Sony India Managing Director Kenichiro Hibi, a Bollywood movie buff and a black-belt in karate, believes localisation is the key to success in the Indian market. In an interview with Business Line , he says no market is as diverse and dynamic as India and Indians are smart, motivated and possess a zeal for success. Edited excerpts:

How did you come to work in India?

As per decision taken by Sony Headquarters, I was sent to head India operations. I was excited to come to India since I have been to this beautiful country 25 years back for a backpacking expedition. During my trip, I travelled across the country, met many interesting people and tasted some of the best delicacies ever. I am wanderlust at heart and have always believed in exploring opportunities that open me up to new places and experiences.

What draws you to India?

India fascinates me in all facets. The country has a diverse culture which I have always found very interesting. Indian people are full of life, very warm and cordial. It is India’s diversity in culture, mouth-watering delectable food, amazing tourist destinations and vivacious people that attracts me to this wonderful country.

How comfortable is it working in India?

Working in India has been a pleasure. The country has a highly diversified and skilled talent pool. People here possess a positive attitude towards work as well as life, irrespective of the circumstances they are in. Personally, I feel there is so much to learn and enjoy in this country. The only challenge here is the country’s erratic weather conditions. I experienced the dynamism of global weather change with -40 °C in my previous stint in Russia, and +40 °C in the Indian summer.

How different is working in India, from other countries that you have worked before?

I have worked in various parts of the world during the course of my career, but no market is as diverse and dynamic as India. People here are smart, motivated and possess a zeal for success. ‘Localisation’ is the key to business here as every city is different from the other in terms of consumer needs and demands.

What do you like about the work culture here?

Indians are hardworking and passionate about their work. In challenging times, they have the skills to find innovative solutions.

On a personal note, I find it very comfortable to socialise with Indians and I have many friends outside office.

What is your advice to expats?

India is a developing nation, like any growing country, the country offers its own set of unique opportunities and challenges.

My advice to expats coming to India is that they should be flexible and ready to adapt to any situation they are presented with.

They should sincerely represent the country they are working in and be the voice of the company’s operations to their headquarters, from the point of view of a native and not as an expat.

What do you feel are the country’s strengths and weaknesses?

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. With my experience in the country, I see a huge pool of fresh talent who are passionate and motivated but lack proper direction.

That said, I am witnessing a significant change, with the youth being offered opportunities to hone their skills and gain sustainable employment. I also feel the country needs to focus on developing its infrastructure.

What do you do in your after office hours?

Like most Indians, I enjoy watching cricket. I am also a big foodie and never miss an opportunity to devour new Indian delicacies.

My all-time favourites are Chicken Tikka and Masala Dosa.

Whenever I find time, I like to travel and in the past, have visited some beautiful places in India such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar and Umaid Bhawan in Rajasthan.

I am also a black-belt in Karate and enjoy working out to keep myself fit. I love watching Bollywood movies. I try and catch up with all the latest releases.

This is part of a series on expat CEOs working in India

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