Page 3 - Business Sense-11.3 Rajesh Lutchman eBook

LEADERSHIP WITH

VISION AND EXPERTISE

teeped in the should they express the desire to
entrepreneurial spirit join the business, do we have that
Sof South Africa’s East conversation,” explained Rajesh.
Coast, Rajesh Lutchman Following this principle, his two
has spent over three elder sons, Mikhail Lutchman
decades leading with vision, and Luan Lutchman, have both
determination, and a relentless
work ethic. As chief executive joined the organisation– Luan
officer of Siyaka, Rajesh has most recently, following his
grown the business from a tenure at Investec.
small, dedicated team into a Grooming tomorrow’s
thriving, multi-site enterprise leadership is a profound
with operations in Durban, responsibility. “In passing on
Johannesburg, Mauritius, what we refer to as the ‘holy
and strategic representation grail’, we place strong emphasis
in all major hubs primarily on continual improvement (CI) –
servicing southern Africa a principle we uphold alongside
and East Africa. innovation, accountability, and
strategic thinking.”
Siyaka is a trusted name in
the fast-moving consumer While the organisation is
goods sector, providing high- structured and mirrors the
quality printed packaging operational discipline of a
solutions. From snack packets corporate entity, Siyaka proudly
to detergents and beverages, retain the agility and soul
products with Siyaka’s of a family business. Swift,
packaging line the shelves of decisive action on emerging
retail stores across southern opportunities has long been one
Africa – many consumers have of its key differentiators.
likely held a Siyaka-printed item
in their hands without even Family remains a central
realising it. pillar. “Every quarter, we
retreat as a family to a remote
“I started with a small team,” destination – a tradition that
Rajesh recalls, “many of whom serves as a reset, fostering
are still with the company harmony and alignment across
today. Honesty and integrity both personal and professional
have shaped our culture. We’ve spheres,” explains Rajesh.
built a family, bound by a
common vision: delivering “Our business endeavours are
value-engineered packaging united by a shared vision and
with purpose.” long-term commitment. We
remain optimistic, guided by
Rajesh’s drive for perfection a clear five-year outlook and
was evident from an early age. a focus on delivering lasting
For him, printing artwork impact in emerging markets.
on paper was never enough Challenges persist, but so do
– he envisioned packaging opportunities – and there is
that combined consistency, much to be done by the next
durability, and artisan- generation of industry leaders.”
like quality at scale. That
philosophy remains at the heart Over the years, Rajesh and
of Siyaka’s operations. his team have been honoured
with numerous accolades, a
Navigating the complexities testament to their dedication
of the manufacturing world and excellence, and the values
requires more than operational we stand for.
excellence. It calls for foresight, Rajesh Lutchman, Chief Executive Officer of Siyaka
adaptability, and the ability He comments, “We remain
to mitigate risks and remove Rajesh is driven not only fosters an environment of suppliers, customers, and driven by purpose, united in
roadblocks. “You need to see our mission, and committed
the end at the beginning,” by curiosity for processes, psychological safety, co-creation, consumers alike.” to excellence – today, and for
Rajesh says, “and map the path but by a deep respect for the and shared accountability. At Siyaka, succession and the future.”
with precision.” people behind them. “My Beyond Siyaka, Rajesh now leadership development are not In conclusion Rajesh says
passion has always been in
Change is the only constant developing teams – nurturing sits on the board of various taken lightly. “As part of our that his business philosophy is
in the packaging and printing a culture where individuals industries, including a property family tradition, each of our guided by his mantra which is:
development and management
children is encouraged to first
industry – a reality that has led are empowered to thrive and “Question the status quo. Dare
Rajesh on a global journey across contribute meaningfully to portfolio and an investment gain experience in the open to change it.” 
Europe and the Americas in continuous improvement.” entity. But for him, success has market following their tertiary
pursuit of innovative solutions never been about the numbers. qualification. Only thereafter, W: www.siyaka.net
and cutting-edge technologies. Siyaka remains grounded in “The greatest investment you
His goal? To enhance the lives the same core principles it held can make,” he reflects, “is in
of consumers while creating at inception: alignment among something that outlasts you.
sustainable, waste-efficient stakeholders, collaborative For me, it’s about leaving a
packaging that contributes to a problem-solving, and a culture legacy – one that improves the
healthier planet. where the best ideas win. Rajesh lives of employees, families,

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