The 10 Most Visionary Business Leaders Shaping India in 2024

Without strong visionary leadership, no strategy will be executed effectively

— Robert S. Kaplan

A GREAT SHOUTOUT TO THE VISIONARY BUSINESS LEADERS REVOLUTIONIZING INDUSTRIES AND DRIVING GROWTH

In the current dynamic business landscape, India is paving its path for notable growth and transformation, standing at a pivotal juncture. The key driving force behind this revolution is the visionary business leaders who have played a major role in spearheading India towards the notable milestone of becoming a trillion-dollar economy. What keeps them motivated on this trajectory is their company’s success and their focus on transforming at the ground level. Hence, we have come with this new edition, “The 10 Most Visionary Business Leaders Shaping India in 2024”.

Here, we have highlighted several incredible leaders who have created an indelible mark in their industries. From tech innovators revolutionizing the existing process with cutting-edge solutions to sustainable leaders working for the welfare of the environment, and from business tycoons with years of expertise and in-depth industry knowledge to young and enthusiastic leaders with fresh energy and commitment, we feature leaders from different verticals who represent the true meaning of success.

These company executives revolutionize industries by eliminating barriers, leveraging the latest technologies, and advocating for sustainable practices. They epitomize the spirit of visionary leaders, having strategic acumen and a deep commitment to ethical practices and customer satisfaction. Their unwavering dedication, innovative strategies, and revolutionary initiatives have earned them recognition as leaders of change.

The past few years have tested us all in ways we could not have imagined. It shows that each of us possesses an innate resilience that pushes us to go through the toughest times. The pandemic also showcases leadership worldwide as people, organizations, and leaders strive to conquer the obstacles in their distinctive ways. As we embark on an exploration of the journeys of visionary business leaders, each leader comes with a unique expertise and perspective. Beyond the awards and expertise, we delve into the values, thoughts, and vision that have propelled these visionaries to the front. We think that knowing the inspiration and vision of these trailblazers is vital to appreciating their actual impact on the economy and the country.

“The 10 Most Visionary Business Leaders Shaping India in 2024” is not just a regular edition; it is a celebration of the remarkable change and notable achievements. It is a way to appreciate the collective efforts of visionary leaders who have given a new shape to India’s corporate world.

As you turn the page on this issue, you will get inspiration and encouragement from the stories of these changemakers. We hope this unique edition is embellished with some insightful articles covering varied significant topics, including the latest business trends, global economics, and market analysis. We promote and will keep adding value to our commitment to bringing the most inspirational stories to our worldwide readers.

Editor’s NOTE

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PHARMACEUTICALS WITH RAJIV MODI AT HELM

RAJIV MODI

Chairman and Managing Director | Cadila Pharmaceuticals

BUSINESS LEADERS SHAPING INDIA

ISIONARY IN 1 MOST The

Company Featuring Description

Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ahmedabad, Gujrat, India

Axita Cotton Limited Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

TekCommands Raleigh, North Carolina

Detroit Engineered Products (DEP) Troy, Michigan

Techugo Canada

HOI Bengaluru, India

Greif Delaware, Ohio

Approyo Muskego, Wisconsin

myAko Hartley Wintney, Hampshire

Dr. Rajiv I. Modi Chairman and Managing Director

Nitin Patel Chairman & Managing Director

Mahendra Nath Kondla President

Basant Sharma Vice President

Abhinav Singh CEO

Mohit Uppal Partnerships Lead

Bala V Sathyanarayanan

Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

Christopher M. Carter ECEO, Chairman, Board Member

Cadila Pharmaceuticals is a top pharmaceutical company known for affordable medicines and a global presence. It focuses on innovation, integrity, and customer satisfaction through extensive research and development.

Axita Cotton Limited is a prominent global organic textile firm. Its core operations encompass the manufacturing, trading, processing, and finishing of cotton bales.

TekCommands offers advanced software solutions using open standards and versatile platforms. They partner with industry leaders to provide top-tier software for businesses of all sizes worldwide.

Detroit Engineered Products (DEP), established in 1998, leads in engineering solutions with a focus on innovative technologies like morphing and optimization, improving product design efficiency across industries.

Techugo is a prominent global leader in mobile app development, having rapidly grown by delivering over 1400 apps worldwide. The company specializes in advanced technologies such as React Native, Flutter, AI, IoT, AR/VR, and blockchain.

HOI is a leader in Indian aviation technology, focused on enhancing passenger happiness and optimizing airport operations through innovative digital solutions. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and strategic partnerships, HOI aims to set new standards in airport service quality and efficiency across India

Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging across 40 countries. Their Packaging division supplies steel, fiber, and plastic drums, IBCs, and container liners for secure transport.

