Can Women Really Succeed in Male-Dominated Industries?
India’s corporate landscape is witnessing a significant shift with the rise of accomplished and talented women leaders who are making their mark in traditionally male-dominated fields. Three notable women who are leaving their indelible mark on India’s business landscape are Lakshmi Venu, Rekha Jhunjhunwala, and Devika Sachdev.
Lakshmi Venu, the daughter of Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Group, is a highly accomplished corporate leader.
Image source: TVS Motor
With a doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Warwick and graduation from Yale University, Venu leads Sundaram Clayton (SCL), the former flagship company of the group. Under her leadership, SCL has significantly increased its global footprint, establishing a foundry in the US and building strong relationships with major players in the automotive industry. She is credited with improving the quality of components manufactured by her company, which is the leading supplier of aluminum die-castings to the automotive and non-automotive sectors. Recently elevated as the Managing Director of the company, Venu’s hard work is reflected in the company’s impressive sales and profit numbers, with the net profit for FY 22 being Rs 2276 crore compared to FY 21’s Rs 75.84 crore.
Rekha Jhunjhunwala is a successful investor who has made a name for herself in India’s stock market.
Image Source: Forbes
She has been listed as the top Indian entrant in the 2023 M3M Hurun Global Rich List and claimed the third spot on Forbes’ richest women list for 2022. Her recent success includes earning a profit of approximately Rs 230 crore from Titan Company’s shares and Rs 170 crore from Tata Motors’ shares in just 15 minutes of trading. Her ability to navigate the stock market and generate substantial returns showcases the potential for women to excel in the field of finance and investing, traditionally dominated by men. She has also been managing her late husband Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s wealth and stock portfolio after his passing in August 2022, further highlighting her skills as an investor and wealth manager.
Devika Sachdev has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Bajaj Electricals, one of India’s leading consumer electrical equipment companies.
Image Source: Economic Times Brand Equity
With over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy, and corporate planning, Sachdev has worked with esteemed companies like Siemens, ABB, and Honeywell in the past. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading Bajaj Electricals’ finance function, driving the company’s financial strategy, and ensuring strong corporate governance practices. She will also play a crucial role in supporting the company’s growth plans, including expanding its product portfolio and strengthening its distribution network. Her appointment is expected to contribute to the company’s continued success and help it achieve its growth goals.
The success of these women leaders serves as an inspiration for women in India and around the world, showcasing their ability to excel. These women are leading companies and making significant contributions to the corporate landscape in India. They are not only achieving remarkable financial success but also driving positive change and creating opportunities for other women. Their accomplishments highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the corporate world and the immense potential of women as leaders and decision-makers.
Staff Writer
