Ramesh Ramanathan
ConMet
Ramesh Ramanathan
COO, North America | ConMet
Vancouver, Washington, USA
ConMet
Ramesh Ramanathan
COO, North America | ConMet
Vancouver, Washington, USA
When Ramesh Ramanathan was on the cusp of retiring to the Caribbean, an unexpected opportunity emerged. A recommendation from a friend at a consulting company led him to ConMet, a move that would alter his retirement plans and set the stage for a transformative chapter in his career.
Initially joining ConMet to enhance efficiencies at their facility in Monterrey, Mexico, Ramesh planned to stay for only three months. However, his impact was profound, leading to a permanent position as the COO of ConMet’s Plastics division. During this time, he implemented an accountability system that not only made ConMet more profitable but also reshaped the company’s operational culture for the better. More than five years later, Ramesh is still with ConMet and as fulfilled as ever.
As ConMet underwent restructuring in 2019, eliminating divisional COOs, Ramesh emerged as the company’s sole COO. His love for the commercial vehicle industry and ConMet’s supportive culture fuels his passion for the job. Ramesh emphasizes the relationship-oriented nature of the industry and the collaborative spirit among colleagues and leaders at ConMet.
“Other industries can be cutthroat. Our customers push us toward consistent high quality and delivery, but at the end of the day, common sense prevails in the commercial vehicle industry.”
One pivotal moment in Ramesh’s journey can be traced back to his early days at Ford Motor Company. After being promoted to a managerial position, he approached his plant manager to thank him. The manager’s response left a lasting impression.
Ramesh recalls the plant manager saying, “Don’t thank me. If you think you have learned something from me, then pass it on, and you call me and thank me when someone else thanks you.”
"Other industries can be cutthroat. Our customers push us toward consistent high quality and delivery, but at the end of the day, common sense prevails in the commercial vehicle industry."
This encounter sparked Ramesh’s commitment to mentorship, a commitment that is evident through his participation in the Amsted Industries Mike Swiderski Mentorship Program. Ramesh says he was so excited about the program, when he received the mentor application during a flight, he had finished it before the plane even landed.
The Swiderski Mentorship Program, as Ramesh describes, goes beyond simply connecting mentors with mentees. It includes training sessions, fanfare, and a sense of camaraderie that resonates with Ramesh’s dedication to personal and professional development.
In Ramesh Ramanathan’s transformative journey from contemplating retirement to steering ConMet’s operations, he showcases adaptability, strategic leadership, and the enduring significance of relationships in the dynamic commercial vehicle industry. Spearheading strategies for a positive future, he drives operating capabilities through a robust Accountability process, surpassing customer satisfaction and company goals. His initiatives, including cost control and strategic tactics, enhance business efficiency and shareholder value, reflecting Ramesh’s multifaceted contributions to ConMet’s success, as well as his own.
“Compared to retiring in Antigua, I am happier now.”