Meher PudumjeeChairperson, Thermax Limited

Meher Pudumjee is the Chairperson of the Thermax Group.

She embarked on her journey with Thermax as a trainee engineer in August 1990 after completing her postgraduation in Chemical Engineering from the Imperial College of Science & Technology in London. In the early stages of her career, she achieved notable success by playing a pivotal role along with her husband, Pheroz, in the successful turnaround of Thermax’s subsidiary in the UK.

Upon returning to India in September 1996, she assumed a position on Thermax’s Board of Directors, working closely in the Finance function and then the Environment division and a joint venture in bottled water. In January 2001, she transitioned to the role of Non-Executive Director and, by 2002, became the Vice Chairperson. Her tenure in these roles was characterised by active involvement in the turnaround of Thermax’s business operations.

In October 2004, Meher assumed the role of Chairperson, propelling Thermax towards sustainable growth and responsible practices. Under her visionary leadership, the company is on a mission to establish itself as a trusted partner in energy transition.

Meher extends her influence and expertise to various national and international committees in the spheres of energy, sustainability, and industrial development. Her expansive portfolio includes roles as Director of the Akanksha Foundation, Trustee of 'Teach for India', and Independent Director on the board of Pidilite Industries, among others.

Over the years, Meher has garnered immense respect and recognition, both in India and abroad, for her contributions to the energy sector and environmental initiatives. In 2006, Meher represented India at the Asian Business Women’s Conference in Osaka. Other notable accolades include the 'Women in Business Young Achiever' award by The Financial Express in 2006 and the 'CEO of the Year' title by Business Standard in 2009. In 2008, the World Economic Forum honoured her as a 'Young Global Leader' in recognition of her professional accomplishments, commitment to society, and potential to shape the world's future.

Meher’s dedication to Thermax's vision has culminated in the company being awarded the prestigious ‘IMD Global Family Business Award’ and the ‘Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance’ for the year 2023, and the 'University of Vermont Family Business Award' in the 'Multi-Generation Family Enterprise’ category in 2022. Also, the company was recognised with the coveted ‘Best Business led by a Woman’ award at the Moneycontrol Indian Family Business Awards 2022.

Ashish BhandariMD & CEO, Thermax Limited

Ashish Bhandari is the Managing Director & CEO of Thermax Group since September 1, 2020.

Under his leadership, the Group has been steadfast in advancing its strategic direction to become a trusted partner in energy transition and sustainability. With a focus on driving innovation and creating long-term value, Ashish spearheads initiatives to maintain Thermax’s leadership in energy and environment solutions. He is instrumental in strengthening global customer and partner relationships, steering the Group’s expansion into emerging sectors and markets, and adapting to evolving business models and industry trends to ensure the Group remains agile and future-ready.

A passionate advocate for innovation, Ashish drives Thermax’s global product and service development strategies, ensuring they align with the changing needs of industries and the broader goal of decarbonisation. Ashish has been at the forefront of Thermax’s digital transformation journey, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IIoT, and data analytics to enhance product offerings and operational efficiency. His commitment to innovation is reshaping how Thermax delivers value to customers in an increasingly technology-driven world. He envisions that by 2030, a significant portion of Thermax’s portfolio will comprise businesses that are currently in nascent stages, reflecting his commitment to fostering growth in new areas.

Ashish brings over two decades of rich and diverse experience from world-leading organisations across industries. Before joining Thermax, he served as Vice President for India and South Asia regions at Baker Hughes (formerly a GE company), where he played a pivotal role in driving growth across the region. His 15-year tenure at GE included several senior leadership roles, building expertise in operational excellence and market expansion. Earlier in his career, he contributed to leading organisations such as Schlumberger, McKinsey & Company, and two international startups, giving him a unique perspective on global business dynamics.

Beyond his corporate endeavours, Ashish is known for his thought leadership in navigating complex industry landscapes. He is a member of CII’s National Committee where he co-chairs the Capital Goods Committee and various sub committees relating to startups in manufacturing, green energy, and biofuels.

Ashish holds a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and an MBA from Duke University. His educational foundation, combined with his extensive professional experience, underpins his strategic leadership at Thermax.