Approyo is a top global provider of SAP services, managing thousands of SAP environments worldwide. Unlike others, Approyo exclusively focuses on SAP systems while integrating with ERP providers like Microsoft Azure and AWS.

Bioo Barcelona

Kevin Ashley CEO, Chairman, Board Member

Pablo Vidarte Founder, CEO, and Managing Director

myAko offers a cloud-based solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, encompassing training management, performance appraisals, and risk management. The company prioritizes client satisfaction and ROI.

Bioo is a biotech firm focused on using innovative biotechnological solutions to benefit the planet. Their technologies utilize natural processes to generate sustainable electricity, such as biological batteries powered by microorganisms in soil or living plants.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PHARMACEUTICALS WITH DR. RAJIV I. MODI AT HELM

Established in 2009, TekCommands aspires to elevate sales productivity for B2B businesses globally. Through its dedication and commitment, the company has built great relationships with leading corporations, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the industry.

At the heart of TekCommands' approach lies a strong emphasis on high-end business solutions that effectively harness the power of both manpower and technology. By blending these two key components, the company provides comprehensive and tailored services that cater to the diverse needs of its clients.

The organization offers a broad range of business services including Document Unitization, Document Coding, Data Management, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Website Development, E-Commerce Solutions, and much more under one roof.

IT Staffing Solutions

For over a decade, TekCommands has established itself as a specialist in helping IT leaders in their quest to attract, evaluate, and hire exceptional IT professionals. TekCommands take charge of the essential groundwork, saving its clients from the pitfalls of no-show hires, low-quality candidates, and high turnover rates. The organization offers unmatched access to a top-tier IT talent pool, ensuring its client organizations have access to the skilled professionals required to successfully work on their projects. TekCommands assists its clients in building high-performing delivery teams both in the United States and India, streamlining the hiring process and eliminating any associated headaches through its IT Staffing Services.

What distinguishesTekCommands from its competition is its commitment to excellence in several key areas. Firstly, TekCommands scans the best candidates and ensures its clients have access to top-notch professionals who can meet their project requirements. Additionally, the firm has made the onboarding process seamless and efficient, allowing new hires to quickly integrate into client organizations and contribute to their success.

Furthermore, TekCommands fosters a high-performance culture, ensuring that the professionals it places are driven, motivated, and capable of delivering exceptional results. TekCommands also offers a replacement guarantee if the hired candidate fails to meet expectations. In terms of billing rates, TekCommands ensures fairness and transparency, offering competitive rates that align with the value and quality of the services provided. Through its IT Staffing Services, TekCommands not only saves clients time and effort but also delivers a superior experience that surpasses industry standards.

Providing Best-in-Class Client Support

TekCommands is specialized in providing client support in Implementation, Development, Integration, App Development, Data Migration, AppExchange, Lightening Component, and Support & Maintenance.

The IT firm offers business process consulting and development services through the Salesforce Platform and its comprehensive offerings. Its skilled and experienced team conducts a strategic assessment of clients’ requirements and implements their business processes.

Mahendra says that TekCommands does not believe in ‘One size fits all approaches’. “Our experts take calls from the clients and focus on their pain points and requirements. Based on that, we provide the customized solution that is best suited for that organization. Customer satisfaction and long-term relationships with them keep us ahead of other service providers,” he states.

The Steadfast Leader

Mahendra Nath Kondla is the founder and President of TekCommands. A software engineer by profession, Mahendra has been at the forefront of TekCommands driving its mission to deliver the best-in-class IT solutions and services to customers worldwide.

Mahendra’s educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Computer Applications from Madras University,

India, and an MBA from Srikrishna Devaraya University in Andhra Pradesh, India. He also holds Bachelor’s degree in Commerce(B.Com) and law (LLB).

After completing his education, Mahendra joined the corporate world, working as a Software Engineer, and he witnessed the challenges faced by businesses in implementing efficient and scalable IT solutions. So, he decided to bridge the gap between technology and business needs and established TekCommands.

Once incepted, TekCommands rapidly gained recognition for its laser focus on customer satisfaction and innovative solutions. Under Mahendra’s steadfast leadership, the company flourished and established itself as a key player in the ever-competitive IT market.

Tackling Challenges

Mahendra believes that while the idea of establishing a company and creating job opportunities may seem appealing to others, the reality of running a business is something different. Being an entrepreneur and working for oneself can be accompanied by a lack of security and a sense of loneliness, frustration, and challenges.

Starting a business often entails facing numerous obstacles and uncertainties, and the early stages can be particularly demanding. So, Mahendra feels it is ubiquitous for entrepreneurs to encounter doubts, setbacks, and moments of solitude as they navigate the uncharted territory of building and scaling their own ventures.

