In a candid interview, Santhosh Kumar T V, the newly appointed Managing Director of HiKOKI Power Tools India, shares his professional journey, vision for the company, and insights into the power tools industry.

Can you tell us about your background and professional journey before becoming the Managing Director of HiKOKI Power Tools India?
Before taking on the role of Managing Director at HiKOKI Power Tools India, my career spanned several leadership positions across industrial, professional, and consumer sectors globally. I accumulated extensive experience with renowned multinational corporations, where I spearheaded strategic initiatives in diverse markets, notably in the Middle East and India. These roles provided me with invaluable insights into market dynamics, customer needs, and operational excellence across different geographies.

What is your vision for HiKOKI Power Tools India over the next few years?
My vision for HiKOKI Power Tools India is centered around solidifying our market leadership through innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence. We aim to reinforce our position as the preferred choice for professionals, tradesmen, and consumers alike. This will be achieved by introducing cutting-edge products tailored to local requirements, expanding our service network, and nurturing robust partnerships with stakeholders across the spectrum.

What strategic changes or initiatives do you plan to implement to enhance your market position?
To strengthen our market position, we are focusing on several strategic initiatives. Firstly, we aim to expand our distribution networks comprehensively to improve accessibility and reach. Secondly, we are developing localised product offerings specifically designed to meet the unique demands of the Indian market. Thirdly, enhancing our after-sales support infrastructure is pivotal, ensuring seamless customer experiences post-purchase. Lastly, digital transformation initiatives will streamline operations and elevate customer engagement through innovative platforms and solutions.

What new products or innovations can customers expect under your leadership?
Under my leadership, customers can anticipate a range of innovative products aimed at enhancing efficiency, reliability, and user comfort. We are committed to leveraging customer feedback and insights from professionals to develop tools that precisely address their operational challenges and job-specific requirements. Continuous improvement and technological advancement will remain foundational to our product development strategy, ensuring that our offerings stay at the forefront of industry standards.

Where do you see HiKOKI Power Tools India in the next five to ten years?
Looking ahead, I envision HiKOKI Power Tools India as a definitive market leader renowned for innovation, reliability, and exceptional customer satisfaction. Over the next five to ten years, we will expand our product portfolio significantly, diversify our market presence across India, and capitalise on emerging opportunities within the evolving power tools sector. Our commitment to delivering superior products and unparalleled service will be instrumental in solidifying our position as a preferred partner for professionals and consumers alike.

How has HiKOKI Power Tools India maintained its position as a leader in the power tools market over the past 27 years, and what key innovations and strategies have contributed to your sustained growth and customer trust?
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce HiKOKI Power Tools India Private Limited is a subsidiary of Koki Holdings Japan and was established in the year 1996 to take care of business in India and neighbouring countries Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. With pride and confidence, we have completed 27 years of operations in India, and for the past 27 years, we have consolidated our position in the Indian power tool market based on trust and faith bestowed on us by our customers. We are pioneers in the field of advanced power tools, catering to a wide spectrum of power tool requirements in the Indian industry. We market power tools and accessories under the brand HiKOKI, Metabo, HITMIN, and CARAT.

Our products are of high standards in terms of quality, design, material, and workmanship, making our priority to meet the expectations of customers in the field of construction, woodworking, metalworking, and engineering segments by adding new innovations to our product range. Our successful track record of sustained growth in the Indian market attributes to effective quality management systems and practices combined with a team of highly committed sales and service professionals. Our expertise extends to almost all facets of industries wherever cordless or power tools are required. The focus is always on the ‘Customer’ to ensure the highest degree of quality and reliability in our products in the field. Our dealer network is quite strong and spread across all the corners of the states in India to have easy and speedy access to facilitate the transactions. Our service network ensures a timely response to customer needs in terms of spares and service.

We look forward to serving you with excellence and reliability for many years to come.

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to leadership roles in the power tools industry?
For young professionals aspiring to leadership roles in the power tools industry, I emphasise the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and market dynamics. Cultivate strong relationships with colleagues, customers, and industry experts, as collaboration and knowledge-sharing are key to success. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, prioritise integrity and ethical conduct in every aspect of your professional journey, and remain steadfast in your commitment to delivering value and innovation.

For more information, visit: https://www.hikoki-powertools.in/