Inspirational leadership is the most crucial aspect of the success of a modern business. Being one of the most inspiring Managing Directors, Kailash Desai’s journey into his industry has been driven by curiosity, a passion for innovation, and a deep respect for engineering excellence. From the outset, he’s been captivated by how technology can address real-world challenges—particularly in process automation, where precision, efficiency, and reliability are paramount. When he first delved into industrial instrumentation, Kailash was struck by its profound impact—not just on businesses but on society at large. “Whether it’s optimizing water treatment, ensuring safe food production, or advancing sustainable energy use, this field touches every aspect of life.” This sense of purpose has been a powerful motivator for him.
Joining Endress+Hauser, a company with a rich legacy and a values-driven culture, felt like a natural fit. Leading a team dedicated to quality, innovation, and customer success has been deeply fulfilling. Over the years, Kailash’s motivation has only grown stronger as he has witnessed how their (he and his team at Endress +Hauser India) work contributes to building smarter, more sustainable industries across India and beyond. “For me, it’s not just about managing a business—it’s about shaping a future where technology and responsibility go hand in hand,” he shares.
A Customer-Centric Philosophy
Emerged as one of India’s best companies, Kailash says at Endress+Hauser India, their success is built on a foundation of people, purpose, and performance, anchored by a strong culture of trust, integrity, and long-term thinking. “As a family-owned company with a global presence, we measure success not just in quarterly numbers but in the value we bring to our customers, employees, and society. Our guiding philosophy, “Customer-centricity with a human touch,” means staying close to our customers, understanding their challenges, and co-creating solutions that empower them to be more efficient, safe, and sustainable.”
Equally important is their people-first approach. Kailash adds that they invest in talent, foster innovation, and create an environment where their teams can thrive. Every employee is encouraged to think like an entrepreneur, with a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the company’s vision. Their commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices aligns with the global values of the Endress+Hauser Group, ensuring respect for the environment and corporate responsibility. In short, their journey is guided by purpose, powered by people, and sustained by an unwavering focus on excellence.
Embracing Digital Evolution
The business landscape is continually evolving. Thus, at Endress+Hauser India, adaptability and innovation are deeply embedded in its DNA. In a rapidly evolving industrial landscape, staying ahead means being proactive rather than reactive. Kailash says they continuously scan the market environment, customer needs, and global technology trends to ensure they are leading the change. “Continuous innovation through collaboration is key; we invest significantly in R&D and work closely with customers to co-create solutions that are technologically advanced, practical, and scalable.” Their global ecosystem of knowledge sharing helps them bring international expertise tailored to the Indian market.
“Digital transformation is a strategic priority for us,” he adds. From smart instrumentation to IIoT (Netilion) and advanced analytics, they help customers embrace Industry 4.0 in ways that deliver measurable value, improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability across various industries. Internally, they nurture a culture of agility by empowering teams, encouraging experimentation, and being open to change. They constantly upskill their workforce to handle today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Ultimately, staying ahead in business is about listening—to customers, markets, and even weak signals of change—with humility, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, insists Kailash.
Leading His Team, Compassionately!
When acknowledged for his awe-inspiring leadership style, which is recognized as a driving force behind his company’s achievements, Kailash says, “Thank you for the kind words,” in gratitude. For him, leadership is about purpose, people, and passion. At Endress+Hauser India, he has always believed that a strong organization is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision. His leadership philosophy centers around empowerment and empathy. He believes in empowering people at every level to take initiative, make decisions, and contribute meaningfully. “Staying deeply connected with the team—understanding their aspirations, challenges, and motivations—is crucial. When people feel valued and heard, they exceed expectations.”
Team building goes beyond skill alignment; it’s about creating a culture where diversity of thought is celebrated, and individuals feel inspired to do their best work. “We focus on creating a safe and inclusive environment where learning is constant and innovation thrives. Recognizing achievements, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, and investing in people development are key pillars of our approach.” Leading by example with integrity, transparency, and accountability is essential. A leader’s job is not to have all the answers but to ask the right questions and create a space for the best solutions. Endress+Hauser India’s success is a collective journey fueled by mutual respect, passion for excellence, and deep commitment to its customers.
Operationally Efficient Customer Satisfaction
Further, at Endress+Hauser India, Kailash says they believe that operational efficiency and customer satisfaction are complementary and interdependent goals. Seamless operations create the foundation for delivering consistent quality, while a deep focus on the customer ensures our efficiency translates into real value for them. Their approach begins with a deep understanding of customer needs, both current and future. They work closely with clients to anticipate their challenges and co-create solutions that are technologically sound, practical, and impactful for their operations.
