Zenith

Lila Poonawalla was the first lady Managing Director of a reputed multinational company in India. Also, the first woman to reach the post of MD in the Alfa Laval group. Lila is well known in the corporate world to have changed the face of Vulcan Laval, when she was appointed as Managing Director in 1987. She first changed the name of the company to Alfa Laval (India) Ltd., to align the goals of the company to that of its global parent company.

“I always felt at ease in different roles, I have always loved my work no matter what position I was in. I prefer objectives that are attainable, yet challenging.”

As MD, she steered the company into becoming a high-level exporter of quality of Indian manufacturing goods. Alfa Laval, which was hitherto in troubled waters, beset with labor problems and low turnover, became a profitable company and showed a tremendous growth. Lila started personal negotiations with the aggrieved workers, the first MD to bring Union leaders to write their communique in the annual report.

One of the reasons of her success was her particular Management Style, described as a Multi-level Participative Management Way of Functioning. Which is the reason why the One Team-One Goal concept introduced by Lila became such a significant success. She took the workers, the shareholders and the customers with her.

She then set, what has now become famous as The Billion Rupee Challenge, increasing the company's annual turnover from 450 million in three years, a goal which was achieved on dot. In 1991, she set the Double Billion-Rupee Challenge and met it a year ahead of time.This grace year was dedicated to the customers and a new mantra of Focus ’94-" For Our Customers" was started. Number of programs were initiated to bring customers closer to the company and cement ties with them.

“Once the challenge is set, the road ahead becomes clear.The leaders role is to give direction, remove obstacle , enabling the organisation to move ahead on the right path and produce results.”

During her 9-year tenure as CEO, Alfa Laval’s turnover increased from INRM 450 to INRM 2750 in nine years.The company
modernised its manufacturing facilities in Pune and diversified its production range.It set up its new manufacturing plants in Maharastra. In 1993, His Majesty King Carl Gustaf of Sweden inaugurated a state-of-the-art Alfa Laval Technology Center in Pune, providing essential R&D facilities.

The Company received five awards for excellent performance from 1987 to 1997. The Golden Peacock Quality award, Award for Export Excellence, Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Award for Excellent Organization and the Best Market Company Gustaf de Laval Award and many more.

“I love to work. One needs honest work to enhance the quality of life.”

In 1992, Lila took on additional responsibility as Executive Chairperson of Tetra Pak India Ltd.and continued as Vice-Chairperson and Managing Director of Alfa Laval. She managed the dual roles with finesse. She established Tetra Pak (India) and set up packaging material production facilities in India. This assignment was another great challenge – in building new clients, starting production and strategizing the brand. In 1996, she took over as CMD of Tetra Pak and was appointed as Chairperson of Alfa Laval.

Lila has held Directorships of many companies including Alfa Laval. She retired as MD of Alfa Laval in 1996 but remained as chairperson of Alfa Laval & CMD of Tetra Pak & retired from both the positions in 1999. Today she is chairperson of De Laval India, and Director on many renowned Companies such as IDBI, Jayant Oils & Derivatives, and Neilsoft Etc, and on advisory Board of some excellent companies such as KPIT Cummins, BioImagene and Equinox.

Having achieved all this Lila is still not ready for resting. She continues with zeal and enthusiasm reflecting positive energy in both professional field & social work.