Company: Google Devices TPM, Mountain View, CA
Company Description: Google Devices Supplier Development TPM organization, is a group of 12 TPMs within the larger Google Devices, focusing on high-quality hardware parts manufacturing to enable a diverse range of devices designed to seamlessly integrate into your daily life.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Most Innovative Woman of the Year - Manufacturing
 Nomination Title: Abaya Phadnis, Manufacturing Manager in Google Devices
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 197 words used.
Abaya Phadnis is a trailblazing manufacturing leader with a proven track record of successfully launching over 30 groundbreaking consumer electronics, including the Pixel Fold, Pixel Watch, and even medical devices like the Alcon PanOptixⓇ Trifocal Lens. She currently leads an organization responsible for high-quality hardware parts manufacturing of Google Devices. Her hands-on experience across engineering disciplines has empowered her to pioneer novel manufacturing methods, drive digital transformation and operational excellence across the supply chain, and lead part manufacturing for developing cutting-edge products.
Abaya is not just an innovator in product development, but also a champion for change in the manufacturing industry. She actively challenges the "hero" culture, advocating for proactive problem-solving and sustainable leadership that empowers diverse teams. Her commitment to diversity is evident in her creation of leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups, shattering different ceilings in the process.
Her technical prowess and dedication to knowledge-sharing have earned her industry-wide recognition. She actively serves as a reviewer for manufacturing journals, an industry judge, and a speaker at key women's conferences, inspiring the next generation of leaders. Her ability to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and deliver tangible business results makes her a true standout in the manufacturing sector.
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 248 words used.
Abaya spearheaded the successful launch of groundbreaking Google devices: the Pixel Watch, Pixel Fold, and Pixel 8 / 7 series, along with the most recent Fitbit Ace LTE. These launches were achieved amidst rapid roadmap growth, key innovations in part-level manufacturing managed by her organization like the Pixel's distinctive camera bar, body temperature sensor, and the Pixel Fold's foldable display, and supply chain disruptions.
Beyond individual product launches, Abaya laid the foundation for sustained innovation at Google. Her cloud-based data excellence system empowers data-driven decision-making and manufacturing cost optimization, while fostering cross-functional collaboration for new product development. The Supplier Innovation Forum she established led to the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION].
These achievements represent substantial market impact. [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION] Industry accolades, including the "Best Smartphone" award for the Pixel 8 at MWC 2024 and Google's recognition as one of the most innovative companies by Fast Company due to the integration of generative AI in Pixel Phones, further validate the success of these products.
Abaya's innovations have also earned her numerous internal awards, including the prestigious Google Devices Award by COO, the Strategic Sourcing Operational Excellence Award, the Data Excellence Award. She also received external recognition through a Globee Award for American Business in Digital Process Optimization, Silicon Valley Business Journal’s 100 Women of Influence, and the Indian Achievers Award.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 248 words used.
Abaya's achievements are remarkable considering the consumer electronics industry's rapid technological advancements, complex supply chains, and intense competition. [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION] Abaya's ability to navigate these challenges, deliver innovative products on time, and drive significant business results showcases her exceptional grit and technical expertise.
Her focus on part-level innovation sets her apart. By optimizing component manufacturing and championing sustainable practices, she's enabled Google to compete while minimizing costs and environmental impact, crucial in an industry where components are key product differentiators like the geared hinge of Pixel Fold and cost drivers.
The Pixel Watch, Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold exemplify her ability to overcome technical challenges and bring first-of-their-kind devices to market. The Pixel Watch showcases her expertise in miniaturized wearables, while the Pixel Fold, America's first foldable phone, demonstrates her leadership in pushing design and manufacturing boundaries.
Beyond products, her cloud-based data excellence system and Supplier Innovation Forum directly address industry challenges, fostering data-driven decision-making, rapid technological incorporation, and sustainable practices. These serve as a blueprint for other manufacturers.
In conclusion, Abaya's achievements are not only impressive but also highly impactful, driving innovation, business success, and positive change in the manufacturing industry. Her multifaceted ability to deliver results in a challenging environment, coupled with her commitment to sustainability and diversity, makes her a true standout and a deserving candidate for the Most Innovative Woman of the Year - Manufacturing award.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 202 words used.
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These supporting materials provide compelling evidence of Abaya's exceptional contributions to the field of New Product Development and Advanced Manufacturing, further solidifying her candidacy for the Most Innovative Woman of the Year in Manufacturing award.
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