From an operational standpoint, they’ve invested significantly in lean manufacturing practices, digitalization, and continuous improvement initiatives. These enable them to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and maintain high-quality standards while staying agile and responsive to dynamic market needs. They embrace Industry 4.0 technologies to bring intelligence and transparency into their processes, allowing for better traceability, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring—all contributing to operational excellence and peace of mind for their customers.
“Our focus on customer-centricity extends beyond product delivery. We take great pride in our after-sales support, technical services, and long-term relationship building.” Every touchpoint is an opportunity to exceed expectations. Ultimately, their ability to balance efficiency with customer satisfaction comes from their integrated culture of quality, innovation, and accountability. “We don’t see efficiency as a mere metric—it’s a means to serve our customers better, faster, and smarter. This mindset keeps us aligned, efficient, and trusted by our partners across industries.”
Sustainable at the Core
Kailash believes that sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial aspects of modern industry. “At Endress+Hauser India, sustainability isn’t a checkbox—it’s a core value embedded in our purpose, culture, and long-term strategy.” As a global leader in process automation, they understand their unique responsibility to lead by example in promoting sustainable industrial practices. They integrate sustainability at multiple levels—from product innovation to manufacturing practices and from employee engagement to community outreach. Their operations are guided by a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and supporting the global transition towards a circular economy.
One of their key initiatives includes developing measurement and automation solutions that help our customers optimize energy use, reduce emissions, and minimize waste in their operations. “Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Aurangabad incorporates green building principles, renewable energy systems, water recycling mechanisms, and efficient waste management protocols. We have significantly reduced our carbon emissions by adopting energy-efficient technologies and promoting digital tools that minimize travel and resource use.”
Sustainability also extends to their people and culture, adds Kailash. They actively promote awareness, encourage eco-conscious behaviour, and engage in community-driven environmental projects like tree plantation drives, clean energy education, and water conservation efforts. At Endress+Hauser India, they see sustainability not as an obligation but as an opportunity to innovate responsibly, operate efficiently, and leave a meaningful impact. They are committed to building a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future—one decision, one solution, and one relationship at a time.
Endress+Hauser has been awarded a ‘Gold‘ rating by EcoVadis for its approach to corporate social responsibility. With 78 out of 100 points, Endress+Hauser is among the top five per cent of all suppliers assessed by EcoVadis.
Testament to the company’s success, one transformative initiative that truly reflects Endress+Hauser India’s commitment to excellence and innovation is the development and expansion of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Aurangabad. This project wasn’t just about building capacity—it was about redefining industry standards. Kailash says they envisioned and executed a smart, sustainable, and digitally integrated facility that aligns with their global vision of “sustainable growth through innovation and localization.” Equipped with cutting-edge automation, digital testing labs, and advanced calibration rigs, the plant meets the evolving needs of its customers across sectors like chemical, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and water.
Always Tech-Knowl-Edged
What makes this initiative truly transformational is how it integrates its customer-centric approach, global quality standards, and environmental responsibility. Manufacturing high-precision instruments locally reduces lead times, enhances customization, and ensures faster service—while minimizing our carbon footprint. Additionally, the project has been a catalyst for skill development and talent empowerment, emphasizing training and upskilling in digital tools and Industry 4.0 practices. “This initiative is a testament to our culture of continuous improvement, purposeful innovation, and long-term commitment to India’s industrial growth. It symbolizes what we stand for: precision, progress, and lasting partnerships.”
Also, to Endress+Hauser India, technology is not just a support function—it is an enabler of transformation, agility, and excellence. It has strategically embraced digitalization across all facets of its operations to drive smarter decision-making, deliver greater value to our customers, and maintain its edge in an ever-evolving industrial landscape. Its digital integration begins at the shop floor, where advanced automation, real-time production monitoring, and data analytics ensure operational efficiency, quality assurance, and traceability. Its Aurangabad facility, designed as a smart factory aligned with Industry 4.0 principles, enables seamless communication between machines, systems, and people.
From a customer service standpoint, the firm offers digital tools and platforms like the Netilion IIoT ecosystem, enabling its customers to monitor their assets, receive predictive maintenance alerts, and optimize their processes remotely. Kailash adds, “We also provide virtual commissioning, online diagnostics, and remote support—services that have become even more critical in today’s connected world.” Internally, they use cutting-edge ERP systems, cloud-based collaboration tools, and data analytics to streamline business processes, improve responsiveness, and enhance team productivity. Above all, they see technology as a means to stay connected with their customers, understand their evolving challenges, and co-create solutions that are efficient and future-ready. “Our goal is to empower industries to be more resilient, sustainable, and intelligent, with technology as the cornerstone of that journey.”
