In the realm of global business, few names resonate as strongly as Aloke Lohia. Born in 1958, this Indian-born entrepreneur has not only left an indelible mark on the petrochemical industry but has also proven that ambition, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability can shape the world’s future.
Early & Personal Life
Aloke Lohia’s journey began at Delhi University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree. This foundation laid the groundwork for his future as a titan of industry.
Besides his remarkable career, Lohia is a family man, married to Suchitra Lohia, who serves as a director and vice-chairman of Indorama Ventures. Their family includes a daughter and two sons, each bearing the hallmarks of excellence, much like their parents.
Aloke Lohia’s Career Odyssey
The tale of Aloke Lohia’s ascent in the business world is nothing short of inspiring. In 1979, he embarked on his professional journey as the finance director of P.T. Indorama Synthetics in Indonesia, a role that laid the foundation for his future endeavours.
In 1988, Lohia made a significant move to Thailand, where he set up Indorama Chemicals (now known as Aurus Specialty Company Limited). His vision was to transform corncobs into furfural alcohol, a pioneering endeavour supported financially by the German Investment Corporation.
Not content with this achievement, Lohia founded Indorama Holdings in 1994, marking Thailand’s first foray into the wool business. The subsequent year, he launched Thailand’s first PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) business under the name Indorama Polymers.
A pivotal moment occurred in February 2010 when Lohia took the bold step of delisting Indorama Polymers and concurrently listing its parent company, Indorama Ventures, on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. This strategic move heralded a new era for the company. By the end of 2014, Indorama Ventures had achieved revenues of approximately $7.5 billion, a testament to Aloke Lohia’s leadership and vision.
Aloke Lohia: A Man of Recognition
In 2011, Lohia’s expertise was acknowledged when he was appointed an honorary investment advisor to the Government of Thailand, an honour that underlines his contributions to the nation. Furthermore, from 2011 to 2014, he was included in the Top 40 Power Players by ICIS, the world’s largest petrochemical market information provider, a recognition of his stature in the industry.
Aloke Lohia’s Phenomenal Success
Aloke Lohia’s astounding success extends beyond his personal accolades. As the CEO of Indorama Ventures, he has steered the company to remarkable heights. With an $18.7 billion revenue, Indorama Ventures stands as the world’s largest producer of PET resins by capacity, and Lohia’s relentless drive has been a key factor in this achievement.
Lohia’s ambition and belief in the potential of his home country, India, led to a joint venture with Dhunseri Petrochem, aimed at producing polyester resin in eastern India. This partnership signifies his commitment to nurturing the petrochemical industry not only on a global scale but also in his country of origin.
In April 2022, Indorama Ventures made a landmark acquisition, completing the purchase of Oxiteno, a Brazilian producer of surfactants, for an impressive $1.3 billion. This strategic move further solidifies Indorama Ventures’ global footprint under Aloke Lohia’s leadership.
Aloke Lohia’s Commitment to Sustainability
While achieving unprecedented success in the petrochemical industry, Aloke Lohia has never lost sight of the importance of sustainability. His visionary approach extends to environmental consciousness and corporate responsibility.
Indorama Ventures has played a pioneering role in recycling post-consumer PET packaging. The company has processed over 58 billion post-consumer PET bottles, with a target of recycling 50 billion bottles annually and an investment of $1.5 billion to achieve these sustainability goals.
Furthermore, Indorama Ventures issued a 10-billion-baht triple-tranche Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB), the largest SLB issued in Thailand, reflecting Lohia’s commitment to sustainable finance and his contribution to the nation’s green initiatives.
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