Harshad Deshpande

About Harshad Deshpande

Markets don\'t grow by accident. They\'re built — connection by connection, trust by trust, deal by deal.Over 15 years, I\'ve worked at the intersection of heavy industry and international commerce — from steel and material handling to pre-engineered buildings and Oil & Gas. Across India, Africa, and the Middle East, I\'ve helped organisations enter new markets, build revenue pipelines, and establish the kind of on-the-ground presence that actually sticks.What sets my approach apart is that I don\'t just sell — I map ecosystems. I identify the right vendors, qualify suppliers, build channel networks, and connect buyers with the industrial capabilities they need to execute complex projects. This has given me a perspective that spans both sides of the table: I understand what buyers need to de-risk procurement decisions, and what suppliers need to credibly compete in global markets.Today, I lead Business Development for SSAB in A.M.I. region, helping industrial customers make smarter, more sustainable material choices through high-strength steel solutions. My work spans strategic account development, market expansion, and building long-term partnerships across manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors.I speak five languages, have operated across three continents, and bring a rare combination of technical depth and commercial instincts to every engagement — whether that\'s a large EPC project, a cross-border sourcing decision, or a market entry into India.If you\'re navigating industrial growth, procurement complexity, or new market opportunities, I\'m always open to a conversation. h••••••••@gmail.com

Experience

1. Business Development Manager

   SSAB

   Aug 2022 — Present · Pune City, IN

   SSAB is a global leader in high-strength and wear-resistant steel, known for its Hardox® and Strenx® product families — engineered for applications where performance, weight savings, and durability are critical.As Business Development Manager for Africa, Middle East and India, I drive aftermarket development and customer adoption of SSAB\'s advanced steel solutions across the Mining & Materials, Manufacturing & Engineering, Recycling sectors.What I focus on- Building and developing a network of fabricators, enabling wider market reach and consistent customer support across regions- Working closely with fabricators and end-users to identify application opportunities where high-strength steel can replace conventional materials — improving product performance and reducing lifecycle costs- Guiding customers through the technical and commercial case for material upgrades, acting as a consultant as much as a sales professional- Expanding SSAB\'s presence in the region, with a focus on segments where wear resistance and high-strength properties deliver measurable value

Education

• SKN College Of Engg.

  B.E., Mechanical

  2007 — 2011

• Indo-German Training Centre

  Post Graduate Programme in Business Administration , Management

  2013 — 2015

Skills

• Marketing Strategy
• Zoho
• Negotiation
• Sales Management
• Competitive Analysis
• Engineering
• Mis
• Capital Equipment Sales
• Key Account Management
• Sales
• Project Planning
• Business Development
• Team Management
• Product Marketing
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Marketing
• Account Management
• Market Research
• New Business Development
• Business Strategy