Previous Occupation: Director & CEO(Construction) with Isolux Corsan India Limited (a subsidiary of Group Isolux Corsan, Madrid, Spain- amongst top 60 in world ENR list of EPC firms)
Present Occupation: CEO, APCO Infratech Ltd
Sector: Infrastructure
Work Experience: 27 years
Interests – Professional/Personal:
Organizational development, team building, project management / Listening to light music, surfing net and current affairs

Can you tell us a little about your family background/history?
Born to teacher parents, had a humble beginning in Madhya Pradesh. Started my career as Diploma engineer at young age of 19 years and chased the civil services dream which required me to pursue BA in English literature. Quest for learning kept me busy. Pursued BE on study leave from MP Government in 1992 and completed MTech in an evening college. Joined the private sector in 1996 and have never looked back. I am married to Arpita. Elder son Ameya is pursuing his under-graduation from University of Virginia in Economics & Business as Majors and younger daughter Avani is currently in her IB Diploma (class 10).

Briefly describe your personal and professional achievements (including recent awards\special projects)
Though from the government sector, I was on a fast track in the private sector. Got elevated to the level of a Director and CEO at HCC Constructions within 15 years. Biggest professional achievement was successful completion of Mumbai-Pune Expressway in 2000. This project brought accolades to HCC as best contractor. The other significant milestone is setting up from scratch the infrastructure division at JMC Limited (a Kalpataru Group Company). JMC achieved the distinction of fastest growing mid-cap company by grossing $ 500 million USD with a turnover of 90 Million USD. Personally it is great to be married to Arpita & having lovely kids in Ameya & Avani. Satisfying moment was when Ameya decided to move to US to pursue his under-graduation, a big step for an 18 year old.

Tell us about your profile pre ISB and recap your professional life after ISB including your career progression?
I left a flourishing MNC as I saw huge business potential in building a mid-sized organisation into a global player in years to come. The change I see is in the way I look at issues, which I think is more methodical and analytical.

Describe your fondest memory at ISB
The association with class of 65 professionals ended up in a life-long friendship.

In your personal life, how have you changed post-ISB? Do you see yourself doing something differently because you went to ISB? What has left a lasting impression?
ISB has definitely left a mark. The course has given a holistic perspective of issue. I used to sport the technical cap but now I wear the business cap also while evaluating issues. Clarity of thought has improved significantly. I intend to start a PMC global consulting organisation in my domain in 2013, thanks to new ways of thinking inculcated by ISB. ISB has opened a plethora of opportunities for me.

How do you think ISB has contributed to your career growth?
Early days still, but I am sure the clarity of thinking is going to take me a long way in my new ventures.

If you have to sum up ISB in one word
Fascinating

What was the main highlight of your programme at the ISB?
Excellent faculty in India, Brazil & USA.

Word of advice for the current class?
Maximise both in-class learning and off-class learning through your classmates.

What was your favourite course/class at ISB and why?
Strategic Profitability Management(SPM), Financial Decision Making for Managers (FDMM), Courses on leadership & sustainability, Mergers & Acquisitions and Negotiations.

Was there anyone during your time at ISB who acted as a mentor for you?Tell us a little about this relationship and why it was valuable.
PGPMAX is a challenging proposition as you have to balance the studies with family and work. My wife Arpita stood behind me like a rock during these times. My parents were very supportive. My Group President from Isolux Mr. Garcia was very supportive too.

What are the areas that you can contribute to ISB?
I can share my thoughts with the ISB students on infrastructure industry.

What do you enjoy most about your current career position?
The challenge is to build the mid-sized organization into a truly global company.

What is the next new thing in the industry or vertical you are working in? Any trends that you can see?
Infrastructure/construction Industry is passing through a difficult phase. I would say organisations which emphasize ethics, employee retention would do well. Indian Government has to raise the bar too as they are the biggest stakeholder of the industry. Environment issues, land acquisition and forest clearance delays are killing the industry.

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