An Empowered Workforce
The workforce is the cornerstone of any successful organization. Kailash says, “At Endress+Hauser India, we firmly believe that our people are our greatest strength. Our culture is built on trust, transparency, and continuous learning, encouraging every employee to grow both personally and professionally. We invest significantly in structured training programs, leadership development, technical upskilling, and cross-functional learning to ensure our team remains future-ready. From onboarding to advanced role-based training, our focus is on providing a holistic learning experience tailored to individual aspirations and business needs. We also promote a performance-driven culture that recognizes effort, nurtures potential, and rewards innovation.”
Empowerment lies at the heart of their leadership philosophy. They provide the teams with the autonomy to take ownership of their work, voice their ideas, and contribute meaningfully to organizational goals. Open dialogue, mentoring, and collaborative decision-making are embedded in their day-to-day operations, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Through employee engagement initiatives, inclusive workplace policies, and a focus on well-being and work-life balance, they aim to foster a workplace where talent thrives, and individuals are inspired to deliver their best every day.
Resolute in Crisis
This empowered team helps the company to emerge from every challenge it faces. One of the most defining challenges they faced was during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that tested the resilience, agility, and spirit of organizations worldwide, says Kailash. “At Endress+Hauser India, we were determined to turn adversity into opportunity. With nationwide lockdowns disrupting supply chains and physical operations, we rapidly adapted to ensure business continuity and the safety and well-being of our people.” Within days, they transitioned to remote working for all non-manufacturing staff, implemented robust safety protocols at their plants, and maintained uninterrupted support to customers in essential sectors like pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, and water treatment.
“What stood out during this period was the incredible ingenuity and commitment of our team.” They launched digital service solutions and virtual commissioning to support clients remotely—initiatives that not only kept them operational but also laid the foundation for a more agile, tech-enabled future. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, their people came together with a shared sense of purpose, innovating on the go, supporting one another, and staying connected with customers like never before. “This moment truly reflected our values and strengthened us as a company—both culturally and operationally.”
Kailash further reflects that the COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for every industry, highlighting the importance of agility, resilience, and proactive planning. At Endress+Hauser India, they took valuable lessons from that period to build a future-ready organization. Today, they are far more equipped to handle uncertainties—be they global pandemics, geopolitical tensions, or supply chain disruptions. Their contingency planning now includes enhanced digital infrastructure, localized sourcing strategies, and a strong focus on business continuity management.
They’ve also invested significantly in building a more decentralized and empowered workforce. By enabling digital tools and remote service capabilities, they ensure that their teams can remain connected with their customers and each other—even in the most challenging times. Additionally, they continually assess global developments and scenario-plan with cross-functional teams to minimize impact and maintain customer trust. “Resilience, to us, is no longer just about recovery—it’s about anticipation, adaptation, and sustained growth, no matter the external environment.”
Endress+Hauser India firmly believes that manufacturing excellence extends far beyond product quality—it encompasses the safety, security, and well-being of our people and the environments in which it operates. Its commitment to safety is embedded in its design philosophy, operational practices, and service offerings. The firm ensures that all its products and solutions meet stringent safety standards, guaranteeing top performance while protecting operators and facilities.
Kailash says they understand that a healthy workforce leads to higher productivity and engagement. Therefore, they constantly strive to create an environment that fosters safety, security, and overall well-being for all their stakeholders.
Looking Ahead–Building a Progressive Future
Kailash’s vision for Endress+Hauser India is to remain a driving force in transforming the industrial landscape through innovation, sustainability, and digitalization. “We aspire to expand our reach across more industries, including emerging sectors like renewable energy, decarbonization, and smart manufacturing, where our solutions can significantly contribute to India’s growth and create a sustainable environment. By continuously advancing our technology, optimizing operational efficiencies, and enhancing customer relationships, we will lead the way in providing end-to-end solutions that not only meet current industry needs but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.”
At the heart of this vision is their commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. They aim to ensure that their innovations drive sustainable growth and empower industries to embrace future technologies while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental responsibility. Kailash Desai is confident that by continuing to invest in their people, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and staying true to their values, they will leave a lasting impact on India’s industrial ecosystem. “As I always say, ‘The future is built on the foundation we lay today, and the choices we make today shape the industries of tomorrow,” he concludes.
