ABOUT US

Meher Pudumjee is the Chairperson of the Thermax Group. She embarked on her journey with Thermax as a trainee engineer in August 1990 after completing her postgraduation in Chemical Engineering from the Imperial College of Science & Technology in London. In the early stages of her career, she achieved notable success by playing a pivotal role along with her husband, Pheroz, in the successful turnaround of Thermax’s subsidiary in the UK.

Upon returning to India in September 1996, she assumed a position on Thermax’s Board of Directors, working closely in the Finance function and then the Environment division and a joint venture in bottled water. In January 2001, she transitioned to the role of Non-Executive Director and, by 2002, became the Vice Chairperson. Her tenure in these roles was characterised by active involvement in the turnaround of Thermax’s business operations.

In October 2004, Meher assumed the role of Chairperson, propelling Thermax towards sustainable growth and responsible practices. Under her visionary leadership, the company is on a mission to establish itself as a trusted partner in energy transition.

Meher extends her influence and expertise to various national and international committees in the spheres of energy, sustainability, and industrial development. Her expansive portfolio includes roles as Director of the Akanksha Foundation, Trustee of 'Teach for India', and Independent Director on the board of Pidilite Industries, among others.

Over the years, Meher has garnered immense respect and recognition, both in India and abroad, for her contributions to the energy sector and environmental initiatives. In 2006, Meher represented India at the Asian Business Women’s Conference in Osaka. Other notable accolades include the 'Women in Business Young Achiever' award by The Financial Express in 2006 and the 'CEO of the Year' title by Business Standard in 2009. In 2008, the World Economic Forum honoured her as a 'Young Global Leader' in recognition of her professional accomplishments, commitment to society, and potential to shape the world's future.

Meher’s dedication to Thermax's vision has culminated in the company being awarded the prestigious ‘IMD Global Family Business Award’ and the ‘Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance’ for the year 2023, and the 'University of Vermont Family Business Award' in the 'Multi-Generation Family Enterprise’ category in 2022. Also, the company was recognised with the coveted ‘Best Business led by a Woman’ award at the Moneycontrol Indian Family Business Awards 2022.

Ashish Bhandari has been the MD & CEO of Thermax Group since September 1, 2020. He leads all strategies and initiatives towards the Group’s vision of becoming a trusted partner in energy transition. Ashish is mandated with strengthening global customer and partner relationships and crafting innovative approaches to accelerate business outcomes based on emerging business models, the evolving market landscape, and industry developments. He also leads the Group's product development strategy and client expansion initiatives across the globe.

Ashish joined Thermax with more than two decades of experience working with industry-leading companies and conglomerates, including those with a significant presence in the oil and gas industry. He was previously the Vice President–India and South Asia region at Baker Hughes (formerly a GE company). He also had a 15-year-long stint with GE. His prior work experience includes a stint with Schlumberger, McKinsey & Co., and two overseas startups.

Ashish completed his Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering (B. Tech) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai and later received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Duke University.

Hemant joined as the Executive Vice President & Group Business Head for the Cooling & Heating business in 2010. He currently leads the New Energy business at Thermax, strategising and executing Thermax’s foray into new energy initiatives.
In a career spanning 34 years, Hemant worked with Tata Auto Comp Systems Limited, Indian Seamless Metal Tubes and Bharat Forge. His vast experience encompasses business development, strategic planning, M&A, technology development, and setting up of JVs and greenfield projects.

Hemant joined Thermax from Tata Auto Comp Systems (TACO), where he was President and Member of the Corporate Business Group, overseeing the Interiors and Plastic division, Automotive Composite business and Tata GS Yuasa battery business.

A Mechanical Engineer from Nagpur, Hemant has done his MBA from Symbiosis, Pune and has completed a Diploma in General Management from Netherland’s Maastricht School of Management.

Rajendran Arunachalam took over the responsibility as the Thermax Group CFO on 1st June 2019. He joined Thermax as the Executive Vice President (EVP) – Finance and a member of the Executive Council of Thermax Group in March 2019.

Starting his career with Thermax as a Management Trainee in 1993, he worked for 15 years till 2008 across departments and businesses, including the role of Finance Controller for Chemical and Power businesses. He worked with Tata AutoComp Systems from 2008 to 2013 and subsequently moved to Gabriel India Ltd., where he was the CFO heading Finance, Secretarial, Legal & IT functions before rejoining Thermax.

A Certified Public Accountant (USA) & a Fellow Certified Management Accountant (FCMA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Rajendran has completed his Masters in Management Studies (MMS), Integrated Program of Engineering & Management from BITS Pilani and Advanced Management & Leadership Program from Oxford University in the UK.