Leadership becomes the real key to success in the dynamic field of construction, where accuracy must be balanced with pressure and vision must be turned into tangible reality. Ajinkya Sarvagod, the Vice President of Engineering of Kohinoor Group Pune, is one of the few people who is successful in achieving this delicate balance. He is providing nearly two decades of diverse expertise in the residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, and is well known for his keen execution skills and people-first leadership approach.
His path has been characterized by constant development, self-discipline, and a desire for greatness. It began with his profound admiration for his elder brother, a gold medalist and top railway official. Sarvagod combines innovative design thinking with systems-based execution methodologies, whether it is building massive infrastructure like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway or creating opulent homes like those of cricket legend Virat Kohli. Using creativity and instantaneous decision-making to boost efficiency, he is a strong supporter of digital project management and the Kaizen technique.
What really sets him apart is his conviction that teams should be empowered. He leads by fostering a sense of purpose, coaching experts, and bringing all stakeholders together around a common goal rather than by giving orders. As a thought leader and guest lecturer, he has an equal stake in developing the next generation of talent and improving industry standards. His dedication to business performance is beyond engineering, as seen by his position as an Independent Director with the Institute of Directors, which is demonstrating his profound knowledge of governance concepts that he learned from his father, a renowned criminal lawyer.
Ajinkya Sarvagod is a wonderful example of leadership that is flexible, responsible, and prepared for the future. Building structures is only one aspect of his work; other goals include fostering trust, pushing the envelope, and leaving a legacy of operational excellence and visionary impact that the industry may emulate.
The Foundation of Excellence
Sarvagod’s journey began in the academic corridors of Government Polytechnic, Solapur, where he was honored as the Best Outgoing Student during his diploma in civil engineering. This early recognition was merely a glimpse of the excellence that would define his career. “My inspiration to pursue a career in construction came from my elder brother, Mr. Raj Sarvagod, a civil engineer, gold medalist, and Class I officer in Central Railways. From a young age, I looked up to him as my mentor and role model. That admiration laid the foundation for my lifelong passion for civil engineering.” he reflects.
The influence of his brother proved instrumental in shaping not just his career choice but his approach to leadership and excellence. After completing his bachelor’s degree from WIT Solapur, where he served as President of the Civil Engineering Students Association of India, Sarvagod was recruited by K Raheja Corp through campus placement a milestone that marked the beginning of what would become a remarkable journey in the construction industry.
Mastering Diversity: From Luxury Residences to Infrastructure Giants
What sets Sarvagod apart in an industry often characterized by specialization is his remarkable ability to excel across diverse project categories. His portfolio reads like a comprehensive guide to modern construction, encompassing everything from luxury residential developments to massive infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
“With over 19 years of experience, I’ve delivered projects across residential, commercial, and infrastructure domains. My leadership style evolves with each project’s unique requirements while maintaining a consistent focus on quality, innovation, and stakeholder satisfaction.” he explains
This adaptability is perhaps best exemplified in his approach to different project types. Luxury residential projects, such as cricket icon Virat Kohli’s Alibaug residence, demand what Sarvagod calls “creative design thinking, personalization, and meticulous attention to detail.” In contrast, large-scale infrastructure projects require “systems thinking, Kaizen-based execution, and strong coordination with government authorities and turnkey contractors.”
The ability to seamlessly transition between these vastly different requirements speaks to a deeper understanding of construction as both an art and a science. “I adapt by tailoring strategies across each project phase—from approvals and market research to cost planning, execution monitoring, and seamless handover—balancing precision with vision at every step,” he notes.
The Innovation Imperative
In an industry traditionally resistant to change, Sarvagod has emerged as a champion of innovation. His implementation of Kaizen methodology and sophisticated Management Information Systems (MIS) is revolutionizing project delivery across his organizations. This commitment to continuous learning and innovation is further evidenced by his current pursuit of IIT Delhi’s Executive Programme in Entrepreneurship Development 2025, demonstrating his dedication to staying at the forefront of industry evolution.
“Kaizen and MIS systems have transformed our operational approach. Through Kaizen, we drive continuously improving inefficiencies, refining workflows, and encouraging innovation from all levels of the team.” he explains.
