As we celebrated the achievements and contributions of women on the occasion of International Women’s Day earlier this month, Medianews4u.com caught up with Aarti Jhunjhunwala, Executive Director Fineotex Chemicals. The company was founded by her father Surendra Tiberwala in 1979.
She is a key driving force behind the company’s strategic growth and global expansion. With over 15 years of industry experience, she has played a role in strengthening FCL’s position as a leader in specialty chemicals across textiles, home care, hygiene, and water treatment industries. Holding a Master’s degree in Accounts and Taxation from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, she brings deep financial and business acumen to her leadership. Her expertise spans business development, sales, branding, and corporate strategy, enabling FCL to build strong global alliances, adopt sustainable technologies, and continuously innovate.
Under her leadership, FCL has expanded its international presence, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, research-driven solutions, and customer-centric innovations. She has been instrumental in spearheading the company’s R&D initiatives through its subsidiary, Biotex, in Malaysia, which specialises in high-end textile finishing chemicals and antimicrobial solutions. Recognized for her contributions to the industry, she was honored with the ‘Women at Work Leadership Award’ at the Asia Pacific HRM Congress Awards. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to excellence, she continues to drive FCL’s vision of providing high-performance and sustainable specialty chemical solutions worldwide.
Q. Could you talk about the role of women in driving Fineotex Chemical to the next level?
Women play a crucial role in our journey to becoming India’s leading textile chemical manufacturer with their leadership and vision fostering innovation sustainability and inclusivity.
With over 15 years of work experience in speciality chemical industry expertise, it has helped me in my role to integrate sustainable practices into the company’s operations. My efforts have led to global strategy alliances, enabling Fineotex Chemical to adopt advanced technologies and implement eco-friendly practices, thus positioning the company as a responsible and environmentally conscious manufacturer.
Q. What do women bring to the table when it comes to strategic decision-making?
Women bring a multidimensional approach to strategic decision-making, excelling in multitasking, critical thinking, and collaboration. Their unique problem-solving skills ensure the highest quality standards across research, development, production, and marketing. Their dedication and expertise are invaluable to our continued growth and innovation:
· Enhanced collaboration and productivity: Research indicates that women leader’s foster environments that boost productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire organizational dedication and improve fairness
· Innovative approach: The increased representation of women in leadership roles has led to fresh insights and innovative approaches in planning, driving effective strategies and organisational growth
· Diverse perspective: Women contribute to better outcomes and improved performance of institutions and organisations by bringing diverse viewpoints to the decision-making processes
By integrating these diverse perspectives and skills, organisations can enhance their strategic decisions making process, leading to more comprehensive and effective outcomes.
Q. Within Fineotex, inclusivity and equality are core values embedded in organisational practices. Could you shed light on what this entails?
· Diversity training and professional development: We implement comprehensive diversity training programmes alongside targeted professional development initiatives. These efforts cultivate an inclusive workplace culture that supports the advancement of women and empowers all employees
· Recognition as a Great Place to Work: Our dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment has earned us the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification. This accolade underscores our efforts in creating a workplace that values diversity and promotes equality
· Sustainability and social responsibility: We integrate sustainability into our core business strategies, balancing success with our impact on society and the environment. This approach ensures that our growth is inclusive and equitable, benefiting all stakeholders. By embedding inclusivity and equality into our organisational practices, we not only enhance employee satisfaction and engagement but also drive innovation and sustainable growth.
Further, inclusivity and equality are fundamental to our corporate culture. We ensure equal access to opportunities, leadership roles, and career advancement regardless of gender or background. Our merit-based promotions and open work environment prioritize talent and dedication, fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Q. How has your family’s vision and passion for growth shaped your journey to a leadership position?
Growing up in a family deeply involved in the business provided invaluable insights and inspiration into chemical manufacturing. As a second-generation entrepreneur, in this sector I have been immersed in the speciality chemical industry from an early age with Fineotex founded by my father Mr Surendra Tiberwala in 1979.
Further, my mother’s guidance and resilience helped shape my path to navigate various roles within the company. These influences have been instrumental in my ascent to leadership, driving Fineotex expansion into global markets and reinforcing the company’s dedication to responsible manufacturing practices.
Thus, the profound impact my family has had on my vision and passion has definitely helped and guided me to steer Fineotex towards sustained growth and industry prominence.
Q. For women to progress to a leadership position, how important is it to have a mentor? Is it an advantage if that mentor is a female family member?
