All work is accomplished by hard work and not by thinking. Just as animals like deer do not enter the mouth of a sleeping lion, but the lion himself has to hunt, in the same way, we should also work diligently to achieve the desired goal.
Venkat Changavalli's career commenced at Lupin as a management trainee on May 9, 1977, under the mentorship of Mr. DB Gupta. Starting with a salary of Rs. 1,000 per month, he quickly adapted to the pharmaceutical industry, learning about competitive products, production, procurement, distribution, budgets, and marketing. By his second year, he was confirmed as Assistant Manager-Finance, managing sales accounting, debtors ledger, bank reconciliation, and budgets.
Key Contributions and Learnings:
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Understood practical challenges through a 10-day training session with medical representatives.
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Gained real-world insights into logistics and distribution by booking a consignment from Byculla to Calcutta.
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Developed meticulous process manuals for sales accounting and ledgers.
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Maintained strong connections with former colleagues, showcased during a reunion in December 2019 in Lonavala.
In October 1980, Venkat Venkat Changavalli joined Star Industrial and Textile Enterprises Limited as Manager, Corporate Finance, reporting directly to the President and CEO, Mr. P B Nayar. Here, he excelled in securing significant financial collaborations, including short-term inter-corporate deposits and working capital loans. He also played a crucial role in raising Rs. 1 Crore Term Loan from ICICI and IDBI and orchestrating a Rs. 1.09 Crore foreign currency loan for modernization.
Key Contributions and Learnings:
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Secured short-term inter-corporate deposits from companies like Pfizer and CEAT.
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Orchestrated a Rs. 2.25 Crore working capital loan from a consortium of banks.
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Raised a Rs. 1 Crore Term Loan from ICICI and IDBI.
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Secured a Rs. 1.09 Crore foreign currency loan for modernization.
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Successfully managed the oversubscribed public issuance of secured convertible debentures worth Rs. 4.25 Crores in November 1981.
Venkat's journey with CIBA-GEIGY began on July 1, 1982, as Assistant Manager-PIC (Planning, Implementation, and Control). This role introduced him to the intricacies of the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in planning and visioning exercises.
Key Contributions:
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Gained a deep understanding of corporate principles and strategic management.
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Learned leadership dynamics and teamwork intricacies.
In September 1986, Venkat Venkat Changavalli transitioned to the marketing domain as a Product Manager. He was responsible for key products like "Tegretol" for epilepsy, "Sintamil" for depression, and "Regestrone" for Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding. Despite lacking a background in biological sciences, he excelled under the mentorship of Mr. HK Bhattacharjee. Venkat's meticulous planning led to the successful 18th International Epilepsy Congress in 1989, significantly increasing sales and market share for Tegretol.
Key Achievements:
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Successfully planned and executed the 18th International Epilepsy Congress in 1989.
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Increased sales of Tegretol from Rs. 22 million to Rs. 81 million.
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Grew Tegretol's market share from 13% to 45% in four years.
Venkat's next venture was with Drachem Specialty Chemicals Limited, where he served as AGM, Marketing. He played a pivotal role in establishing an aroma chemicals plant near Bangalore and fostering technical excellence through training at Dragoco's headquarters in Holzminden.
Key Contributions:
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Played a crucial role in setting up an aroma chemicals plant near Bangalore.
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Gained valuable international exposure through training at Dragoco's headquarters.
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Learned key lessons on leadership and ethical management.
In July 1992, Venkat Venkat Changavalli joined Roffe Construction Chemicals as Senior General Manager. Tasked with transforming the company's operations, he introduced a structured organizational framework, implemented robust systems and procedures, and nurtured relationships with banks, suppliers, distributors, and customers.
Key Contributions:
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Created an organizational structure, hiring professionals for key roles.
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Established systems, procedures, and controls for better management.
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Improved HR policies and fostered a culture of integrity.
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Strengthened relationships with banks, suppliers, distributors, and customers.
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Successfully consolidated the company's turnover to Rs. 2.4 Crores per annum.
Venkat Changavalli's professional journey is a testament to his dedication, strategic thinking, and leadership prowess. His experiences across diverse industries have shaped his approach to management and have consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and innovation.
