In the dynamic world of modern business, where innovation and strategy converge, KNOTS Group stands as a beacon of transformation. At the heart of this transformative journey are two visionary leaders, each bringing a unique blend of expertise and dedication.
The expertise of Anwar Panery, the Chairman of Knots Group is in project management and business development, which has guided the company into new frontiers. A visionary with a strategic mind and an action-oriented leadership approach, Anwar has played a key role in developing the initiatives at KNOTS. He has the acumen to develop strategic partnerships and negotiate complex market dynamics that have made the company a pioneer in the industry.
Jinal Sheth, Chief Operating Officer of KNOTS Group, embodies the spirit of strategic precision and operational excellence. With about 15 years of business transformation and strategic development, Jinal has consistently been at the forefront in pushing organizations in the manufacturing, real estate and retail industry to discover areas with untapped potential for growth. Through her stints in multiple large and reputed organizations across sectors, within few years, she has become a trusted advisor in the business sector for actionable insights. She has a knack for making streamlined solutions to complicated problems and challenges that have made her a renowned and inspirational leader for confidence-building and progress.
Together, Jinal and Anwar epitomize the ideal synergy of strategic foresight and operational excellence, which positions KNOTS Group at the very forefront of innovation in their industry. Leadership inspired by Jinal and Anwar not only motivates their team but also sets a benchmark for the transformative potential of collaboration and vision.
Redefining Business with Supply Chain and Sourcing Excellence
Anwar’s passion in Business stems from deep knowledge in supply chain management with its dynamic and interconnected nature, particularly in retail, where it serves as the backbone of operations. Early in his career, working with industry giants like Adidas, Al Shaya, IKEA, Splash, and Landmark, he witnessed firsthand how supply chains ensure seamless business and last-mile delivery.
Reflecting on his journey, Anwar emphasizes, “Each milestone taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and collaboration in navigating the complexities of the retail industry. He understood the paramount importance of customer satisfaction.” These experiences solidified his commitment to building supply chains that are efficient, agile, and customer centric.
Jinal’s career evolved from tactical buying to strategic sourcing, driven by her efforts to optimize procurement practices during her tenure at Suzlon Energy and Acme Group. Confronting fragmented processes and limited stakeholder collaboration, Jinal and her team implemented consolidated strategies using auction platforms and analytics to centralize and streamline procurement.
Her innovative approach—securing better terms through multi-vendor negotiations, product sampling, and economies of scale—achieved cost efficiencies of over 30% while mitigating operational risks and ensuring transparency. At Landmark Group, Jinal expanded these principles across geographies, leading indirect procurement projects across multiple brands. This role demanded strategic foresight and the ability to align diverse teams and stakeholders across regions. “This transition shaped my leadership approach, focusing on innovation, alignment, and risk management,” Jinal explains, underscoring her dedication to creating a procurement culture that drives agility, aligns with business goals, and ensures sustainable growth.
The journey of Anwar and Jinal highlights the transformative potential of supply chain management and strategic sourcing as essential drivers of any business.
Staying Ahead in the Advancing Industry
Staying ahead in a dynamic retail environment requires staying relevant by continuous learning, technological adoption, and strong partnerships. Anwar keeps himself updated on global trends and emerging technologies by engaging with industry forums and experts. For example, at Knots Group, he attends industry and retail events and is part of active business groups to consistently explore solutions to enhance business practices.
“Technology is a cornerstone of my approach.” says Anwar. He has worked extensively with varied tools for real-time inventory tracking, advanced ERP and analytics for demand forecasting, and shared platforms for enhancing transparency. For instance, at Splash, implementing data driven analytics he improved stock replenishment accuracy, reducing stockouts and overstocks.
Additionally, building strong relationships with vendors and stakeholders has been pivotal. At Knots Group, fostering collaborative partnerships with suppliers allows them to navigate logistics challenges effectively, ensuring uninterrupted product flow to stores.
Overcoming the Adversities
“Balancing operational efficiency with strategic innovation is vital in dynamic industries like retail, where customer expectations evolve rapidly. At KNOTS Group, this dual focus has been instrumental in navigating market complexities while ensuring seamless operations.” says Jinal.
To balance operational efficiency at Knots Group, Jinal led initiatives to optimize inventory levels, reducing overstock by 33% through advanced demand forecasting tools that integrated real-time sales data.
However, efficiency is not solely about processes; it’s about agility. During disruptive periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring alternative logistics networks and onboarding local vendors ensured continuity and minimized risks in one of the key projects she has been part of. This adaptive approach strengthened operational resilience while maintaining customer trust.
“Innovation in retail involves rethinking delivery models and enhancing customer experiences.” says Jinal. At KNOTS Group, the implementation of micro-warehousing and advanced ERP systems has significantly improved inventory visibility and order accuracy. For instance, when upgrading ERP systems, early stakeholder engagement and comprehensive training ensured a 95% adoption rate, facilitating faster order fulfillment and enhanced customer insights.
