15 Years of Engineering Leadership: Selvan at Actalent

At Actalent, we're proud to have many colleagues who have been with our company 10 or more years. We celebrate their tenure as more than just a number—these colleagues are mentors, knowledge sharers and culture builders.

Here's to 15 years of leading by example — and many more to come. Learn about his journey, key milestones and memorable moments at Actalent in this Q&A with Tamilselvan Sankaran.

Q: How did your journey with Actalent start?

A: My journey began in 2009, during one of the most challenging times in the global economy. Despite uncertainty, I saw a unique opportunity to be part of something that had the potential to grow and evolve. What stood out was the chance to help build the India operations from a foundational stage and contribute to shaping the company's technical services delivery.

From the outset, I was focused on building processes, streamlining delivery, and creating a team structure that could scale. It was a pivotal moment where I could combine leadership with long-term vision, helping lay the groundwork for future growth. Being part of the company's formative phase also allowed me to drive operational excellence and establish a culture of accountability, both of which became an important pillar for our sustained expansion.

Q: How has Actalent's company culture evolved, and what steps have been taken to cultivate and sustain it over the years?  

A: Over the years, Actalent's company culture has evolved to become more transparent, integrated, and collaborative. There is a stronger sense of ownership across teams, and open, honest conversations have become a core part of how we operate. In the early stages, one of the biggest challenges was aligning understanding and expectations between the India and U.S. teams. Through continuous effort, shared leadership, and cross-functional engagement, those gaps have significantly reduced—creating a more unified and empowered organization.

Q: What do you consider your biggest professional achievement?

A: One of the most rewarding achievements was contributing to the company's transformation from a niche, technology-focused organization into a major player in the engineering services space. During the early years, the team worked hard to rebuild customer confidence and bring back employees who had been placed on leave during the 2009 recession. By January 2010, we were able to recall most of them—an important milestone that reflected the trust we regained in the market.

Leading delivery operations during this formative stage and supporting the organization's growth—from a small India team to a significantly larger presence—was both a challenge and a privilege. Helping expand the business services, while maintaining consistent leadership, remains a defining aspect of my professional journey.

Q: Why have you chosen to remain a part of the Actalent team after 15 years? -

A: The growth over the years has been significant—both for the company and personally. We transitioned from traditional outsourcing and offshoring models to building more specialized practices. My role evolved from managing all aspects of delivery operations to focusing on in-country business and deepening client relationships across various industries.

As the company pursued diversification beyond the automotive sector, we strategically expanded into new domains, including aerospace and industrial. I was actively involved in showcasing our delivery processes, quality systems, and team capabilities to potential clients. That level of hands-on engagement played a key role in sustaining my motivation and passion for driving impact.

Q: What role do you see Actalent playing in the engineering services space over the next five years? What trends or innovations are you most excited about?

A: Actalent has become a global leader in engineering services through deep expertise and a customer-centric approach. In the next five years, we will continue driving innovation, expanding capabilities, and delivering high-impact solutions.

Data and AI will reshape engineering, accelerating development, enhancing efficiency, and maximizing value. By staying ahead of these advancements, Actalent will empower clients with cutting-edge solutions that define the future.

Q: What's one piece of advice for those looking to grow their careers in  the engineering sector?

A: Engineers should look beyond their immediate tasks and develop a clear understanding of how their work impacts others within the process. Adopting a big-picture mindset helps avoid tunnel vision and encourages professional growth. Be curious—not just about your role, but about the entire lifecycle of a project, from design to manufacturing. Seek feedback proactively, and always consider how your contributions can make the next person's job easier. This awareness and willingness to learn continuously is essential to long-term success in the engineering field.

Selvan's 15 years at Actalent not only showcase his dedication but also embody the essence of Actalent's culture—one that values its people, fosters innovation and creates opportunities for lasting impact. His journey serves as an inspiration for future team members.

Here's to Selvan and his incredible contributions—thank you for 15 years of excellence.