OUR TEAM
Mr. Neeraj Raja Kochhar
Chairman
Mr. Neeraj Raja Kochhar, the esteemed Chairman of Viraj Profiles, ventured into the stainless steel sector in 1992 after two successful decades in logistics. With a vision for a globally respected enterprise, he established Viraj Profiles in Tarapur, starting with a small induction furnace for utensil-grade steel aimed at the domestic market. Today, under his leadership, Viraj has grown into one of India’s largest stainless steel manufacturers, with a capacity of 636,000 tons per annum across a diverse product range, including wires, wire rods, flanges, fasteners, bright bars, and profiles.
With a turnover of USD 1.5 billion, Viraj is a key player in the global stainless steel long products and flanges market and is expanding its horizons.
Mr. Kochhar’s commitment to excellence has garnered several accolades, including the Highest Export Award in 2009 and the EEPC Top Exporter Awards in 2013 and 2014. A strong advocate for social responsibility, he founded the Viraj Charitable Trust in 2002. Recently, he received The Hurun India’s Most Respected Philanthropists Award 2024 at the India Philanthropy Awards ceremony on May 9, 2024. With operations in over 90 countries, he continues to drive Viraj’s expansion and innovation, securing its leadership in the global stainless steel products industry.
Mr. Rakesh Chauhan
Mr. Rakesh Chauhan, Managing Director at Viraj Profiles, brings a distinguished academic background to his role. He is a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from Punjab Engineering College, complemented by executive education from Harvard Business School’s Senior Executive Leadership Programme. With over 30 years of diverse experience across manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and sales, he has held key positions at Escorts Tractors, Samtel Group, and Jindal Stainless Limited before joining Viraj in 2013. At Viraj, Mr. Chauhan oversees sales, marketing, supply chain, and procurement, playing a vital role in expanding the company’s global market presence and driving revenue growth. His leadership has led to operational efficiencies, market penetration, and customer retention, positioning Viraj as a leading player in the stainless steel industry while ensuring streamlined supply chain processes and profitability.Â
Mr. Sandeep Maheshwari
Director
Mr. Sandeep Maheshwari is the Executive Director at Viraj Profiles Pvt. Ltd. With a solid academic background, he holds an M.Tech. in Process Metallurgy from IIT Bombay, a B.E. in Metallurgy (Hons.) from VRCE, Nagpur (now VNIT, Nagpur), and has completed a leadership program at IIM Ahmedabad. He has over 33 years of cross-functional experience in the stainless steel and steel industries, with expertise spanning operations, cost optimization, process control, research and development (R&D), and business development.
Before joining Viraj Profiles, he served as the CEO of African Steel Mills, Nigeria. During his tenure, he successfully led business expansion, introduced new products, and optimized operational efficiency, resulting in a significant boost in revenue and profitability. He has also held leadership roles at Jindal Stainless Ltd, where he was responsible for new business and product development, quality assurance, and technology leadership across the company’s multiple locations in India and abroad.
Mr. Maheshwari’s leadership is marked by his industry expertise, commitment to operational excellence, and focus on sustainable growth, making him a key asset to Viraj Profiles’ continued success in the global stainless steel industry.
Mr. Pawan Kumar Bajaj
Director
Mr. Pawan Kumar Bajaj serves as the Non-Executive Director at Viraj Profiles Private Ltd., bringing with him over 28 years of extensive experience in the integrated iron and steel industries, both in India and internationally. His diverse educational qualifications include a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), and a Bachelor of Law (LLB), reflecting his multifaceted expertise. Throughout his career, Mr. Bajaj has been instrumental in driving operational excellence, innovation, and strategic growth within the iron and steel sector. At Viraj, he continues to spearhead key initiatives, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and leadership skills to strengthen the company’s market position globally. His strong technical acumen, combined with a legal understanding, enables him to navigate complex business challenges, ensuring sustainable growth and operational efficiency.
