It’s all about experience

“Without discipline, there is no smooth operation,” he says. “Logistics is all about punctuality. I have to carry out every task with precision.” But his immediate supervisor appreciates another quality in Krishna: his initiative - for example, late last year when a new supply chain process was established. “We are now able to better forecast customer demand.” From planning to transportation to insurance, Krishna’s tasks are many; duties he cannot fulfil without his team. Röhm has a small team in India. Krishna works very closely with two people in particular: “I coordinate my tasks with the two colleagues who are responsible for sales and customer relations.”

Krishna was born and raised in the megacity of Mumbai, where he also completed his bachelor’s degree - management with a focus on finance and accounting. He lives in Mumbai with his parents and his older brother. Yoga, gym, soccer: sports have a high priority in Krishna’s life. In the evenings, however, he likes to take his mother for a spin in his new car, a Tata he bought six months ago. This makes Krishna a typical representative of his generation, as he explains: “Automotive sales have risen sharply in India in recent years. Whether it’s VW, Skoda or Tata Motors, the country’s largest carmaker, the automotive industry has grown - and so has Röhm’s business. After all, our PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds are needed for tail lights, among other things.” That makes it all the more important for him to ensure sufficient stock levels.

When he started at Röhm at the age of 21, Krishna initially needed some self-confidence. “I had to deal with many people who were twice my age.” So he often preferred to write an e-mail rather than pick up the phone. He has now shaken off that shyness. “It’s not a question of age, but a question of experience, a question of knowledge,” he says. And he is increasing that knowledge every day - most recently with a Master of Business Administration. He just passed the final exam. It means a lot to him that CEO Michael Pack recently encouraged him - he was drawn to a virtual coffee break. “When leaders take the time to engage with their employees, it can create a sense of connection and understanding. We talked for half an hour. About business in India, about soccer - and about what he recommends that I do in the future. His advice: don’t be shy. No matter whether something is going well or badly: I shouldn’t keep my opinions to myself.” Advice Krishna plans to follow. “I no longer hesitate to call colleagues from all over the world.”