In December 2022, Geetanjali was awarded the Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland in recognition of her contributions to Finland.
New Delhi (India), January 17:In 2022, India’s business world was shaken by the sudden demise of Vikram Kirloskar, the man who brought Toyota to India and revolutionised the automotive sector. In the face of this monumental loss, his wife and industrialist, Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, emerged as a beacon of resilience, taking charge of the Kirloskar empire with unflinching resolve.
Then on, Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar has emerged as a trailblazer in India’s business landscape, transforming challenges into opportunities and redefining leadership.
As Chairperson and Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd., the partner company for all Toyota Kirloskar Joint Ventures in India, Geetanjali has ensured a seamless leadership transition, along with her daughter, Manasi Tata, to uphold and expand the Kirloskar legacy. Their leadership has positioned the company as a powerhouse in India’s automotive industry, focusing on innovation and sustainability.
Committed to India-Japan
Beyond corporate boardrooms, Geetanjali is a driving force in international diplomacy. Her unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s ties with Japan has positioned her as a pivotal figure in bilateral relations.
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. Her leadership as Co-Chair of the India-Japan Trade & Business Council underscores her role as a key architect in shaping economic ties between the two nations.
Geetanjali 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 the people-to-people connect between India and Japan
Her recent engagements with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Ananta India Japan Forum, and Dr S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Govt. Of India, showcase her deep influence in fostering meaningful partnerships on the global stage.
Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future
For Toyota Kirloskar Motor, in 2023, Geetanjali Kirloskar launched their world’s first BS 6 (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle prototype in Delhi, marking the company’s groundbreaking achievement in green mobility. This prototype represents the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable automotive solutions.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has also signed important MOUs with the governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra for investment. Her leadership is helping to shape the future of India’s industrial growth, ensuring that the various businesses she heads are synonymous with progress and innovation. She is also Co-Chair of the newly established CII Centre for Green Mobility.
Bridging Cultures Through Education
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.
Her educational initiatives are about learning a language and building bridges between India and Japan, fostering a new generation equipped to engage in meaningful global partnerships.
A Global Voice of Influence
Geetanjali’s insights on leadership, diversity, and innovation are sought after at prestigious global forums. Her recent address at the prestigious STS Forum in Kyoto, Japan, where she spoke on the importance of diversity in the science community, was a reminder of her belief in the power of science and technology in driving progress.
In addition to her business roles, Geetanjali serves on the boards of Kirloskar Proprietary, Invest Karnataka Forum, and The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), a leading public policy think tank. Following her husband’s legacy, she also took a seat on the Board of the Rhode Island School of Design in the USA, further broadening her international impact.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the sudden and tragic loss of her husband, Geetanjali’s strength and optimism shine through. She penned a heartfelt eulogy for Vikram a few days after his passing for The Times of India, which went viral on the internet and inspired millions of readers worldwide.
In December 2022, Geetanjali was awarded the Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland in recognition of her contributions to Finland. As the Honorary Consul of Finland in Karnataka, she continues to strengthen India’s diplomatic ties and expand her global influence.
Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and visionary leadership. By carrying forward her late husband, Vikram Kirloskar’s legacy, and while carving her own path, she has become a driving force in shaping India’s industrial future.
With her daughter Manasi Tata by her side, she is building a legacy rooted in sustainability, global collaboration, and transformative leadership.
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