Azhar Qureshi and the New Language of Indian Manufacturing Leadership

In an era when Indian manufacturing is being re-evaluated on the global stage, not just for scale, but for quality, compliance, and sustainability, Azhar Qureshi stands out as a leader shaping this transition from within a traditionally understated sector. At 36, the Director – Business Development (International Business) at Beautyflex Inks has been selected for the 40 Under 40, recognising his growing influence across the international textile printing ecosystem.

Beautyflex Inks, founded in 1977 by Dr. Fareed Zafar Qureshi, was built on decades of technical trust in textile screen-printing inks. When Azhar stepped into the business, he inherited not a blank canvas, but a responsibility: to modernise a legacy enterprise without compromising its credibility. His response was rooted in science and systems. With a B.Tech in Polymer Engineering and Technology from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, and over 13 years of industry experience, Azhar Qureshi brought a research-driven mindset to both product development and global expansion.

Under his leadership, Beautyflex has evolved into a Made-in-India brand exporting to over 48 countries, serving screen printers, garment manufacturers, and fashion brands operating under strict international compliance norms. Rather than chasing volume, Azhar Qureshi focused on high-performance and specialty inks, including puff, high-density, metallic, thermochromic, photochromic, glow-in-the-dark and water-reactive systems, addressing the creative and technical demands of modern fashion and sportswear markets.

Sustainability has emerged as a defining pillar of his leadership. At a time when global brands are under pressure to clean up supply chains, Azhar Qureshi steered Beautyflex towards eco-friendly manufacturing practices, water-based ink systems, and safer formulations for workers and end-users. This long-term commitment translated into a major milestone when Beautyflex successfully secured the OEKO-TEX® Eco Passport certification, positioning the company among a limited group of Indian ink manufacturers meeting stringent global environmental and safety benchmarks.

The company’s growing international credibility was further reinforced in 2025 through two significant developments. Beautyflex was selected as an exhibitor at the maiden OEKO-TEX® Summit & Exhibition, and was invited by Roscongress to participate in the India–Russia Business Forum in New Delhi, as part of the Indian delegation, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin. For an Indian specialty manufacturing firm, such platforms signal trust beyond commercial success.

Beyond his corporate role, Azhar Qureshi actively contributes to industry development. He serves as Joint Secretary of the Screen Printers’ Association of India (SPAI), the apex industry body, maintains long-standing engagement with FESPA, and is Vice Chairman – Maharashtra, MSME Promotion Council India. Through these roles, he supports skill development, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue within the printing and MSME ecosystem.

Azhar Qureshi’s 40 Under 40 selection reflects a leadership style defined not by disruption, but by precision.