Entrepreneur Kazem Samandari, with a distinguished academic background and over 45 years of global experience, showcases resilience, innovation, and a commitment to fostering high-tech startups in Asia.
In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, Kazem Samandari stands tall, embodying a fusion of expertise and visionary leadership. With an illustrious educational background including a Ph.D. in Industrial Economy, an MS in Electrical Engineering, and a Business Degree from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland, Samandari’s journey is steeped in academic prowess and a fervor for innovation.
Boasting over 45 years of professional and entrepreneurial experience that spans the globe, Samandari’s career path has been nothing short of remarkable. “I have had the privilege of working in over 60 countries across various continents,” he shares. “Each experience offered unique insights into diverse markets and cultures, shaping my understanding of global business landscapes,” he adds.
His career trajectory includes pivotal executive roles in esteemed high-tech companies such as GMC Digital Printing Systems, Scitex Digital Printing, Inc., Kodak Versamark Inc., and Given Imaging Ltd. These roles not only honed his expertise but also fueled his passion for innovation and business development.
In 2014, driven by a desire to nurture nascent enterprises, Samandari founded KCSH & Associates in Singapore. The firm specializes in guiding young, high-tech companies, facilitating their entry into the Asian market by identifying strategic business partners and fostering their growth in this vibrant region.
A defining chapter in Samandari’s journey is the creation of L’Opéra, a venture that emerged from a pivotal family decision. “The move to India was pragmatic,” he recalls. “Reducing my travel time significantly while aligning with our family’s aspirations was a compelling factor.” L’Opéra is dedicated to promoting the French culinary culture in the country by familiarizing the Indian public with authentic and high-end French pastry and bakery products.
The journey of L’Opéra began in 2007. As the President of the Asia Pacific activities of an international company, he found himself shuttling between offices in Sydney, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, spending nearly 20 days each month in Asia. His family resided in Paris during this time. However, an opportunity arose when his son-in-law, then with McKinsey, expressed a desire to relocate overseas. Considering China and India, they eventually settled on India, drawn partly by language considerations.
In 2007, they settled in South Delhi’s Mayfield Gardens. A momentous turn came when, in a two-hour window, they were offered the ground floor space. On a conference call, while he was in Tokyo and his family spread across different locations, the decision to move to India was made in 15 minutes.
Reflecting on L’Opéra’s inception, Samandari recounts, “During our time in India, my son, Laurent, engaged in an internship, noticed a market gap for high-quality French bakery products. This observation sparked a year-and-a-half-long process of meticulous market studies and strategic planning.”
This marked the genesis of L’Opéra. “We spent a year and a half conducting meticulous market studies and devising business plans. Even though our backgrounds weren’t in bakery or related fields, we approached this venture methodically, leveraging our combined business experience. We collaborated with the French embassy, conducted focus groups, and ran pilot projects to gauge product reception,” he reveals.
The equipment from France arrived in India on July 14, 2010, marking the operational kickoff after six to seven months of preparations. Despite this, he didn’t immediately quit his job; he continued until his Tokyo-based role concluded in 2014.
Crucially, Samandari emphasizes the core values that underpinned L’Opéra’s success. “We envisaged a company founded on values of excellence, quality, honesty, gender equality, and sustainability,” he stresses. “It was vital for us to imbue the company culture with these principles. Creating a business wasn’t just about the product but about embodying these principles at every level, from production to employee conduct.”
Establishing these values as the foundation has been crucial. “While navigating the challenges inherent in entrepreneurship, we have stayed true to our values, forming meaningful connections and friendships that have enriched our journey in India. The Bahai community, with its diverse representation across Indian society, has also been instrumental in broadening our perspective,” he explains.
Regarding his consulting firm’s role in supporting high-tech startups, Samandari highlights, “I am committed to fostering the growth of young companies in Asia. Guiding them towards sustainable expansion in a rapidly evolving market is both a passion and a mission.”
Kazem Samandari’s journey epitomizes resilience, innovation, and a dedication to nurturing enterprises rooted in unwavering values. His expertise continues to inspire, carving pathways for emerging businesses to flourish in the highly dynamic and diverse landscape.