Due to the company’s rapid growth and complicated operational infrastructure, outdoor audio and lighting manufacturer Coastal Source has hired a chief operating officer (COO), Ravi Raghunandan, to oversee areas such as customer experience, technical support, supply chain, production and warehouse, and human resources.
Raghunandan, a career operations professional, was previously the senior vice president of operations at Kenrose Perfumery, which according to Internet searches appears to be a North American distributor of luxury perfumes and fragrances. While there, Raghunandan led a company-wide transformation that improved operational efficiency by 40% that resulted in a 48% increase in revenue, per Coastal Source’s announcement.
Other previous roles include senior director of operations at two manufacturers and distributors of motorcycle accessories: Twisted Throttle and DENALI Electronics.
According to Coastal Source, Raghunandan holds a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management (CLIMB) from Harvard Business School Online; a Green Belt in Lead Management from Villanova University; and a bachelor’s degree in operations management and supervision from Southern New Hampshire University.
Franco D’Ascanio, founder and CEO of Raghunandan’s new employer, in a statement said Coastal Source has more than doubled in size over the last three years, and the company’s complex operational infrastructure needs dedicated executive management like that of a COO.
Earlier this month, the company had promoted several other members on its leadership team following their longtime service to the company.
“[Raghunandan’s] proven experience will help us to successfully meet the needs of our customers as we continue to expand our product and service offerings,” D’Ascanio said.
“I am thrilled to join the Coastal Source family, a team known for its innovation, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” Raghunandan stated.
“Having worked in operations for more than 15 years, I have had the honor of managing a variety of teams, increasing operational effectiveness, and producing significant outcomes. My passion lies in building strong, collaborative teams and creating strategies that not only meet but exceed organizational goals. I am excited to apply my knowledge and expertise to Coastal Source’s long-term future success.”
