From a graduate in Mechanical and Production Engineering to leading Grundfos to new heights, please highlight your astonishing journey so far?
Sales has always been close to my heart. I started my career with IAEC Industries and moved to Grundfos in 1998.I have successfully handled multiple roles in my 20-year journey with the company and have always welcomed new opportunities.
I was initially in charge of business development for OEMs and the Energy sector in Grundfos. Soon, I moved to Johannesburg as the Sales Director and played an integral role in driving sales for the company in South Africa. I replicated the same success in my next role as the Deputy General Manager in Ghana. I finally moved back to Chennai in 2015 to head our sales division until my recent promotion as General Manager.
Grundfos is a major player in the Maldives today; tell us about your set up in the country?
We have a growing presence in Maldives. The country’s proximity to water gives us a unique value proposition. We have set up a sales and service team and are supported by a local channel partner. We work closely with resorts in the area, as our solutions help with a host of water applications.
Our local presence has significantly boosted our credibility as we can help with any real time issues. We have localized inventory to ensure short lead times and quick response to customer requirements.
We have also partnered with HOH Water Technology to provide clean drinking water to over 100,000 residents of Male with our RO solutions.
What are the major areas of operational challenges and opportunities in Maldives?
The opportunities in Maldives are limitless as the country is very environmentally-conscious and is focused on reducing their carbon footprint. Even customers value high-quality products with minimal downtime. Our energy efficient pumps are a perfect fit as they contribute towards these objectives.
Considering that Maldives is a cluster of over 1,000 islands, transportation is a limitation. So, reaching out to resorts in different islands and staying connected with them from the mainland is challenging.
What are the major projects in the pipeline for Grundfos?
We are working very closely with most of the resorts in Maldives. We are also associated with utility companies in the country, for any pump requirements in the mainland and islands. Grundfos solutions are also being used effectively in sewage treatment plants in the country.
How has the relationship between India and Maldives changes after Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister of India?
I believe that PM, Mr Narendra Modi has brought the two countries closer by strengthening the bilateral ties. The President of Maldives, Ibrahim Solih recently reaffirmed the country’s ‘India first policy’ and declared his intent to rejuvenate the country’s relationship with India.
Climate change was an important topic of their discussion due to its growing impact on both the countries. The MoU announced in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy should help both countries make headways in this direction.
This relationship has helped improve collaboration and open new avenues for businesses to explore opportunities and share knowledge.
Grundfos is a trendsetter in water technology, how do you rate the progress of the company after you took over as General Manager, Grundfos India?
As the General Manager, I have been working closely with my team both in India and at the HQ at Denmark to drive innovation in our solutions and improve the company’s overall growth. I am happy to note that we have been making steady progress and look forward to taking the company to newer heights in my tenure.