It is not necessary for a female to be the mentor. Anyone who can encourage, guide and be a source of inspiration can be a mentor. The key is having someone who believes in your potential. So while having a family member can be beneficial, gender is not a focus when it comes to mentorship.
Q. Does Fineotex Chemical invest in training to ensure that women advance in the company?
Absolutely, at Fineotex Chemical, we are committed to investing in training and development programs that support women’s career advancement. We actively encourage women to take on leadership roles within the organisation and provide them with the necessary resources to excel. Additionally, we maintain open channels for feedback and grievance redressal, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and that continuous improvements are made to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Q. Striking a work-life balance is a challenge for female employees. How does the company support this through policies like flexible work arrangements and transparent recruitment practices?
At our company, we strongly believe that work-life balance is essential for all employees, irrespective of gender. A fulfilling career should not come at the cost of personal well-being. We recognize that every individual has unique responsibilities, aspirations, and personal commitments, and we strive to create a work environment that accommodates these diverse needs. We support our employees in whichever way we can. By fostering a culture of understanding and support, we empower our employees to thrive both professionally and personally, ultimately contributing to a more engaged and productive workforce.
Q. In the textile industry, what efforts are being made towards inclusion?
The Indian textile industry has been a significant employer of women, and in recent years concrete efforts have been made to enhance gender inclusivity and empower women across various levels.
Women constitute nearly 60% of India’s textile and garment workforce, making it one of the largest employers of women in the country. This is a clear indicator that companies are prioritizing women’s recruitment in both traditional handlooms and modern textile manufacturing.
Similarly, at Fineotex we actively recruit and retain diverse talent while implementing strict policies against harassment and discrimination. Our goal is to create a workplace where women feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. We believe that diversity and inclusion are key drivers of innovation, creativity, and long-term business success.
Q. While it is important for women to support each other in a competitive environment, what are the challenges that arise?
In a competitive environment, women supporting each other is essential for collective growth and progress. However, several challenges can arise that make this support system complex to navigate:
· Perceived scarcity of opportunities: With fewer women in leadership roles, there is often a sense of limited opportunities, leading to increased competition rather than collaboration. This scarcity mind set can sometimes prevent women from uplifting one another. Additionally at times employees hesitate to voice their opinions due to fears of being unheard, having ideas taken, or authority concerns
· Lack of diversity and inclusion: Workplaces lacking diversity and inclusive practices can foster environments where women feel isolated or pitted against each other, further complicating efforts to build supportive work.
Addressing these challenges requires organizational commitment to fostering inclusive cultures, implementing mentorship programmes and ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees.
Q. A toxic work environment negatively impacts women. What is the way forward for the textile and other industries?
A toxic work environment poses significant challenges for women, especially in industries like textile where they constitute a substantial portion of the workforce. Such environment can lead to issues like discrimination, harassment and limited career advancement adversely affecting women’s wellbeing and professional growth.
· Establish clear policies and enforcement mechanisms: Implementing and strictly enforcing policies against discriminations and harassment is crucial. This includes creating confidential reporting systems ensuring that all complaints are addressed promptly and impartially
· Promote gender equality and empowerment: Developing programs empower women through skill development, leadership and equitable employment practices can enhance their representation at all organisational levels
· Foster inclusive workplace cultures: Cultivating culture of respect and inclusion involves regular training on diversity, equity and inclusion as well as encouraging open dialogues about challenges faced by women in the workplace
· Ensure safe working conditions: Prioritizing the physical and psychological safety of all employees is essential. This includes addressing issues like workplace harassment, which disproportionately affect women
· Implement transparent accountability measures: Holding individuals accountable for their actions through transparent investigation and consequences is vital in deterring toxic behaviour and maintaining a healthy work environment
At Fineotex, we prioritise all of the above: respect, leadership training, and equal opportunities to create a positive workplace where women can excel.
Q. Does more need to be done to celebrate women’s contributions beyond International Women’s Day?
While International Women’s Day is an important occasion to celebrate achievements, recognising and valuing women’s contributions should be an ongoing effort and not only celebrated on a particular day or in a particular month. I believe in fostering a workplace where women feel empowered, valued, and supported every day.
This means acknowledging successes, offering leadership opportunities, and providing continuous professional development. Industry-wide, more can be done to ensure that women’s achievements are highlighted through mentorship programmes, leadership forums, and industry awards. Encouraging diverse voices at every level of decision-making will not only benefit women but will also drive innovation, enhance business performance, and create a more inclusive future for the manufacturing sector.
