Manasi Kirloskar Tata

About

For Manasi Kirloskar Tata, the world suddenly turned upside down in November 2022. Her father, Vikram Kirloskar, the man who brought Japanese automaker Toyota to India and the vice chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, passed away, leaving Manasi, the only child, to take over the reins of the company. “I began working at TKM post-college, but as my role changed overnight to vice chairman, I felt the pressure I didn’t expect to experience so soon,” Manasi, who took over as vice chairperson two months after her father’s demise, says. “I didn't get enough time with my father to help me understand all the nuances of the system. Apart from missing him deeply on a personal level, getting back to the company, with this new position, demanded me to accelerate to a level of experience and accountability that would otherwise have required more time.” Today, Toyota is India’s fifth-largest carmaker and has emerged as the fastest-growing among the top five automakers, who together account for nearly 90% of the market. “I decided to first focus on building trust and learning and be open to seeking help when required,” Manasi, who is also the executive director at Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd, says. “I do not believe that a leader must always stand first in line. To me, a leader should have the confidence and the humility to take the second position when required.” Since she took over, Toyota has announced plans to invest in a new plant that will manufacture 100,000 vehicles and is expected to be operational by 2029. “As India’s mobility needs continue to evolve, our focus is on building manufacturing capabilities that are globally competitive, future-ready, and capable of delivering value for customers, the society, and the nation’s economic aspirations,” says Manasi, who is married to Neville Tata, the son of Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata.