Made a Significant Contribution to the Growth of the Indian Perfumery Industry for More Than Six Decades
S.H. Kelkar and Company Limited (SHK), one of India’s leading fragrance and flavour companies, has announced the passing of its Chairman, Mr. Ramesh Vinayak Vaze, at the age of 85.
Mr. Ramesh Vaze dedicated more than six decades of his professional life to advancing the Indian perfumery industry and developing new technologies and processes in the field of fragrances. Known as a Master Perfumer, he made a significant contribution to advancing the art and science of Indian perfumery.
Mr. Vaze joined the family business in 1961 and played an active role in the company’s growth for several decades. He joined the company’s Board in 1981. During his long career, he held several key responsibilities, including that of Managing Director. Since 2019, he had been serving as the company’s Non-Executive Chairman.
Deeply Committed to Perfumery
Mr. Ramesh Vaze was known for his deep understanding of fragrance and perfumery. He played an important role in strengthening SH Kelkar’s fragrance capabilities while also understanding evolving customer requirements and the changing demands of international markets.
He was also among the early advocates of adopting technology and automation in fragrance manufacturing in India. He believed that automation could improve precision, consistency and production capacity in fragrance compounding.
A Guiding Force for the Company
Following Mr. Vaze’s passing, his son, Mr. Kedar Vaze, Whole-Time Director and Group CEO of SH Kelkar, remembered him not only as a father but also as a teacher and mentor.
He said that his father’s passion for fragrances, emphasis on quality and innovation, and commitment to nurturing talent provided the company with direction for many years.
Mr. Vaze’s approach combined traditional perfumery knowledge with modern technology, with a strong emphasis on quality. Under his guidance, the company strengthened its identity beyond the Indian market and established a stronger presence internationally.
With more than six decades of active involvement in the Indian fragrance and perfumery industry, the passing of Mr. Ramesh Vaze marks a significant loss for the industry. His experience, dedication to perfumery and professional contributions will be remembered for years to come.