In a civilized world, the improvement in the standard of living is of paramount importance to the progression of a community. The case is not so different in the business world. Efficiency, Safety, Security, and Sustainability are the pillars of a business environment that set the right milieu for every organization's growth. These benchmarks are instrumental to the GCC region's dynamically transforming business landscape from Saudi Vision 2030 to UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and Bahrain Vision 2030. In the KSA alone, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently announced that the country's economy is expected to get SR27 trillion($7 trillion) in government spending and investments by 2030 as the Kingdom plans to be among the top 15 global economies.

Cherian Varghese, Founder & CEO, VIN Group of Companies, is on a mission to ensure a unique growth environment for organizations in the GCC region with a holistic approach revolving around Innovation, Safety, Sustainability and EcoFriendly solutions. One of the fastest growing business groups in the region, VIN Group of Companies is best known for its commitment to creating sustainable value for organizations and society at large by continuously innovating to provide the best solutions and eco-efficient practices across all its business activities. The VIN Group comprising VIN Technology, VINNER Hygiene & VIN Trading, and VIN Energy, encrusts technology (IoT and Embedded Systems), Hygiene solutions & products, and Energy Efficiency.

An innovative engineer with more than 30 years of professional experience, Cherian has been at the center of VINs exceptional journey. After migrating from Bhilai (Chhattisgarh), India, he kick started his overseas career in 1995 with Shuwayer Electrical Engineering Systems in the Eastern Province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He had a long stint with the company spanning more than two decades. Today, Cherian is not only a great leader but an impeccable professional & design thinker with strong expertise across everything from planning & production to cost engineering and an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs in the region. CEO Insights engages in an exclusive interview with Cherian.

In your professional journey spanning more than 30 years, which are the events you would recall as the most important milestones. What is the main goal you strive to achieve through your ventures?
Being able to kick start my overseas career with one of the leading companies in Eastern Province KSA, Abdullah H Al-Shuwayer Group of companies, was one of the primary milestones in my journey. I worked with them for over two decades. It is one of the greatest places to work in Saudi Arabia, owing to its mature leadership, focused goals, and clear KPIs. The company's leaders are the ones who instilled entrepreneurship in me. I experienced the rich local culture and warm hospitality of the country through them. I learned my crucial life lessons of business ethics, customer relationships, accountability, and walking the talk from them. Another milestone was starting our first electronics manufacturing facility in Bahrain, which gave us the complete autonomy to produce any electronic products, especially with our inhouse R&D for embedded systems, IoT, and server management solutions.

The main goals we are looking forward to achieving through all our entities are NET Zero Accidents & Carbon Footprint. With Safety & Sustainability at the core of everything we do, all our activities and business are oriented towards achieving this goal.

Tell us about VIN. How is it creating a mark for itself in the safety and sustainability solutions space?
VIN is present across four major verticals with key focus on safety and sustainability. VIN-Technology is an AI-powered IoT solutions and electronics products manufacturing facility. We started with a factory in Bahrain and now we are building one in Saudi Arabia, harmonious with Saudi Vision 2030. We currently have a few successful inhouse developed products in the market such as proximity alert warning system(PWAS) a unique man/machine collision avoidance system. Smart indoor air quality sensor, VIN-AIR can sense 11 pollutants as required in the LEED Green building standards. Smart Washroom is another efficiency product for FM companies.

Through VINNER Hygiene, we provide comprehensive Surface & Air hygiene products. We have a strong portfolio of ecofriendly products with no VOCs or harmful chemicals that affect the environment. It helps in having less water usage too. Our air hygiene products kill the pollutants and can also reverse Air Pollution in the process. We meet the Green Building Council's cleaning & disinfection and air hygiene compliance requirements.

VIN Energy is our energy efficiency program that can audit the facilities and ensure maximum efficiency for energy usage. Historically, companies were able to save 15-25 percent of their energy bills.

We measure & control the energy and avoid wastage to ensure enhanced energy efficiency.

VIN Trading is the division wherein we trade our products and services that help meet our overall NetZero Accidents & Carbon Footprint goal. One of our latest products available for purchase is an AntiSlip solution.

The greatest strength i feel today is my patience & perseverance it has never failed me

Your professional journey spans over 30 years; what are your greatest strengths? What are the values you strongly stand by irrespective of undesirable scenarios?
The greatest strength I feel today is my patience & perseverance it has never failed me. The values that got us going so far and will light our future would be(i)Integrity; we only do what we feel is right and always abide by the rules. Treating all team members andclients with respect and honesty is a significant part of this.(ii)Innovation; we believe that there are no small or big ideas every idea counts.(iii) Humility; we always ask for honest feedback, make sure that we are open to change, and learn from mistakes & success.(iv)Teamwork; a significant aspect of teamwork is ensuring every voice is heard and fostering healthy communication in the work place. (v)Excellence; excellence is all about hard work and striving for continuous improvement.(vi)Account ability;it's necessary that we learn to own up to our responsibilities.


How do you find the balance between satisfying your workforce's requirements and catering to customers' demands?
I always believed my workforce is my family and strength. Teamwork and humility helped us get along well and gave us the confidence to conquer any peak. My team leaders in each office are like my hands, eyes, and ears. They make me feel I am always there in the midst of my workforce and customer. Quickly adapting to the needs of the market and being proactive is the mantra.

Tell us about the technological frameworks. What are the possible impacts you envisioned achieving through the adoption of futuristic technologies?
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and IoT coupled with our embedded systems manufacturing capability gave us the opportunity to fill the gap in the market.We have been able to reduce accidents, save energy, and keep track of air quality, among an array of other satisfying endeavors.

What made you station the venture in the Saudi Arabian market?
Saudi Arabia is my home. I love Saudi Arabia, its culture, people, hospitality, safety, food, and ethics. My professional growth happened in this country, and I owe a lot to the Kingdom. Apart from business decisions on why Saudi Arabia, I have many emotional connections with Saudi Arabia. It has a vibrant young techsavvy population when it comes to the potential business areas. Progress in the right direction can be seen almost every day. Saudi Arabia has a clear vision to be the best place in the world.

Where is VIN headed?
We will be one of the global leaders in Mobility Safety. We will be one of the most desired Eco Friendly Surface and Air Hygiene products manufacturer & supplier in the Middle East. We will play an active role in Energy Efficiency space.

Cherian Varghese, Founder & CEO, Vin Group Of Companies
An innovative engineer with more than 30 years of professional experience, Cherian has been at the center of this exceptional journey of VIN. Father of two wonderful sons and happily married for over 23 years. Today, Cherian is not only a great leader, but an impeccable professional & design thinker with strong expertise across everything from planning & production to cost engineering and an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs in the region. A Business Re-engineering expert, his professional technical papers are published in many publications and are adopted as best practices internationally.

Hobbies:Reading, Bike Riding(a new passion), and Cycling
Favorite Cuisine:Indian food, especially typical food of central Travancore, Kerala, and of course, Arabic Cuisine
Favorite Book:The Fish: Stephen C Lundin
Favorite Travel Destination:Northern Lights Polar Lights & Star Gazing