an icmr-iipm think tank publication - Cycbth.org

FAIR FORWARD
“THE AMALGAMATION IS INTENDED
TO BE A KEY STRATEGIC MOVE”
SULAJJA FIRODIA MOTWANI IN AN INTERVIEW WITH AMIR HOSSAIN
CANDIDLY REVEALS THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF WOMEN OVER
MEN IN CORPORATE WORLD
Sulajja Firodia Motwani, vice-chairperson
and face of the Kinetic Engineering
Limited in the country is a lady
who contributed significantly in making
the firm reach heights of success. She is
responsible for the group’s overall business
strategy and development. Prior to her joining
in family business, Sulajja worked for a California-based
investment analytics company
BARRA International for a period of four
years. She was voted among the top 25 business
leaders of the next century in a poll conducted
by Fortune India.
What factors do you attribute to the
success of Kinetic Engineering?
A company is only as good as its people.
At Kinetic Engineering, we have a team
of experienced professionals who specialise
in strong engineering, process
planning, manufacturing and what I call,
Frugal engineering — that is the ability
to create technically strong solutions
with a focus on cost. The other vital factor
is a strong sense of commitment by
our stakeholders.
What is the idea behind the recent
merger between Kinetic Motor and
Kinetic Engineering?
The amalgamation is intended to be a
key strategic move on part of the Kinetic
Group which will enable achievement
of the potential of Automotive
Business including participation of investors,
strategic partners, lenders and
other stakeholders. The rationalization
of business would result in substantial
synergies including enhanced financial
strength and flexibility as well as financial
consolidation of operating activity,
leading to better governance, reduction
of cost and higher value creation for
the stakeholders.
The merger also marks the culmination
of restructuring taken up by the
Kinetic group in recent years where the
group’s manufacturing and engineering
entity Kinetic Engineering was restructured
and positioned to become a
focused player in the Automotive Systems
and components business with a
focus on Powertrain; while the two
wheeler business in Kinetic Motor
Company was hived off to a new
alliance company with the formidable
Mahindra and Mahindra Group. KMCL
transferred its operating assets relating
to two wheeler business from KMCL
to Mahindra Two Wheeler (MTWL)
Limited in November 2008, for cash and
for a 20% strategic stake in MTWL. It
is expected that this strategic stake
shall create significant value in the future,
as Mahindra group should be able
to leverage its rural penetration to create
a successful motorcycle business
for MTWL.
Merger will result in value addition to
minority shareholders of both companies,
by diversification of value and
value addition through manufacturing
business as well as investment into
MTWL. In all, it would enhance the
shareholders value and allow focused
course of action.
Do you feel women have disadvantage
over men as far as business management
is concerned?
If people around you perceive your commitment,
sincerity and focus, other factors
such as gender biases will take a back
seat. I also feel that women have some
inherent skills, generically speaking, due
count your chickens before they hatch 38 april 2012