Abhishek Somany is a transformative leader who has propelled Somany Ceramics to global prominence, positioning it among the top-13 ceramic companies worldwide. Since joining as a management trainee in 1995, his hands-on approach spanning shop floor operations to strategic leadership has shaped Somany Ceramics into a household name in India. Today, the brand boasts a vast distribution network with more than 1,200 retail touchpoints and over 500 exclusive showrooms, while its international footprint extends across over 80 countries in six continents.

Beyond business, Mr Somany has been instrumental in shaping the industry’s future. As the former chairman of the Indian Council of Ceramic Tiles and Sanitary Ware, he has played a pivotal role in key policy discussions impacting the ceramic ecosystem. His ability to blend business acumen with a deep passion for design seamlessly has earned him widespread respect within the industry.

An entrepreneur at heart and an adventurer by spirit, Mr Somany’s interests extend far beyond the boardroom. He is an avid art and scale model car collector, Formula Ford racer, golfer, photographer and go-karter. His passion for extreme sports is equally remarkable. He is a wing walker, advanced scuba diver and skilled skydiver.

With a sharp eye for design and an unyielding drive for excellence, Mr Somany continues to redefine the boundaries of creativity, business and innovation in the ceramic industry.

In an interesting chat with Sharmila Chand, Mr Somany sheds light on his management principles and practices.

Your management mantra
My management philosophy is anchored in innovation, collaboration and a forward-looking vision. By continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation, we aim to lead rather than follow. I strongly believe that a cohesive and empowered organisational culture not only drives performance but also nurtures lasting teamwork. At the core of our strategy is a deep understanding of customers’ needs, enabling us to deliver high-quality, value-driven solutions. Above all, I believe that business should serve a greater purpose of achieving sustainable and ethical growth that secures long-term success, while contributing positively to the industry, the society and the environment.

A game that helps your career
I have a deep passion for both golf and Formula 1 racing – two very different sports that have profoundly shaped my mindset. Golf, which I play regularly, teaches patience, precision and strategic decision-making. It demands focus, adaptability and a willingness to take calculated risks, the qualities that are essential in business leadership. On the other hand, Formula 1 racing fuels my love for high-adrenaline sports. It is all about speed, strategy and rapid reaction –mirroring the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of today’s business environment, where split-second decisions and continuous performance improvements are critical.

Turning point in your career
The period between 2001 and 2007 was a very difficult one for our company. We were hit by various external issues which took the company into loss. Navigating the company from the driving seat through this difficult time taught us the value of being focused towards the end goal and never-say-no attitude.

Secret of your success
As a leader, I believe that success is deeply contextual. It is not a fixed destination but an ongoing journey of learning, growth and adaptation. In a world that is constantly evolving, the ability to learn and improve continuously is what sets enduring success apart from short-term wins. I am guided by three core principles: perseverance, which means staying the course even when faced with adversity; involvement, by being hands on and deeply engaged in every facet of the business; and constant learning, because staying ahead in a dynamic market demands an openness to new ideas, technologies and perspectives. These values have shaped how I lead teams, make decisions and drive sustainable success.

Your philosophy of work
Work should create lasting impact, a belief inspired by the Late Shri H L Somanyji. My philosophy centres on integrity and vision, leading with purpose beyond profit; innovation and growth, embracing change to drive progress; and customer-centricity, solving real problems and setting new standards. These principles guide every decision I make as a leader.

A person you admire
I deeply admire the Late Shri H L Somanyji. His foresight, ethical leadership and ability to shape industry trends continue to inspire me. His long-term vision laid the foundation for Somany Ceramics’ enduring success. I am equally inspired by entrepreneurs who built businesses from the ground up, creating lasting legacies through grit, innovation and purpose.

The best advice you received
One advice is never to stop learning. The world changes constantly, and staying ahead means embracing new knowledge, adapting and innovating. The second one is accept your weakness, understand, learn from it and work towards overcoming it.

Your favourite books
While I do not read many books, I stay current through focused, relevant sources like the Harvard Business Review, the Sloan Management Review and industry-specific journals in real estate, retail and ceramics. My core interest lies in strategic leadership, and I make it a point to stay updated on market trends, business events and emerging shifts that shape the competitive landscape.

Your fitness regime
I lead an active lifestyle through a balanced mix of short walks, squash and golf. For me, staying fit is not just about physical well-being. It is about sharpening mental clarity and building endurance.

Maintaining peace in stressful times
Golf is my go-to de-stresser. It helps me disconnect and refocus. Beyond that, it is the presence of my family, the joy of being with my kids and indulging in my hobbies like collecting scaled model cars, photography and travel that truly helps me stay healthy and de-stressed.

Your mantras for success in business
I strongly believe that high governance standards are non-negotiable. They build trust, accountability and long-term value. Staying ahead of trends and thinking beyond the present are the key to staying relevant in a dynamic market. At the core of my approach is a customer-first mindset, ensuring that every strategy adds real value to those we serve. I also embrace resilience in the face of uncertainty and am not afraid to take calculated risks, both of which are essential to driving innovation and long-term business success.

Your message on management to youngsters
I believe in the principle: “Think big, start small, and act fast”. Vision is important, but without execution, even the best ideas fall short. I have learnt never to overpromise and underdeliver – credibility is built on consistency. Success comes from persistence, a commitment to continuous learning and the ability to build strong, trust-based relationships that drive lasting impact.