Mr. Anuj Jain
CFO
Mr. Anuj Jain, a Chartered Accountant with over 23 years of extensive experience in finance and accounting is an accomplished finance professional and a key pillar of Viraj Profiles. As the CFO at Viraj Profiles, he has played a crucial role in driving the company’s financial strategy, managing risk, and ensuring financial discipline across operations. His leadership has been instrumental in optimizing financial performance, streamlining processes, and promoting sustainable growth. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, Mr. Jain has contributed to Viraj’s success by strengthening its financial foundations and enabling the company to navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence.
Ms. Dhara Jain
CS
Ms. Dhara Jain is a highly accomplished Company Secretary and Legal Professional with over 16 years of extensive experience in company secretarial and legal functions, corporate finance, and governance. Having worked in manufacturing industries like the Diamond (KGK Group) and Steel (Evonith Group) sectors, she has successfully navigated multiple setups, from promoter-driven to professionally managed and IBC-revived companies. Specializing in transaction documentation for IBC-revived companies, she has also played a key role in translating governance theories into effective frameworks and processes. With expertise in fundraising through private equity and capital markets, factory compliances, IPR, ESG governance, and managing secretarial functions for listed, unlisted, and closely held companies, she continues to be a driving force in the corporate legal and compliance landscape. At Viraj Profiles, she is pivotal in steering governance and compliance, ensuring that the company’s growth aligns with regulatory standards.
Ms. Pooja Mehra
PresidentÂ
Ms. Pooja Mehra currently serves as the President sales at Viraj Profiles. A Graduate from Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai University, she has also pursued a course in Interior design. Joining Viraj in 2016, she has become an indispensable part of the company’s operations, seamlessly integrating her expertise across manufacturing and marketing. With a passion for expanding the business globally, she has tirelessly worked to broaden the customer base and enhance the brand’s international presence. Known for her commitment to customer satisfaction, she has successfully implemented a customer-friendly CRM system, reinforcing trust and transparency. Beyond sales, she ensures product quality, timely shipments, and efficient resource utilization, solidifying her role as a driving force behind Viraj’s success.
Mr. J P Garg
COO
Mr. JP Garg, leading operations at Viraj Profiles is a financial expert and a CMA with over 25 years of industry expertise. He joined Viraj in 2007 and has been instrumental in its success. As the Chief Operating Officer, he oversees operational management, strategic decision-making, financial oversight, and leadership, ensuring compliance and risk management across the organization. Mr. Garg has driven key initiatives, such as achieving zero metal waste through 100% sludge reprocessing and spearheading the Green Energy Initiative by utilizing 125 MW of solar energy. His focus on cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency, and effective forex management has significantly contributed to the company’s success. He remains a key figure in promoting innovation and growth at Viraj Profiles.Â
Mr. Suresh Lodha
President
Mr. Suresh Chand Lodha is the President and Governing Council Member at Viraj Profiles Pvt. Ltd. He holds a B.Com (Hons.) degree and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. With extensive expertise in finance, banking, procurement, and supply chain management, he has been a key contributor to the company’s success.
In his role, Mr. Lodha oversees the company’s financial health through meticulous financial reporting and efficient budget management. He skillfully implements efficient procurement processes to facilitate seamless operations. With a focus on developing cost-effective strategies, he optimizes resource allocation and financial planning. His expertise in streamlining supply chain operations guarantees timely delivery of materials and products, further optimizing costs for the organization.
His leadership ensures that Viraj Profiles maintains a competitive edge in the global stainless steel industry.
Mr. Siddartha Modi
President
Mr. Siddartha Modi serves as the President of Sales & Marketing and IT at Viraj Profiles. With a strong educational foundation, he holds an MBA in International Business from Pepperdine University, USA, a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Mumbai University, and has completed a Leadership Program at INSEAD in 2022. With over 25 years of professional experience, Mr. Modi has spent 12 years in supply chain management across various companies in the US and 13 years in sales and marketing in his current role at Viraj . In his current role, he is responsible for driving the company’s global sales and marketing initiatives for two key product lines, along with overseeing the corporate communication and IT functions. His strategic leadership and extensive expertise are pivotal in enhancing Viraj’s market presence and ensuring cohesive communication across the organization.