Introducing strategic innovation requires careful change management. When rolling out a new POS system, clear communication and phased implementation ensured smooth adoption across stores. Teams were equipped not only with technical know-how but also with an understanding of how these tools elevated their roles and improved customer experiences.
Balancing these priorities at KNOTS Group enables them to deliver operational excellence today while staying agile and future-ready, ensuring their continued leadership in the evolving retail landscape.
Approach to Leadership and Decision Making
Managing diverse teams requires cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and clear communication. At Ikea, Al Shaya and Landmark Group, where teams were spread across multiple countries, Anwar focused on building a culture of trust and empowerment. Ensuring every team member felt valued, regardless of their location, was key to fostering collaboration.
When making decisions, Anwar relies on a mix of data-driven insights and team feedback. For example, during a large-scale inventory realignment project at IKEA, he held cross-functional discussions to gather insights from local and international teams. This approach ensured decisions were well-rounded and addressed regional challenges effectively.
“Encouraging open dialogue has been central to my leadership style.” says Anwar. Whether leading a logistics team in Dubai or working with suppliers in Europe, Anwar has found that inclusive decision-making not only fosters innovation but also drives alignment toward shared goals.
Ensuring Transparency and Collaboration
Transparency and collaboration are essential for positioning procurement and supply chain as strategic enablers within an organization. Jinal’s approach emphasizes leveraging technology, fostering strong relationships, and ensuring clear communication to drive value across the ecosystem.
By integrating digital platforms, her teams achieve real-time visibility into stock levels through shared inventory systems. This transparency aligns store teams, warehouse staff, and suppliers, reducing errors and improving product availability for customers. Strategic partnerships also play a pivotal role. Involving vendors in early design discussions, as Jinal did at Acme Group, streamlined processes, reduced rework by 20%, and enhanced product delivery. Similarly, at Knots Group, engaging vendors in seasonal planning ensured better alignment and market success.
Clear communication is a cornerstone of her strategy. Retail’s complexity demands cross-functional collaboration, especially during major sales events. Coordination between finance, supply chain, and sales teams ensured seamless execution of promotions, maintained stock availability, and elevated customer satisfaction. Internally, cultivating trust among teams underscores shared objectives, fostering a culture of collaboration that meets dynamic market demands. These practices highlight the integral role of procurement and supply chain in driving organizational growth, efficiency, and customer-centric success.
Exploring the Future of the Supply Chain Industry
According to Anwar the future of business and supply chains, particularly in retail, lies in three areas: digital transformation, sustainability, and collaboration.
AI and machine learning will continue to revolutionize demand forecasting and inventory management. For example, integrating predictive analytics at Landmark enabled data-driven decisions that improved fulfillment accuracy. Blockchain will enhance transparency and traceability, ensuring ethical sourcing and better supplier accountability.
Green supply chains are becoming non-negotiable as businesses align with environmental goals. At IKEA and Splash, Anwar was involved in projects focused on optimizing transportation routes to reduce carbon footprints. Such initiatives are critical for creating sustainable operations.
Furthermore, Seamless communications between internal teams and external partners are vital. Implementing shared digital platforms at Knots Group improved collaboration across departments, ensuring better alignment and adaptive supply chain ecosystems.
Advice for Young Professionals
Jinal shares valuable pearls of wisdom that she considers important for the young professionals who aspire to excel in procurement, supply chain or operational roles. She shares, “Success in any role requires strategic thinking and understanding how your contributions drive organizational goals. In industries like manufacturing, retail, and real estate, functions like procurement and supply chain go beyond cost savings, fostering efficiency, mitigating risks, and enabling growth. Every decision should align with the bigger picture.”
She adds, “Continuous learning is key to staying ahead. Mastering tools like ERP systems, leveraging AI analytics, or adopting sustainable practices can be transformative. Certifications and diverse roles further enhance your skills and open new opportunities.”
“Adaptability is crucial in today’s dynamic business environment. Flexibility in navigating challenges, such as supply chain disruptions or shifting customer demands, sets you apart. Building strong relationships with teams, suppliers, and stakeholders fosters collaboration and long-term success. Active networking and participation in industry forums strengthen connections and create value,” quotes Jinal.
Leaving a Legacy of Value and Innovation
Jinal and Anwar’s goal has always been to elevate procurement and supply chain from transactional roles to strategic pillars of business. At many companies of varied sizes, she implemented strategic sourcing frameworks that consolidated processes, mitigated risks, and leveraged economies of scale. By fostering strong partnerships with vendors and internal teams, she has driven efficiency and innovation across many geographies and brands, ensuring procurement aligns seamlessly with business goals.
At KNOTS, their focus is on building a technology-enabled ecosystem that emphasizes agility and sustainability. Initiatives like advanced ERP systems and micro-warehousing exemplify this vision. Jinal aspires to mentor professionals to view challenges as opportunities. By championing collaboration, resilience, and innovation, Anwar hopes his legacy will inspire transformation and meaningful impact across industries.
