Milind Thekedar: A Leader Empowering The O&M In Power Sector With His Expertise
The Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services industry in India is a vital component of the country's power sector. As the electricity demand continues to grow, so does the need for reliable and efficient O&M services. Milind Thekedar is a highly respected figure in the O&M (Operations and Maintenance) in power sector, serving as the Managing Director of JBS ENTERPRISES PVT. LTD. With a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, he has over 40 years of experience in the industry. Milind is known for his exceptional leadership skills, which have enabled him to empower the O&M in power sector. His vast knowledge and expertise have helped him to develop innovative solutions for complex problems in the field. Under his guidance, JBS ENTERPRISES has become a leading player in the O&M for power sector, serving clients from various industries. His dedication and commitment to excellence have earned him widespread recognition and respect in the industry. Let’s learn more from him in below interview snippets.You possess over three decades of experience. How has your path to success been and what is your success mantra?
I began my professional career as an Electrical Engineer with Maharashtra State Electricity Board(MSEB)in Koradi, Nagpur. After gaining valuable experience, I decided to become an entrepreneur and founded JBS in 1987. The organization provides outsourced services for managing the operations and maintenance of electrical equipment, which I realized was crucial for ensuring continuous power supply. Although the concept was initially met with reluctance, I convinced the authorities to give it a chance through a pilot project, and JBS has since become a front runner in new ideas and concepts in operations
and maintenance for both transmission lines and substations. I keep myself up-to-date with technological advancements and regularly visit customers despite the challenges even during the COVID pandemic.I even introduced virtual meetings to stay in touch with employees and customers.
Can you describe your primary services and the additional benefits that your customers can expect from them?
JBS offers a range of services for substations and transmission lines, from concept to commissioning. We use innovative technology such as smartphone based apps and drones for inspection. We have over 650+ ongoing projects of substations and over 9000+ Circuit Km and 6800+ Route Km of transmission line. and 3000+ skilled employees, spread over 700+ locations in India. We prioritize safety and have a record of over 99% asset availability. JBS also takes initiatives such as employee satisfaction, digitization, and the use of the latest testing instruments to maintain its leading position.
Could you tell us about your leadership approach?What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow to lead your team?
My leadership approach involves developing a strategic vision, communicating transparently, retaining top talent, delegating effectively, leading by example, seeking advice, and developing leaders. I prioritize managing clients and caring for my workforce, and have built strong connections in the Power sector. I advocate hiring people with the right attitude and have established a strong core team with experienced professionals to expand the business.
Can you describe your corporate social responsibility efforts and how you motivate your staff to engage in them?
JBS offers its facilities to a music school, supporting artists and providing opportunities for learning within the community even during the pandemic. Additionally, the
JBS also takes initiatives such as employee satisfaction, digitization, and the use of the latest testing instruments to maintain its leading position
Can you describe your primary services and the additional benefits that your customers can expect from them?
JBS offers a range of services for substations and transmission lines, from concept to commissioning. We use innovative technology such as smartphone based apps and drones for inspection. We have over 650+ ongoing projects of substations and over 9000+ Circuit Km and 6800+ Route Km of transmission line. and 3000+ skilled employees, spread over 700+ locations in India. We prioritize safety and have a record of over 99% asset availability. JBS also takes initiatives such as employee satisfaction, digitization, and the use of the latest testing instruments to maintain its leading position.
Could you tell us about your leadership approach?What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow to lead your team?
My leadership approach involves developing a strategic vision, communicating transparently, retaining top talent, delegating effectively, leading by example, seeking advice, and developing leaders. I prioritize managing clients and caring for my workforce, and have built strong connections in the Power sector. I advocate hiring people with the right attitude and have established a strong core team with experienced professionals to expand the business.
Can you describe your corporate social responsibility efforts and how you motivate your staff to engage in them?
JBS offers its facilities to a music school, supporting artists and providing opportunities for learning within the community even during the pandemic. Additionally, the
company donates to Gurukuls in Maharashtra and Karnataka, providing financial support for traditional Vedic education through the VedDhara organization. To promote engagement with CSR activities, JBS has established employee communities to spearhead these initiatives.
Looking ahead, what do you expect to see in terms of changes in market behavior and what opportunities do you see?
In 2003, the Electricity Act brought about significant changes in the Power Industry, with generation, transmission & distribution becoming independent entities. This led to a boom in the Power sector and the need for outsourcing in order to meet the O&M needs of the rapidly growing industry, as well as a scarcity of skilled and trained manpower. Private sector organizations began investing in the Power sector but faced the challenge of finding adequate manpower. Innovation in O&M services is crucial, and JBS has invested in specialized equipment, including a smartphone based application for routine inspection and patrolling, which has significantly improved data collection and condition monitoring. JBS aims to be the preferred partner for clients in the Power sector by providing efficient O&M services and expanding its presence in various regions.
As some one with considerable experience in the industry, what advice would you offer to emerging leaders in the field?
In order to keep up with the evolving power sector, there is a need for innovation in O&M services.To stay ahead, utilities and service providers must consistently generate reliable data using modern technologies like smartphone based applications, drones, the internet of things and artificial intelligence. Such data can then be utilized to develop more effective preventative maintenance strategies, which will improve asset availability and network reliability.
Milind Thekedar, MD, JBS Enterprises
Milind Thekedar is the MD of JBS ENTERPRISES. He graduated in Electrical Engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in 1980 and began his career as a Junior Engineer at MSEB. In 1987, he started JBS ENTERPRISES and relocated the head office to Thane in 1993.
Looking ahead, what do you expect to see in terms of changes in market behavior and what opportunities do you see?
In 2003, the Electricity Act brought about significant changes in the Power Industry, with generation, transmission & distribution becoming independent entities. This led to a boom in the Power sector and the need for outsourcing in order to meet the O&M needs of the rapidly growing industry, as well as a scarcity of skilled and trained manpower. Private sector organizations began investing in the Power sector but faced the challenge of finding adequate manpower. Innovation in O&M services is crucial, and JBS has invested in specialized equipment, including a smartphone based application for routine inspection and patrolling, which has significantly improved data collection and condition monitoring. JBS aims to be the preferred partner for clients in the Power sector by providing efficient O&M services and expanding its presence in various regions.
As some one with considerable experience in the industry, what advice would you offer to emerging leaders in the field?
In order to keep up with the evolving power sector, there is a need for innovation in O&M services.To stay ahead, utilities and service providers must consistently generate reliable data using modern technologies like smartphone based applications, drones, the internet of things and artificial intelligence. Such data can then be utilized to develop more effective preventative maintenance strategies, which will improve asset availability and network reliability.
Milind Thekedar, MD, JBS Enterprises
Milind Thekedar is the MD of JBS ENTERPRISES. He graduated in Electrical Engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in 1980 and began his career as a Junior Engineer at MSEB. In 1987, he started JBS ENTERPRISES and relocated the head office to Thane in 1993.