“For me, the biggest challenge was hiring; people you recruit as employees have a huge impact on your start-up’s success. one negative employee can quickly damage the team, which directly affects productivity, and then it’s hard to fire someone, but having the wrong people in your start-up can be very disruptive,”- Mahendra remembers. “So my suggestion would be, for the first person you are planning to hire, spend time making sure you find the right person and create clear and open communication channels, so you understand their strengths and weaknesses, and then they will help you to create a good team. I did the same to overcome this hurdle.”

Mahendra firmly believes that the CRM industry is presently facing a challenge in finding and recruiting top CRM talent. So, TekCommands has adopted an innovative strategic approach to attract and retain highly skilled professionals in the field. The organization places a strong emphasis on understanding the evolving needs and preferences of rising and experienced CRM professionals. It recognizes that not all employees prefer the traditional commute and offers options that align with the preferences of high-caliber CRM professionals seeking greater freedom in their work and lifestyle choices.

Additionally, TekCommands distinguishes itself from competitors by prioritizing talent development and upskilling. Unlike most other businesses, TekCommands places significant emphasis on investing in its workforce. This commitment enables its team members to continuously learn and grow their skills, empowering them to handle complex CRM projects with minimal assistance.

A Leader that Knows the Way

With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Mahendra stands tall as the President of TekCommands. This experience is a comprehensive blend of professional servicing to large enterprises and a technocrat putting his best foot forward in introducing a state-of-the-art service acceleration platform to the business world.

As the President, Mahendra is perceptive and strategic. He ensures the advance planning of resources on a daily basis. In addition, a President needs to ensure all resources are working towards the ultimate goal. Mahendra is never reluctant to make tough decisions, so as to eliminate distractions or deterrents from the organizational goals.

Basant Sharma

Vice President | Detroit Engineered Products (DEP)

Basant Sharma Driving Growth and Innovation with Detroit Engineered Products

Meet Basant Sharma, the Vice President of Detroit Engineered Products (DEP), an engineering solutions and product development company established in 1998 in Troy, Michigan, USA. As the Vice President of DEP, Basant has played an instrumental role in driving the organization’s significant growth over the past 18 years by expanding its engineering services in the U.S. and Indian markets.

Basant graduated in 1995 from the then-MNREC (now MNNIT), Allahabad, in mechanical engineering. He was also a part of the Mahindra R&D team for more than three years and contributed to several Mahindra products, including one of the best-selling SUVs, the Scorpio. Later, he joined a consulting service-based firm for over five years and got deputed to the US. In 2005, Basant started his journey at DEP, and since then, he has been part of this growing organization.

Joining DEP

Many engineers possess an inherent curiosity and a profound passion for understanding the inner workings of things as well as for discovering innovative solutions to overcome challenges. They are driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference by developing novel products or improving existing ones. In sync with this

indomitable spirit, Basant's unwavering motivation guided him towards embracing the role of Vice President at DEP.

"I firmly believe that by being a part of this venture, I can actively contribute to the advancement of technology and engineering solutions that have the potential to benefit society as a whole. As Vice President, I intend to leverage my expertise, experience, and leadership skills to drive the development of new technologies that address pressing societal needs. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the organization, I aim to lead teams towards the creation of cutting-edge products that not only meet customer requirements but also have a positive impact on our communities and the world," asserts Basant.

Basant’s aspiration to contribute to the betterment of our society through technological advancements and engineering solutions has been a driving force in his decision to join DEP. As the Vice President of the company, Basant is dedicated to leading by example, cultivating innovation, and spearheading the development of transformative products that will have a positive and lasting impact on our society.

"As a business leader at DEP, I am incredibly passionate about driving innovation and transforming

the product development process for our clients. Seeing our clients achieve success through our customized solutions and services is what motivates me every day. Moreover, DEP's focus on engineering and technologies further ignites my passion for this industry. It is a privilege to lead and work alongside a team that is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we approach product development," states Basant.

Key Highlights

Basant believes there are several key highlights that have fostered his growth. Firstly, Basant’s efforts have always been geared towards aligning all activities with the overarching vision of the organisation that he has implemented.

Secondly, Basant's steadfast commitment to continuous learning and adaptability allows him to proactively tackle the ever-changing challenges of the market. By remaining at the forefront of industry trends, he positions himself to offer innovative and forward-thinking solutions to clients, fostering their sustained satisfaction.

Thirdly, Basant firmly believes that unlocking the power of innovation is paramount to overcoming the obstacles that businesses encounter. By fearlessly exploring uncharted territories and challenging the status quo, DEP can forge new paths and devise effective solutions that transcend conventional limits.

Lastly, Basant's growth as an influential business leader has been profoundly influenced by his emphasis on cultivating a robust team of leaders. By empowering and nurturing the growth of his team members, Basant fosters a culture of excellence that reverberates throughout the organization, ultimately ensuring the collective success of DEP.

