Vasan Suri

Vasan Suri describes himself as an "Ekalavya of the Leather Industry – Professor of Practice," having built his expertise through hands-on experience across the leather value chain. He began his career in 1982 with the Tejoomals' Group, advancing from commercial roles to Regional Director and managing Asia's largest tannery, which produced one million square feet of leather monthly.

Since 1995, Vasan has worked as a freelance consultant across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, and China. His experience covers raw material sourcing, tanning processes, quality control, and product development for brands including Zara, H&M, Ralph Lauren, and Cole Haan.

Currently Business Development Manager with Alina/A.V. Thomas since June 2023, Vasan focuses on sustainable leather manufacturing. He has developed innovations including chrome-free tanning systems, translucent leather, and the colour-changing "Sundance" collection. He contributes to industry knowledge through webinars, industry publications, and his weekly "Fashion Future" meetings, addressing eco-friendly practices and manufacturing advancement.