Meet the Fellow: Ammanath Govindan Kutty

Why was it important to you to become a CQI Fellow?

My association with the CQI for the past 24 years has exposed me to knowledge sharing and provided a lot of value. My career over the past 43 years has taken me to many countries around the world, allowed me to handle senior responsibilities in international organisations providing products and services in sectors including Power, Steel, Cement, Oil & Gas, Petroleum and Petrochemical, third party certification, consultancy and training of QHSE standards. Although I am now retired, I still practice quality in various ways. Becoming a CQI Fellow was important to me. I viewed the fellowship as a prestigious recognition and a final achievement for having gone through a meaningful quality career.

How did you find the application process?

The application process was very systematic and methodical. As a whole, this has been an excellent and enriching experience and a process of self-discovery too. It gave me the encouragement to continue my activities in the quality profession and increase my contributions to the objectives of quality in the future.  

The guidance and support provided by Lisa Mudzikisi, Member Journey Advisor at the CQI in various stages of the process, was excellent and praiseworthy and I sincerely thank her. I also thank the panel members, who were very professional and supportive during the process. 

What advice would you give other members that are thinking about regrading to Fellow?

If a member feels confident that his or her journey throughout their career has reached an appropriate stage for obtaining Fellow status, I suggest that they apply. Since the process from CQP MCQI to CQP FCQI is not based on the length of your career, it is important that the applicant should review and understand the needs and expectations of the CQI prior to submitting their application.

What are your professional plans for the near future?

I am retired, but will continue to remain professionally active. I am working on a book on quality, to be published shortly, which will also address linking ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management systems - requirements to different types of organisations. I plan to continue sending articles to Quality World and the CQI knowledge hub. I will also continue sharing my knowledge and experience in a voluntary manner, through social media and addressing professionals and community groups locally. Activities related to advisory roles, participation in quality seminars and conventions will continue.