Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar: Steering Leadership and Legacy in Indian Industry Amidst Adversity
New Delhi [India], January 17: Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, wife of the late industrialist Vikram Kirloskar who revolutionized India's automotive sector with Toyota, has emerged as a trailblazing leader in India's business landscape. In the face of her untimely husband's demise, she took charge of the Kirloskar empire and has been instrumental in transforming challenges into opportunities, redefining leadership.
As Chairperson and Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd., a partner company for all Toyota Kirloskar Joint Ventures in India, Geetanjali has ensured a seamless leadership transition alongside her daughter, Manasi Tata, to uphold the Kirloskar legacy. Under their direction, the company has become a powerhouse in India's automotive industry, focusing on innovation and sustainability.
Geetanjali's commitment to strengthening India-Japan bilateral relations has positioned her as a pivotal figure in economic ties between the two nations. Through close collaboration with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), she has facilitated the entry of Japanese startups into India, creating a thriving ecosystem of cross-border innovation.
She also set up the India Japan Council for the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. Of India, working closely with Dr S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, to build people-to-people connections between India and Japan. Her recent engagements with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Ananta India Japan Forum, and Dr S Jaishankar, showcase her deep influence in fostering meaningful partnerships on the global stage.
Geetanjali launched Toyota Kirloskar Motor's world-first BS 6 (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle prototype in Delhi in 2023, marking a groundbreaking achievement in green mobility. She is also Co-Chair of the newly established CII Centre for Green Mobility, shaping India's industrial growth.
A visionary leader, Geetanjali understands the importance of cultural exchange in building global partnerships. She founded the Kirloskar Scholarship for Japanese language training at Bangalore City University, providing students with new avenues for international collaboration.
Geetanjali has received numerous accolades for her leadership, including being awarded the Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland in recognition of her contributions to Finland. Despite facing adversity, her strength and optimism shine through.