'Materials for a better life'

Keeping the trend of Global Management Development Programs alive, PROTON business school organized a special talk “From traditional metals to a high-tech business”. This was the 10th Global MDP held as a part of its prestigious Global MDP series.

The speakers Mr. Danny Kennis and Mr. Marc Desirant are senior professionals from Umicore Zinc Chemicals (Belgium). Umicore is one of the world’s biggest suppliers of automotive catalysts for passenger cars and world leader in the production of key materials for rechargeable batteries used in laptops and mobile phones. The company has transformed itself from a Capital-Intensive-Metal-Refining-company to a R&D-Intensive-Materials-Technology-company. It employs more than 15,000 people worldwide, and has annual revenues in excess of USD 2 billion.

They threw light on how companies deal with challenges they face, in order to survive in the changing competitive market. They explained it through the example of their own company (Umicore Zinc Chemicals) which has gone through the phase of complete transformation in the past 20 years. The slides shown were truly eye-opening!

The Speakers discussed at length the cultural challenges that a company faces if it operates globally. In India, respect for cultural value is essential and the administration is huge, slow, not-transparent and time-consuming. They discussed how their company's R&D expense is focused on clean technology domain which deals with – recycling, emission control, photo voltaic, fuel cells and rechargeable batteries.

The session provided great insights into the modern metallurgical business which is a good option for students.

Also present on the occasion were Mr. Sandeep Manudhane, Chief Mentor and Dr. Manas Fuloria, Director, Strategic Initiatives. Dr.Fuloria said that Global MDP is a distinct feature of the institute and it serves as a platform to get a view into the various perspectives of corporates across the globe.

As the session concluded, Protons extended a heartfelt gratitude and a token of appreciation to the eminent guests.