Srikanth Jampa

Leadership Excellence in India's Specialty Chemicals & Water Treatment Landscape

Srikanth Jampa

Associate Vice President (Oil & Gas),

Ion Exchange India Ltd.

The complex world of oil and gas requires a unique blend of leadership styles. Here, leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about possessing a unique blend of qualities that steer a company towards innovation, growth, and sustainability. In the present era of hydrocarbon industry, leaders need to be more than just visionaries; they need to be strategic thinkers, effective coordinators, and brand ambassadors who resonate with the market pulse.
Srikanth Jampa, an embodiment of these essential qualities, serves as the Associate Vice President (Oil & Gas) at Ion Exchange India Ltd. With a profound understanding of the current market requirements both in India and the global arena, Srikanth stands in sync with the changing dynamics of hydrocarbon processing and its intricate challenges in process water and wastewater management. His role isn’t just confined to understanding the market; he champions the cause by effectively communicating the company’s solutions, becoming a guiding beacon to navigate Ion Exchange India Ltd. through the vast market landscape.
One of Srikanth’s remarkable qualities lies in his belief in organic growth. He not only coaches his team but also empowers them to be resilient leaders, fostering a culture of strength and adaptability. This approach ensures a seamless spread of expertise across the global market, consequently increasing the company’s market share and influence. TradeFlock interviewed Srikanth to understand how he achieves this and what his plans are.

What significant milestones shaped your journey to your current role?

Throughout my 26+ years of professional journey in the field of specialty chemicals, I have honed my technical expertise and application knowledge. In a significant accomplishment, I achieved a remarkable 300% increase in revenue growth in my previous role while maintaining almost zero receivables. Furthermore, I orchestrated the successful launch of several new solutions simultaneously, each with a PAN India potential surpassing $10 million. Additionally, I developed an exclusive All India Potential Mapping tailored specifically for the oil and gas industry, providing a strategic framework for future business endeavours and revenue growth. A pivotal aspect of my leadership approach involves creating cohesive team synergy within organisations, ensuring alignment with changing market dynamics, and fostering consistent growth. These milestones have paved the way for my current position, equipping me with a wealth of experience and strategic insights that continue to drive success in my role.

Summarise your role as Associate Vice President at Ion Exchange India Ltd. and its impact on the company's water treatment mission.

As the associate vice president at Ion Exchange India Ltd., I spearhead the specialty chemicals business for the oil refinery process, leading a strategic initiative within the company. With over six decades of industry leadership, Ion Exchange India Ltd. entrusted me with the challenge of establishing this venture from scratch. In this role, I initiated and managed a fully integrated sales unit, collaborating closely with R&D, product experts, and marketing teams. Leveraging my 25+ years of expertise, I oversee PAN India sales for this exclusive Strategic Business Unit (SBU), focusing on refinery process solutions and offering integrated support for water and wastewater management. My role plays a vital part in advancing Ion Exchange India Ltd’s mission in water treatment, aligning innovative solutions with industry needs.

What challenges shaped your leadership and problem-solving approach?

Several pivotal challenges and turning points have significantly shaped my approach to leadership and problem-solving throughout my career. Firstly, adapting to the diverse business operating principles, policies, and work cultures of various organisations I’ve worked for, along with understanding their unique perceptions of the growing market scenario, sharpened my ability to navigate complexities and foster collaboration. Secondly, encountering limitations in products and solutions initially posed a barrier to market expansion. Overcoming these limitations required creative problem-solving, innovation, and strategic thinking to develop offerings that met market demands effectively. Lastly, the challenge of market penetration as a new SBU amidst global technology giants led to initial client resistance. Addressing this requires building trust, establishing credibility, and showcasing the value proposition of our solutions, fostering a resilient and client-focused approach to problem-solving. These experiences have not only honed my leadership skills but have also instilled in me a proactive and adaptable mindset, enabling me to tackle challenges head-on and drive innovative solutions in the ever-changing landscape of the industry.

How do you manage global ecosystem turmoil? What strategies do you employ?

Addressing global ecosystem turmoil requires a multifaceted approach rooted in sustainability and corporate responsibility. In such situations, my strategy focuses on implementing clean water technology and adopting green chemical products, green fuel technology, and solar energy for internal operations. Recycling water within our organisation and in client-bound industries is crucial to minimising our environmental impact. Collaborating with associate companies committed to low carbon footprints strengthens our collective efforts towards sustainability. Furthermore, under CSR initiatives, I advocate for green plantations in both rural sectors and industrial areas where ecological balance needs restoration. These strategic initiatives not only align with environmental preservation but also contribute significantly to our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.

What are your aspirations for the future of the water treatment industry in India, and how do you plan to shape its trajectory?

My vision for the Indian water treatment industry revolves around three key objectives: maximising water recycling, reducing carbon footprints through eco-friendly solutions, and implementing innovative technologies to curtail water consumption and energy emissions. As a leader, my role is to drive these initiatives, fostering sustainability and innovation for a greener, more efficient future in water management.