"Looking back on my journey, I feel a sense of satisfaction for the significant contribution I have made to the growth of the company. However, I also recognize that this is a work in progress, with each day bringing new learning and new challenges. Overall, it has been a challenging and rewarding

journey that has taught me a great deal about business leadership and innovation," he states.

Helping clients with innovative technologies and advanced services

Detroit Engineered Products works with its clients to provide innovative technologies and advanced services, a unique combination that is very rare to find among its competitors.

On the technological front, DEP offers several advanced software tools and techniques to its clients to help them efficiently design their products faster, more efficiently, and more cost-effectively by utilizing its proprietary morphing, concept building, parameterization, and optimization techniques.

On advanced services, DEP helps clients by combining ideas to build actual products that meet their needs. For example, DEP helped one of its customers build a driverless, autonomous tram from scratch. It developed an aftermarket drone armed with radar and sensor technologies to help aircraft avoid birdstrikes. DEP also developed its e-scooter from concept to prototype and its own engine ion sensing technology to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

Navigating the Pandemic

As the Vice President of DEP, Basant recognizes the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for many companies operating in the same industry. Adapting swiftly to the changing landscape, DEP confronted the formidable task of seamlessly transitioning to a remote work environment, all while ensuring that its service quality remained uncompromised, and its valued clients continued to experience utmost satisfaction.

DEP’s team overcame this challenge by leveraging several digital tools and cloud-based solutions and maintaining constant communication with its clients. Basant and his team have also implemented numerous safety measures and protocols for those working in the office and production areas to ensure the safety and well-being of DEP’s employees.

"As we navigate through these unprecedented times, our primary focus is to ensure our clients continue to receive the best-in-class products, processes, and services while safeguarding the health and safety of our team members. We remain optimistic and committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients while adapting to the ever-evolving business landscape," asserts Basant.

Adapting to the Industrial Revolution

Presently, DEP is working on adapting to the ever-evolving industrial revolution while strategically planning a course for the next 5–10 years. The paramount aim of DEP revolves around integrating innovation into its services and technology to sustain a competitive advantage. This pursuit entails vigilant scrutiny of market trends and substantial allocations in research and development, enabling the development of cutting-edge solutions that adeptly address the evolving requirements of its esteemed clientele.

DEP’s focus revolves around the realm of electrification, where the firm has diligently implemented a meticulously crafted strategy for product development. This astute approach has yielded a remarkable 35% growth improvement.

Anchored by three key pillars, DEP's strategy encompasses several crucial aspects. Firstly, a distinct emphasis is placed on all aspects pertaining to electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting their significance within DEP's operations. Secondly, the integration of digital twin technology enables the creation of practical digital replicas that can be readily utilized. Lastly, DEP has successfully integrated an electrification module into their MeshWorks software, resulting in a substantial reduction of 30–40% in processing time. In addition to its endeavours in electrification, DEP actively engages in the realms of manufacturing automation and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), further bolstering its multifaceted pursuits.

Defining Success

Under Basant’s leadership, DEP places utmost importance on three key areas: customer satisfaction, employee recognition, and the integration of innovative technology to effectively meet the dynamic demands of the market. DEP's overarching goal is to assist industries in swiftly launching their products with optimal efficiency. By amalgamating state-of-the-art technologies with its

comprehensive suite of services and nurturing a culture of innovation, DEP presents a distinctive value proposition that distinguishes it from competitors.

Additionally, DEP strives for long-term customer relationships and the ability to adapt to changing market demands, such as the migration from IC to EV.

DEP has made significant investments in the domain of manufacturing automation, recognizing its potential to bring about a revolutionary transformation in its operations and elevate productivity levels. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies and implementing streamlined processes, DEP is steadfastly committed to optimizing efficiency and reducing the occurrence of human errors within its manufacturing procedures.

From a broader perspective, DEP exhibits a strong emphasis on the Indian talent market, with a particular focus on local talent acquisition. The abundance of skilled professionals and technical expertise in India renders it an ideal destination for sourcing individuals who possess the requisite skills to contribute to DEP's growth. By tapping into the local talent market, DEP aims to construct a diverse and high-performing team that possesses an inherent understanding of the local business landscape and can effectively cater to the specific requirements of its esteemed clientele.

Step into the future

DEP has already announced its next phase of expansion, including the establishment of state-of-the-art research and development facilities and satellite offices in Mysuru, Coimbatore, and Tirupati. This strategic initiative demonstrates the unwavering commitment of DEP to advance its mission and foster growth in key regions. By expanding its presence strategically, DEP aims to bolster its capabilities, foster innovation, and provide enhanced support to key areas, solidifying its position as a progressive and influential player in the industry.

A leader should be a visionary and have more foresight than an employee.

- Jack Ma