Shirish Rao

About Shirish Rao

With 21+ years of leadership experience across Metal Additive Manufacturing, Tooling, and Advanced Manufacturing, I am a business development strategist focused on building technology-driven ecosystems and driving large-scale adoption across Automotive, Aerospace, Defence, Oil & Gas, and Engineering sectors.At Amace Solutions (Ace Micromatic Group), I lead the complete Business Portfolio for Metal Additive Manufacturing (LPBF Technology) across India and global markets. I work closely with CXOs, R&D leaders, defence establishments, and academic institutions to build end-to-end AM ecosystems—integrating Metal 3D Printers, 3D Scanners, AM Simulation Software, Reverse Engineering, CNC machining, heat treatment, and post-processing. My role spans strategic GTM planning, key account development, new market penetration, capability building, and complete project execution from requirement mapping to commissioning and customer success.Prior to this, I headed Sales & Marketing at Indo German Vacu Treat Pvt. Ltd, managing a multi-technology portfolio that included Vacuum Heat Treatment, Plasma Nitriding, PVD Coating, Additive Manufacturing, and Die Solutions. I drove revenue growth, customer acquisition, technical seminars, and long-term strategic partnerships with major OEMs and toolrooms.Before IGVT, I spent 6.5 years with the Hitachi Group managing Sales & Business Development for Cutting Tools and Tool Steel. I led dealer networks, developed high-performance tooling solutions, and strengthened Hitachi’s brand presence across manufacturing clusters. This role sharpened my expertise in technical product positioning, channel development, and solution-based selling.I began my career with Mahindra & Mahindra, working for 6 years in Tool & Die Manufacturing and CNC Machining Operations. This hands-on foundation gave me deep insights into machining, toolroom operations, production engineering, process optimisation, and shop-floor execution—experience that continues to guide my techno-commercial approach.Core Strengths:• Strategic Sales Leadership & Business Expansion• Ecosystem Creation: AM + Scanning + Software + CNC + Post Processing• Key Account Management & Channel Development• New Product Introduction (NPI) & Go-to-Market Strategy• Forecasting, CRM-driven sales governance & data-led decision making• Customer training, workshops & capability-building programsMy mission is to build future-ready manufacturing ecosystems by combining technology leadership, customer-centric solutions, and strong execution.

Experience

1. Sr Manager - Marketing

   Amace Solutions

   May 2024 — Present · Bengaluru, IN

   As Head of the Metal Additive Manufacturing Business Portfolio at Amace Solutions, I lead the strategic and technical deployment of LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) technology across Automotive, Aerospace & Defence, Tooling, Energy, and Academia.I drive the creation of complete AM ecosystems, integrating:• LPBF Metal 3D Printers (STLR Series)• 3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering Systems• AM Simulation & Build Preparation Software• CNC machining, heat treatment, & post-processing workflows• Material development, parameter optimization & part qualificationMy responsibilities span the full technology lifecycle—from customer requirement mapping and DfAM consultation to installation, commissioning, training, process validation, and end-to-end project execution. I work closely with defence organizations, aerospace units, industrial toolrooms, and R&D institutions to architect scalable AM workflows and accelerate adoption.Key Contributions & Impact:• Led deployment of complete AM setups across multiple sectors• Established integrated workflows combining scanning → simulation → printing → machining → finishing• Reduced customer development cycle time through optimised build strategies• Enabled high-value applications through technical hand-holding & process validation• Represented Amace at national forums, panels & customer technical evaluationsI focus on building a robust, industry-ready AM ecosystem and ensuring customers achieve measurable gains in performance, productivity, and manufacturability through Metal Additive Manufacturing.

Education

• Dhanvantry Engineering College

  Bachelor of Engineering - BE, Mechanical

• Government Polytechnic Nagpur

  Diploma In Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

  1999 — 2002

• St Johns High School, Nagpur

  SSC, English Medium

  1991 — 1999

Skills

• Product Development
• Public Speaking
• Microsoft Word
• Customer Service
• Research
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Outlook
• English
• Microsoft Office
• Windows