This isn’t merely about adopting new technologies; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement that permeates every aspect of project execution. The MIS platforms provide real-time tracking of progress, cost, and resources, enabling what Sarvagod describes as “early identification of bottlenecks and faster decision-making.”
The results speak for themselves. This data-driven approach ensures accountability, agility, and consistent delivery of high-performance results, particularly crucial on complex or fast-track assignments that characterize much of today’s construction landscape.
The Art of Client Excellence
In a client-centric industry, Sarvagod’s approach to managing top-tier clients has become a benchmark for excellence. His philosophy centers on what he calls “end-to-end ownership of quality, time, and cost.” From concept to handover and extending into the facility management phase every interaction is governed by precise micro-level planning and Kaizen-level tracking.
“Managing top clients starts with understanding their vision. We integrate value engineering, innovative design, and cost-effective construction methodologies to deliver an enhanced final product.” he emphasizes.
This commitment to excellence has earned him recognition not just from industry peers but from clients who have experienced firsthand the difference that attention to detail can make. For Sarvagod, “Having a delighted customer on board” isn’t just a goal—it’s policy.
Leadership Through Empowerment
Perhaps nowhere is Sarvagod’s leadership philosophy more evident than in his approach to team building. In an industry where hierarchical structures often stifle innovation, he has created an environment where excellence flourishes through empowerment and mentorship.
“High-performing teams are built through empowerment, mentorship, and clarity of purpose. I ensure every department—from design and planning to procurement, quality, and execution—understands the broader vision and their role in it.” he explains
This leadership extends beyond his immediate professional circle. As a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions like VJTI Mumbai, Sarvagod actively mentors’ future industry leaders in pragmatic execution and value optimization. His commitment to nurturing talent reflects a broader understanding that sustainable success in construction requires not just individual excellence but industry-wide elevation of standards.
The Three Pillars of Excellence
Sarvagod’s approach to ensuring timely, safe, and high-quality delivery on large-scale projects rests on what he identifies as three core pillars: precise micro-level planning, Kaizen-based monitoring, and techno-commercial integration.
“Execution excellence on large-scale projects comes down to these three core pillars. I ensure that every activity from site mobilization to final finishing follows a rigorously tracked execution plan.” he notes.
This systematic approach aligns engineering and design with procurement, contracts, and on-site construction through efficient coordination systems. Safety and quality are treated as non-negotiable, with robust QA/QC frameworks and EHS protocols implemented at every stage.
A Vision for the Future
As the construction industry stands at the cusp of technological transformation, Sarvagod’s vision extends beyond individual projects to encompass industry-wide evolution. His recent recognition at the Economic Times Now Business Conclave represents more than personal achievement, it acknowledges sustained impact through innovation, operational excellence, and thought leadership.
These accolades have further strengthened his commitment to driving transformation, sustainability, and future-readiness in the built environment. His ongoing pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence through IIT Delhi’s program is reflecting his belief that the industry’s future leaders must be equipped with both technical expertise and business acumen to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
Wisdom for Tomorrow’s Leaders
For young professionals aspiring to leadership roles in construction, Sarvagod offers advice rooted in decades of experience: “Commit to lifelong learning and stay curious about both technical advancements and industry trends. Develop a balanced skillset that includes engineering expertise, commercial understanding, and people skills.”
His emphasis on mentorship, initiative, and resilience reflects a deep understanding that leadership in construction requires more than just technical competence. He believes that leadership is not defined by a title, but by being dependable, adaptable, and vision-driven in every situation.
The Legacy Continues
As Ajinkya Sarvagod continues to shape India’s construction landscape, his story is serving as both inspiration and blueprint for excellence. In an industry where the stakes are high and the margin for error is minimal, he is demonstrating that success comes not from shortcuts but from an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
His journey from a small-town engineering student to an industry leader exemplifies what’s possible when vision meets execution, when traditional values embrace modern innovation, and when individual excellence serves a larger purpose. In building structures that will stand for generations, Sarvagod is simultaneously constructing a legacy of excellence that will inspire future leaders long after the last brick is laid.
The construction industry’s future is being built today, one project at a time, by leaders who understand that true excellence is not just about what we build, but how we build it and he stands as a testament to that enduring truth.
