CEO Insights India

Georgia Institute of Technology has been a crucible for nurturing Indian leaders who, armed with knowledge and global perspectives, have made significant contributions to various fields. Among these distinguished alumni, Sukirat Singh Bakshi stands out as a dynamic force in the realm of manufacturing and sustainability. A graduate of Georgia Tech, Sukirat embarked on a career as a Digital Consultant, wielding his expertise in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors across the United States and the Philippines.

Transitioning back to India, he applied his honed skills to elevate Kirat Plastics, his family's manufacturing business, steering it through challenges and championing sustain ability initiatives. Beyond Kirat Plastics, Sukirat extends his influence as an advisor to Safety Circle, showcasing his commitment to fostering excellence in diverse industries. His journey exemplifies the global impact that Georgia Tech alumni continue to make, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of leadership and innovation.

Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with CEO Insights magazine, Sukirat shares the imperious details of his journey and future road map for Kirat Plastics. Let’s hear it from him.

Could you tell us about the unique experiences Georgia Institute of Technology offers and what did you learn from the campus beyond academics?
My journey at Georgia Tech was truly transformative, and while the academic rigor equipped me with essential productivity and time management skills, it was my role as the president of the Institute of Industrial Engineering club that left an indelible mark on me. Steering a volunteer-driven club without monetary incentives taught me the profound art of motivation. Aligning diverse minds to a shared mission and vision, I discovered the power of fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. We wove our individual ideas into a cohesive

tapestry of purpose, where each member found a unique role to play in realizing our collective vision. Beyond textbooks, Georgia Tech became my canvas for leadership, collaboration, and human connection.

How would you define Kirat Plastics as an organization and its current position in the market?
At Kirat, our pride lies in our diverse expertise, blending precision injection molding of thermoplastics and metal fabrication with a steadfast commitment to quality control and intricate design. We've honed our skills over 30 years, primarily serving the automotive industry as a trusted tier 2 and tier 1 supplier.

However, our heart beat extends beyond vehicular realms, we've ventured into crafting components for the furniture industry, manufacturing PV junction boxes for the solar sector, and contributing innovative sustainable packaging solutions to the logistics industry. What sets us apart is not just our technical prowess but a genuine dedication to sustain ability, exemplified by our ISO and IATF certifications.

What are flagship offerings and the value additions that customers can expect from your firm?
Our commitment to sustainability echoes through our flagship offerings in the logistics industry. We strive to revolutionize material handling by replacing single-use plastics and carton boxes with durable, reusable solutions like plastic bins and metal containers. Our products are designed for longevity, promoting a circular economy with over 1000 cycles of use. Internally, we embrace the same products we offer, fostering a culture of sustainability within our processes.

We take pride in pioneering the development of photovoltaic junction boxes right here in India, aligning with the Make in India initiative. As we engineer products, we not only transform industries but also cultivate a culture of sustainability within our processes, striving for a greener future.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
As a leader at Kirat, my approach is rooted in a commitment to results-driven work and data-backed performance. I've spearheaded a scientific quarterly performance evaluation process, instilling a culture of goal-setting and continuous improvement. This method involves managers collaborating with their teams to establish personal and professional goals, fostering open communication.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Having navigated the learning curve, our focus is now on pioneering solutions in the sustainability realm. Our foray into the solar space with the PV junction box is just the beginning. We're committed to expanding our footprint in solar technology, contributing to cleaner energy. Simultaneously, we aim to revolutionize material handling in the logistics sector, introducing technology-driven products to curtail plastic and carton waste, fostering a greener, cost-effective supply chain for companies and a brighter, sustainable future for all.

Sukirat Singh Bakshi, Director, Kirat Plastics
Sukirat Singh Bakshi, a Georgia Tech graduate, commenced his career as a Digital Consultant with a prominent big four consulting firm, specializing in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors across the US and the Philippines. With over 5 years of diverse consulting experience, he honed his skills in data analytics, process enhancement, and digital transformation. In 2019, Sukirat transitioned to Kirat Plastics, his family's manufacturing business, contributing significantly to process improvement and navigating the challenges of the Covid slowdown. Post obtaining his MBA, he returned to Kirat Plastics, also advising his uncle's business, Safety Circle, in the safety services industry. Sukirat's strategic insights have earned accolades, including recognition such as 'exceptional support in Nokia's sustainability journey' and 'Godrej Interio’s appreciation for commitment to sustain quality culture'.

•Favorite Hobbies:Cycling, Climbing, Surfing, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Cocktail
Mixology, Playing the Harmonica
•Favorite Cuisine:Thai
•Favorite Book:The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben
•Favorite Travel Destination:
Portugal