CEO Insights Magazine

Exceptional global leaders are visionary individuals who transcend boundaries, both geographic and conceptual. They possess the acumen to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace, adapt to diverse cultures, and foster innovation. These leaders are trailblazers, leaving a lasting impact on their organizations by driving growth, creating opportunities, and shaping the future of the industry.

Shrikant Bairagi, Managing Director of Argo-Hytos India, is one such distinguished leader with a proven track record of more than three decades in the industry. With a Mechanical Engineering background from Pune University and an MBA from the United States, Shrikant has held various roles, from Methods Engineer to Managing Director, and Country Head in India and the USA, encapsulating his journey from an engineer to a global leader. As a visionary, he places a premium on innovation, team building, and a commitment to creating value for all stakeholders, propelling ArgoHytos India to greater heights.

In an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights, Shrikant Bairagi enlightens us more about his professional traits and his unique play at Argo-Hytos India.

In an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights, Shrikant Bairagi enlightens us more about his professional traits and his unique play at Argo-Hytos India.
I am a 1990 Mechanical Engineering graduate from Pune University, with a subsequent MBA from the US. My career began at Bosch, where I was selected through campus recruitment for their prestigious technical graduate training program. Initially, I served as a Methods Engineer in Nasik until 1996. I was then deputed to Bosch, USA, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 1996-2004. During this period, I underwent extensive management training and I also had the privilege of leading a team of engineers as a Group Manager, marking the inception of my managerial leadership journey.

Upon returning to India in 2004, I

embarked on a journey that saw me assume pivotal roles in esteemed organizations. My active involvement in professional bodies includes serving as Vice President of the Fluid Power Society of India (FPSI), Chairman at FPSI's Coimbatore Chapter, and membership in the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (ICMA) and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. Over the past five and a half years, I have held the role of Managing Director and Country Head at ArgoHytos India.

My daily motivation springs from the pursuit of solving challenges, making impactful decisions for all stakeholders, and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Share with us your experience from IIM Lucknow and the learning from the campus beyond academics.
I completed the advanced program in strategic management and business excellence at IIM Lucknow in 2022, achieving the top rank in my batch, which was acknowledged with a rank certificate and trophy. Beyond academic knowledge, my time on campus allowed me to forge valuable connections spanning industries and geographical boundaries. These enduring relationships continue to thrive, fostering collaborative idea exchange a valuable takeaway from the program.

Define Argo-Hytos as an organization and its position in the hydraulics industry.
Argo-Hytos is a renowned global brand in fluid technology, serving as a crucial component and system supplier in the hydraulics industry. With over 75 years of expertise in fluid, motion control, and filtration, the company is an innovation leader in mobile hydraulics. Argo-Hytos plays a vital role in the supply chains of world market leaders in mobile machinery and mechanical engineering, offering tailored, customized solutions to meet the unique requirements of its esteemed clientele.

As the MD, what are the factors you take into account when developing effective corporate growth strategies?

In my role as MD, I prioritize several key factors when shaping effective corporate growth strategies. I ensure that our strategies are designed to create value for our direct customers, end-users, and all stakeholders. To achieve this, I align actions with our company's vision and mission, executing them meticulously through proactive planning. Building a cohesive team is fundamental, built on the pillars of trust and mutual respect. I establish cultural expectations upfront, clarifying our values, and acceptable behaviors, and aligning individual aspirations with the company's overarching goals. I provide ample learning and growth opportunities to nurture a culture of innovation, aligning individual development with our collective success.

What future destination are you headed towards?
My future destination is to establish the best-in industry organization by cultivating an exceptional team. Over the next five years, I aim to continue our journey, building on our achievements. Awards for operational excellence, CSR, and quality highlight our journey towards becoming the industry's best within India, with our team earning a reputation as the best in the field.

In light of your strong professional experience, what would be your advice to budding industry leaders?
Drawing from my experience, my advice to aspiring industry leaders is to embrace the ownership mindset. Think and act like an owner, take calculated risks, and execute with precision. Prioritize all stakeholders, not just one. Maintain a fervor for learning and passion for your work, and success will follow.

Shrikant Bairagi, MD, Argo-Hytos
Shrikant Bairagi, Managing Director of ArgoHytos, is a distinguished leader with a three decade track record in the industry, spanning roles from Methods Engineer to Managing Director and Country Head. As a visionary leader, he emphasizes innovation, team cohesion, and value creation, driving ArgoHytos to greater success.

•Hobbies: Listening to Hindi songs
•Favourite cuisines: Maharashtrian
•Favourite books: The Machine that Changed the World
•Favourite Travel Destination: US

•Awards:Best Outgoing Student Award from the 10th standard and top-rank achievement in an advanced program at IIM Lucknow and 7th rank & Gold Medal from 1990 batch of B.E. Mechanical, Pune University. Recognized among the top 25 CEOs in India in a list compiled by the HRD Ministry's Great People Managers study in 2023