Babu Subramanian

Led and spearheaded a portfolio of strategic innovation and business development projects across diverse markets, with a focus on exploring circular concepts such as Recycling, Repair, Refurbishment, and Reuse for IKEA. Played a pivotal role in driving IKEA towards the overarching goal of offering affordable and sustainable products to a wider audience through Circularity.

Key highlights of my contributions include:

• Provided in-house strategy consultancy services to IKEA on circular business models and sustainability, which involved enabling access to opportunities, addressing challenges, and formulating impactful strategies.
• Effectively managed multiple project teams distributed across various countries, ensuring the timely delivery of projects aligned with circular objectives and yielding tangible outcomes.
• Acted as an Ambassador both internally and externally, fueling motivation and enthusiasm for IKEA's transformation towards a Circular Economy, one of the organization's most significant transformations.
• Engaged with students, professors, external companies, and research institutes on behalf of IKEA to facilitate knowledge and insights exchange, nurturing valuable partnerships and staying at the forefront of circular economy advancements.
• Collaborated with diverse IT systems and processes to initiate necessary changes in support of the circular transformation.
• Collaborated closely with suppliers and stakeholders to conduct rigorous testing and refine refurbishment methodologies for IKEA furniture.
• Played a pivotal role in hosting and facilitating the establishment of a reverse logistics network, uniting key stakeholders with shared interests and contributing to the development and success of IKEA's reverse logistics initiatives.
• Established metrics, objectives, and performance monitoring mechanisms related to circular ambitions for materials, products, and transactions.
• Took charge of the development and implementation of after-sales parts for IKEA, collaborating with range, supply, and market teams to launch a commercial spare parts range.
• Worked in conjunction with category areas and material owners to revise strategies and craft comprehensive roadmaps for achieving the ambitious goal of using renewable and recycled materials by 2030.
• Oversaw waste management strategies at IKEA, leading the development of work methodologies, data collection, metrics, and policies.
• Maintained close alignment with legislation and requirements associated with the EU Green Deal, Eco-design directive, Right to Repair, and EU Circular Economy Action Plan.
• Utilized data analytics to work with a diverse range of metrics related to the environment and economics, leading to improved decision-making and strategic insights.
• Acquired knowledge of concepts and frameworks, including GRI, CSRD, EU Taxonomy, and ELV Directive, to ensure compliance and alignment with sustainability reporting standards.
• Provided data, content, and updates for sustainability reports over the years, effectively showcasing IKEA's commitment to sustainability.
• Conducted market research and customer insight studies on circularity, sustainability , supply chains and innovations.
• Developed operational procedures and ensured that sustainability and circularity strategies translated into tactical and operational planning.
• Led testing initiatives for new logistics developments at IKEA, including "DDC", micro parcel flows, and reverse logistics.
• Played a pivotal role in supporting the successful launch of Re-tuna, the world's first IKEA second-hand store in Eskilstuna, along with a local recovery hub.

• Headed a project dedicated to identifying and efficiently managing external feedstock sources, conducting a comprehensive analysis of waste volumes external to IKEA, and devising strategies for sourcing waste and secondary raw materials.
• Spearheaded a forward-looking initiative focused on advancing IKEA's circular economy goals by exploring innovative reverse logistics solutions for reclaiming end-of-life products.
• Crafted and delivered a comprehensive business case and benefit analysis to INGKA and ICOMP, effectively highlighting the advantages of implementing a cardboard baler system and establishing closed-loop recycling for cardboard packaging.
• Successfully led multiple projects aimed at achieving closing the loop for IKEA, notably overseeing the collection and repurposing of LDPE plastic waste, textiles, wood and cardboard.
• Co-led a prominent cross-store test initiative, with a specific emphasis on textile collection, collaborating closely with social entrepreneurs in Sweden to transform these textiles into innovative, sustainable products.
• Collaborated with a dedicated team to explore ways to repurpose wooden pallets and furniture waste from IKEA stores, establishing connections with board manufacturers to close the recycling loop.

Contributed to the Resource chain project. The thesis topic - "Maximizing return rate for end of life furniture: Analyzing incentive schemes". Nominated for best thesis award. Result has been implemented by IKEA in buyback and resell model.

Internship in Warehousing Logistics Department. Handled various tasks from IT demand analysis, warehousing equipments and solutions, DC establishment process development.

In charge of overseeing a compact-scale Warehousing and Distribution operation specializing in Automobile Spare Parts within the Indian market. Effectively supervised a team of approximately 20 employees engaged in various functions, including sales, procurement, accounting, and administration. Responsibilities encompassed Inventory Management, Supplier Negotiations, Enhancement of Customer Service, Procurement Strategies, Distribution Optimization, and Business Administration.

• Led a development team in enhancing JDA SCPO solutions through customized interfaces and automation.
• Collaborated across functions to design solutions, ensuring successful deployment and user adoption.
• Proactively addressed technical challenges, maintained system performance, and optimized efficiency through regular assessments.

• Managed system improvements and provided crucial support for IKEA's Warehousing and Transportation applications.
• Orchestrated the change management process, guaranteeing the seamless rollout of solutions across multiple countries.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to define system requirements, implement enhancements, and deliver user-friendly interfaces.
• Led training sessions for end-users and support teams to ensure a smooth transition to new systems.