Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar has emerged as one of India’s most influential business leaders, steering her late husband Vikram Kirloskar’s massive business empire with a blend of grace, determination, and forward-thinking innovation.
A SEAMLESS TRANSITION
After the unexpected passing of Vikram Kirloskar, the man who is credited to bringing Toyota to India, in 2022, Geetanjali took on the immense responsibility of carrying forward his business and legacy, a role she has embraced with remarkable resilience.
Vikram Kirloskar shaped the landscape of the automotive industry through five strategic joint ventures that left an indelible mark on the sector. His passing was a huge loss, but Geetanjali, alongside her daughter Manasi Tata, ensured a seamless transition of leadership within the business.
As the Chairperson and Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd., the partner company for all Toyota Kirloskar Joint Ventures in India, Geetanjali stands at the helm of one of the most significant partnerships in India’s automotive industry. Under her leadership, the company has continued to thrive, expanding its reach and exploring new horizons.
Manasi, the Vice Chairperson of Toyota Kirloskar Motor shares her mother’s commitment to innovation and excellence, making them a formidable name in the Indian business circle.
STRENGTHENING THE INDIA-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP
Geetanjali’s contributions go beyond business. She is committed to the India-Japan partnership, and has played a vital role in strengthening India’s relationship with Japan, a partnership that has grown under her leadership.
Her close collaboration with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) has brought numerous Japanese startups into the Indian market, fostering an environment of cross-border collaboration and entrepreneurship. Geetanjali’s efforts in this area have been recognized at the highest levels, and her leadership as Co-Chair of the India-Japan Trade & Business Council underscores her influence in shaping bilateral economic relations.
IMPACTFUL CONTRIBUTIONS
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 set up CII Centre for Green Mobility.
Geetanjali has also made significant contributions to the educational landscape. She established the Kirloskar Scholarship for Japanese language training at Bangalore City University, an initiative that strengthens ties between India and Japan by providing students with new opportunities for growth and collaboration. Her commitment to fostering talent and creating bridges between India and Japan is a reflection of her broad vision for a globally connected India.
ON THE GLOBAL ARENA
Geetanjali’s influence is not confined to boardrooms or corporate strategy meetings. She is a highly sought-after speaker at global forums, where her insights on leadership, diversity, and innovation are widely respected. 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 leadership at Kirloskar Systems Pvt Ltd, Geetanjali also serves on the Boards of Kirloskar Proprietary, Invest Karnataka Forum, and The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), an independent, public policy think tank, where her insights contribute to policy and business development. Continuing Vikram’s legacy, she also replaced him on the Board of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design in the USA.
For her 15 years of meritorious service to Finland, Geetanjali Kirloskar was awarded the Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland in December 2022. She also serves as the Honorary Consul of Finland in Karnataka, further expanding her influence in international diplomacy and business.
STRENGTH AND VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
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. Today, she continues to lead with the spirit of resilience and forward-thinking, while carving her own path as a trailblazer in India’s business landscape.
Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar’s journey is one of strength, grace, and visionary leadership. She has taken the business and legacy of her husband forward and, with her daughter Manasi by her side, is building upon it with a deep commitment to fostering meaningful global partnerships.
