Mumbai: AstaGuru Auction House has appointed Saumik Gandhi as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), reinforcing its leadership team as the company accelerates its growth plans in India and international markets.
With more than three decades of experience spanning operations, business development and strategic leadership, Gandhi will lead AstaGuru’s operational excellence, organisational efficiency and long-term growth initiatives as the auction house expands its global footprint.
An operations veteran, Gandhi holds a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from Bombay University and an MBA in International Business from the European University, Montreux, Switzerland.
Prior to joining AstaGuru, Gandhi served as Vice President – Operations at Trio Jewels Pvt. Ltd., where he led initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality standards and overall organisational performance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he developed and implemented an operational strategy that enabled uninterrupted exports while retaining the company’s entire workforce.
Earlier, he spent over a decade as Managing Director at MKS Jewelry International Co. Ltd. in Bangkok, the flagship manufacturing company of the Hammer Group. During his tenure, he steered the company through the 2009 global financial crisis by implementing cost optimisation measures and operational restructuring, helping double the company’s turnover within a year while maintaining international quality standards.
Gandhi also served as Director at Ronson Industrial Engineers Pvt. Ltd., where he transformed the family-owned textile machinery business into a professionally managed enterprise, streamlining manufacturing operations, improving profitability and expanding exports across key international markets, including the United States, Turkey, Egypt, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand.
Commenting on the appointment, Richa Bhatnagar, Director, Human Resources, AstaGuru Auction House, said, “Saumik’s extensive experience in building high-performing organizations, driving operational excellence and leading complex business transformations makes him an invaluable addition to AstaGuru’s leadership team. As we continue to scale our business globally, his strategic vision and operational expertise will play a critical role in strengthening our capabilities, enhancing efficiencies and supporting the company’s next phase of growth.”
As COO, Gandhi will oversee AstaGuru’s day-to-day operations across its global offices, focusing on operational excellence, process optimisation and organisational efficiency. He will work closely with the leadership team to strengthen cross-functional collaboration, develop scalable systems and support the company’s continued expansion in domestic and international markets.
Throughout his 30-year career, Gandhi has built a reputation for driving operational transformation, sustainable business growth and developing high-performing teams across global manufacturing organisations.
Speaking on his appointment, Saumik Gandhi, Chief Operating Officer, AstaGuru Auction House, said, “I am delighted to join AstaGuru at such an exciting stage in its growth journey. The company has established itself as a market leader through innovation, trust and a deep understanding of the art and luxury ecosystem. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to build scalable processes, strengthen operational capabilities and support AstaGuru’s continued expansion across global markets.”
