5 Mins With… Anand Rangachary, Frost & Sullivan MD, MENASA

What is your company focusing on?

This year, we will be focusing on working with clients and helping them grow their way out of global economic uncertainty.

Are you concerned that the current volatile global economic climate will affect your strategy?

To a large extent – it will not. An ideal strategy is one that is dynamic and flexible enough to adapt to macro-economic shifts and variances.

Nevertheless, during such economic conditions, the risk mitigation element of the strategy gets more focus.

What are the growth areas currently for your industry?

– We are looking at emerging economies beyond BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China), markets like East Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Poland and Argentina.

– Working with developed economies in diversifying their GDP base (most developed economies are
heavily dependent on consumption-driven-services and have, over time, compromised on their
manufacturing edge/advantage).

– Re-establishing focus on high-end, value-added manufacturing
is essential for tackling the growing unemployment and creating sustainable wealth.

– Working closely with companies in Middle East to help diversify their revenue base and leverage
specific opportunities for long-term growth.

What new products/ service will your company launch this year?

Structured processes and tools for companies to foster a culture of visionary innovation within
their organisations and developing a roadmap for world-class manufacturing in the Middle East.

Will you be expanding into new territory?

Yes, while direct presence would be limited to certain countries like UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, we will increasingly focus on addressing growth opportunities in markets such as North and East Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh through remote teams.

What have been the biggest challenges for businesses in your sector in 2012?

Reducing the dependence of local Middle East business on the prolonged economic
slowdown witnessed in developed markets.

Will you be hiring this year?

Yes. In specific focus areas and geographies. We will be expanding our existing operations both in Dubai and Bahrain and will also be aggressively establishing our direct presence in Saudi Arabia.

What’s your leadership style?

One that is built on complete trust that my team will deliver their best at all times.

What makes the perfect employee?
One that is worthy of my trust and lives up to it at all times.

Define success in five words…
Confluence of health, wealth and happiness.

Three tips for becoming the boss…

• Contribute significantly to your boss’s success – so he/she can go to the next level and you take that position.

• Focus on solutions to problems more than the problems themselves.

• Always be willing to explore opportunities beyond one’s comfort zone

When I’m not at work I like to…

Play music with my family.