APOLLO TYRES
PARMESHWARAN IYER
SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGY
Every supply chain professional knows that demand forecasting sits at the heart of planning strategy. It supports crucial decisions, answering questions including how much to produce, when to ship and where to store stock.
Forecasting helps businesses stay ahead of demand without overproducing or understocking, using past sales information, consumer behaviour and wider market signals to predict stock flow.
Handled well, it gives companies a clearer picture of what lies ahead, supporting everything from inventory and logistics to consumer satisfaction and business responsiveness. An accurate forecast means the right product lands in the right place at the right time.
However, forecasts don’ t exist in perfect conditions; disruptions are common, markets shift quickly and data can become patchy. That’ s where versatile strategies come into their own.
Demand forecasting: where flexibility meets structure One such mindset is“ Jugaad”, which Parmeshwaran Iyer, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Apollo Tyres, describes as“ a Hindi word that, like many others, doesn’ t fully translate into English, but it can be considered an ingenious fix.”
He continues:“ It’ s a mindset many of us in India grow up with, particularly the idea that, when you don’ t have the perfect tools or conditions, you adapt and find a way forward anyway.”
APOLLO TYRES
HEADQUARTERS: INDIA NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 19,000 + MARKET CAP: 295.40BN INR NUMBER OF COUNTRIES: 100 +
PARMESHWARAN IYER
TITLE: CHIEF SUPPLY CHAIN OFFICER
COMPANY: APOLLO TYRES INDUSTRY: MANUFACTURING
Parmeshwaran brings global supply chain experience across various industries and regions, from India to Europe and the Middle East, focused on driving efficiency, innovation and positive impact through seamless operations.
The approach suits the unpredictable world of forecasting, where demand isn’ t always predictable and data is often incomplete. Parmeshwaran believes Jugaad thinking has a place alongside structured processes.
“ Of course, this needs to be balanced,” he says.“ Supply chains rely on structure, process and discipline. However, I’ ve always believed in a bit of improvisation – 20 % Jugaad can go a long way.
102 October 2025