their limitations and learn from others. Secondly, I value respect for people tremendously. Business acumen can be honed over time, but treating people with dignity and respect is foundational. Lastly, I firmly believe in the virtue of honesty. Integrity should be non-negotiable for any CEO; it forms the bedrock of trust within the organization and with stakeholders. I believe in fostering a workplace culture where employees feel valued and empowered. This stems from my belief that treating employees well instills confidence and brings out the best in them. Moreover, from a moral standpoint, I hold the conviction that every individual deserves respect and fair treatment. As a leader, it's incumbent upon me to provide opportunities for growth and development, even if it means offering second chances to those who may have faltered. In essence, it's about upholding the principles of fairness and compassion in leadership.

Evolve: How do you see the role of technology, such as the implementation of Microsoft AX, in driving operational efficiency and business growth in the paint industry? 

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: In a dynamic industry like ours, where precision and agility are paramount, technologies like Microsoft AX and others help us to streamline our operations, especially when we’re expanding our footprint and tapping into new territories. Paint is a very competitive industry, staying ahead requires more than just keeping pace with market trends, it demands anticipating and exceeding customer expectations. With the help of technology, we are able to adapt a customer centric approach and deliver superior value to our customers.

Evolve: What aspects of your leadership style do you aim to enhance to become even more effective in your role?

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: One area I constantly strive to improve is my external engagement beyond the confines of the company. Given my frequent travels outside of Pakistan, I often find myself needing to strengthen my interactions with stakeholders and partners globally. Enhancing my relationship management skills in external contexts will undoubtedly contribute to expanding our business and fostering valuable connections for the company's growth.

Evolve: What are the key factors that have contributed to your success in leading and managing operations in both the Middle East and Pakistan branches of Kaizen Paint?

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: Returning to Pakistan was indeed an exciting yet challenging experience. It felt reminiscent of the startup phase of Kaizen Paint back in 2007-2008 when we embarked on a green-field project. Similarly, upon my return, there were numerous challenges to address, particularly the prevailing perception that the company was on the brink of closure. My priority was to instill confidence within the organization, re-establish essential processes, and reassure both employees and the market of our resilience. Moreover, it was essential to deliver products that met or exceeded market expectations in terms of quality and innovation. This journey demanded meticulous planning, effective communication, and a steadfast commitment to our vision.

Evolve: What advice would you give to your younger self if given the opportunity?

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: Looking back, I would first advise my younger self to embrace the learning opportunities available in every interaction and environment. During my early career, resources like technology, media, and online learning platforms were not as readily accessible as they are today. So, learning from people and the surrounding environment was crucial. Secondly, I would encourage my younger self to explore different career avenues, particularly in sales and marketing, alongside my technical expertise. While my technical background has served me well, branching out into sales or marketing earlier could have opened up new opportunities and perspectives for personal and professional growth.

Evolve: Looking ahead, what are your future plans and strategic initiatives for Kaizen Paint Middle East and Kaizen Paint Pakistan to further strengthen market position, drive innovation, and sustain growth in the industry

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: Our aspiration for Kaizen Paint in the next five years is to secure a position among the top five paint companies in the industry. Additionally, with the transition from Kansai Paint and our newfound independence, we've embarked on significant technological advancements. As a technical enthusiast myself, I'm proud to share that we've developed automotive coating technology in Dubai, allowing us to produce our own resins for the automotive industry. This innovation has enabled us to offer cutting-edge products, particularly in the automotive coating sector. For instance, we've recently secured two accounts, one is electro-coating (CED) paint and the other is the top coat, the color you see. Electro-coating provides critical protection to car bodies of 20 microns film for up to 10 to 15 years. This technology, unique to us in Pakistan among non-multinational companies, positions us as a leading player in the market, alongside established multinational giants.

Evolve: How do you ensure the continuous development and growth of your team members, helping them adapt to the evolving demands of the paint industry?

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: Despite the adverse economic conditions, we managed to achieve remarkable success. In fact, we performed exceptionally well in the six months from October to March, even earning bonuses for our employees during this period. It might sound unbelievable given the circumstances, but it's a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team. We set targets and provided the necessary support to our employees, empowering them to excel even in challenging times. We prioritized our employees' well-being by offering them generous benefits and perks, including vehicles, medical insurance, and OPD coverage. This commitment to our employees has helped us maintain a positive work environment and attract top talent in the paint industry.

Evolve: What advice would you give to aspiring professionals looking to excel in the paint industry and take on leadership positions similar to yours?

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: My message to the young individuals is one of patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to become fixated on immediate success and instant gratification. However, true success is often the result of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I encourage young people to focus on honing their skills, gaining experience, and embracing the journey rather than solely chasing promotions or shortcuts. Believe in yourself, have faith in the plans of Allah, and never compromise on your principles and values. With determination, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to the truth, success will inevitably find its way to you.

Evolve: Lastly, what are your thoughts on print media around the globe and what would you like to say to the readers of Evolve Business Publication?

(leadership, key points)

Mr. Shahzad Asad Khan: As someone who has closely observed print media trends worldwide, I believe it continues to hold a distinct relevance despite the digital age's rise. There's something timeless and tangible about flipping through the pages of a magazine. I thoroughly enjoy reading this magazine and how it keeps me informed about emerging trends and success stories from diverse industries.