Indian leaders are taking the business world by storm, leading with diverse perspectives. Today, we are talking about such next-level Indian leaders with sharp instincts for innovation, cultural adaptability, and strategic prowess. While these traits could be common to all of them, environmental consciousness is an add-on to Vikas Mittal, Managing Director - Thailand and CLMV countries.
Hailing from India, Vikas has worked in bustling cities like Mumbai to the vibrant streets of Kolkata and even moved into countries like Indonesia and Thailand. Along the way, he noticed something intriguing – different folks, different strokes when it comes to hygiene. In places like Indonesia and Thailand, cleanliness is not just a habit; it is a culture. Even in the tiniest towns, toilets sparkle, and buildings gleam with fresh coats of paint. It is like they have an annual makeover tradition! But in India, while we are pretty good at using machines for cleaning, our obsession with aesthetics is not as much.
Vikas did not just observe; he learned. His experiences taught him how to adapt to diverse cultures and markets. His insight became gold to Diversey - A Solenis Company, where Vikas works on integrating innovative cleaning chemicals into their product lineup.
Sustainability as a Core Value
Diversey - A Solenis Company champions sustainability, a core value reflected in their product development. They offer a range of patented solutions that prioritize environmental responsibility.
For instance, their flagship product, Oxivir, is an activated hydrogen peroxide disinfectant. This innovative solution eliminates COVID-19 in around 15 seconds while leaving behind no harmful residues, unlike traditional disinfectants that can pose environmental and health hazards. Similarly, their Twister pads are impregnated with billions of microscopic diamonds that clean and polish the floor at the same time – completely without chemicals.
Vikas shares, “Innovation is not about new products but about solving critical problems.” Diversey's Clax programs are
revolutionizing commercial laundry with their simple yet effective approach. By optimizing laundry processes to run at lower temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees centigrade and reducing run times by 25 percent, Clax programs are saving businesses millions of gallons of water and substantial amounts of electricity.
With Clax Programs, businesses are experiencing tangible benefits and cost savings, making it a preferred choice over traditional laundry methods.
Vikas highlights the lack of stringent government regulations regarding hygiene standards, particularly in the restaurant industry, across many Asian countries. This lack of regulation can lead to inconsistent hygiene practices and potential public health risks. Additionally, a lack of awareness and education about sustainability creates hurdles. Diversey - A Solenis Company, addresses these challenges by focusing on biodegradability and responsible manufacturing practices. It ensures that the products meet the United Nations definition of biodegradability, meaning they degrade 95 percent within 28 days. Furthermore, it proactively discontinued the use of harmful raw materials like APEOs 20 years ago.
Turning Customer Feedback into Innovative Solutions
In the fast-paced world of hygiene solutions, staying ahead means listening closely to what customers have to say. Vikas, a leader in the industry, understands this well. He knows that customer feedback is not just valuable; it is the driving force behind innovation. He acts as a bridge between customers and the R&D team, translating their needs into actionable insights.
Vikas does not just see himself as a leader; he sees himself as the voice of the customer. When some customers expressed concerns about alcohol-based disinfectants, citing issues like rapid drying and safety hazards, Vikas did not take it lightly. Instead, he took their feedback straight to the research and development team. As a result, Oxivir AHP, a patented technology that not only effectively kills viruses like COVID-19 but also addresses customers' safety and efficacy concerns, was developed.
Companies that develop innovative solutions to effectively address hygiene needs while minimizing environmental impact will be well-positioned at the top
Through a dedicated market intelligence team, they gather insights from various sources and relay them to the global and local teams, ensuring a coordinated approach across different markets. Furthermore, Vikas prioritizes active open communication to stay attuned to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Vikas fosters a culture of continuous learning within his team. The company utilizes Workday, a learning management system that provides a vast library of training resources on diverse industry topics and best practices. Additionally, they encourage employees to dedicate time for self-development through ‘no meeting Fridays.’ Two hours every week, which is around 100 hours every year, are dedicated to learning and knowledge sharing. This commitment to ongoing education ensures Vikas' team stays at the forefront of industry trends and possesses the expertise to deliver innovative solutions.
Advice for Young Leaders
Looking ahead, the future of hygiene solutions belongs to those who prioritize innovation with sustainability at its core. Vikas offers a clear message for aspiring entrepreneurs in the field that sustainability must be a cornerstone of their business strategy. Consumers are increasingly demanding environmentally responsible products, and regulations are likely to become more stringent in the coming years. Companies that can develop innovative solutions that effectively address hygiene needs while minimizing environmental impact will be well-positioned at the top. Under his leadership, Diversey demonstrates this approach through its focus on biodegradability, chemical-free cleaning options, and responsible manufacturing practices.
Vikas Mittal, Managing Director, Diversey - A Solenis Company
Vikas is a dynamic leader with 23+ years of experience in consultative B2B sales and key account management. He fosters a culture of continuous learning and sustainability, positioning Diversey as a leader in the hygiene solutions sector.
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