Kirloskar Electric Company has appointed Janaki Kirloskar as the joint managing director, marking her return to the 79-year-old electrical engineering firm. The move blends her industrial experience with entrepreneurial leadership as the company looks to strengthen its market position.
A Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduate with a BS in Industrial Engineering (Honours), class of 2003, Kirloskar began her career at Kirloskar Electric in September 2004. She spent nearly 12 years as general manager until June 2016, gaining hands-on exposure across manufacturing operations, business processes, and organisational functions within the group.
In November 2016, she pivoted to entrepreneurship and founded Kika Tableware, a premium crockery brand. As the founder & CEO for over eight years, she built the business end-to-end — handling product development, brand positioning, vendor management, and distribution before stepping down in January 2025.
During that period, she also took charge as deputy managing director at Ravindu Motors Private in February 2023. Over three years until January 2026, she supported strategic initiatives and played a key role in the company’s successful M&A process.
In February 2026, Kirloskar returned to Kirloskar Electric as the joint managing director, the role she holds today. With over a decade of prior experience at the company combined with entrepreneurial and automotive sector leadership, she brings deep operational insight to the legacy brand.
An alumna of UWC South East Asia, Kirloskar’s appointment signals a strategic blend of legacy expertise and new-age business acumen for Kirloskar Electric.
We at HRKatha wish her success as she continues her legacy.
