In today’s fast-paced business world, only a handful of leaders possess the ability to drive real change. Sanjay Dayal, the visionary CEO of Pact Group, is one such leader who has not only transformed businesses but also steered them towards a sustainable future. With an exceptional career spanning leadership roles in BlueScope Steel, Orica, and ICI, Sanjay has consistently proven his ability to innovate, adapt, and inspire.
Sanjay Dayal’s journey is one of resilience, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Under his leadership, Pact Group has emerged as a powerhouse in packaging, reuse, and recycling, setting new industry benchmarks.
Sanjay Dayal: From Engineering to Executive Leadership
Sanjay Dayal’s journey began with a strong academic foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi). This technical expertise laid the groundwork for a career that would span multiple industries and geographies.
His early career saw him excel in manufacturing and supply chain management at Orica and ICI, where he played a pivotal role in optimizing processes and integrating businesses on a global scale. These roles honed his leadership skills and prepared him for the challenges of managing large-scale operations.
At BlueScope Steel, Sanjay Dayal held the esteemed position of Chief Executive, Building Products, Corporate Strategy, and Innovation. Over nine years, he led transformative initiatives across Australia and Asia, solidifying his reputation as a leader capable of navigating complex markets and driving growth.
Steering Pact Group Towards Sustainability and Growth
In April 2019, Sanjay took the helm as Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Pact Group, a company dedicated to innovative packaging solutions, recycling, and sustainability. With operations spanning Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the UK, and the US, Pact Group has positioned itself as a global leader in sustainable packaging.
Financial Resilience and Strategic Growth
Under Sanjay’s leadership, Pact Group has demonstrated resilience, particularly during the challenging times of COVID-19 and economic downturns. Despite fluctuations in revenue, the company has increased efficiency, improved margins, and strengthened its balance sheet.
In 2020, Pact Group reported a statutory net profit after tax of $89 million, showcasing its ability to adapt and thrive even in volatile conditions. The company’s EBITDA rose to $301.8 million, a testament to the strong financial strategies implemented under Sanjay’s leadership.
By 2024, Pact Group reported a revenue of $1.857 billion, despite challenges in the market. The company successfully boosted underlying EBIT to $154.6 million through efficiency gains and cost-saving measures. Pact also divested 50% of its Crates business and formed a joint venture with Morrison & Co., further strengthening its financial position.
Driving the Circular Economy Vision
Sanjay Dayal’s commitment to sustainability has been a game-changer for Pact Group. The company has embraced the circular economy model, focusing on increasing the use of recycled materials in locally made plastic packaging.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
Investment in PET recycling – Pact Group partnered with Cleanaway and Asahi to develop a state-of-the-art PET recycling facility in Australia. This will increase the company’s recycling capacity to over 50,000 tonnes by 2022.
Acquisition of Flight Plastics NZ – Strengthening its sustainable packaging solutions for the Australia-New Zealand fresh food market.
Expansion of reuse platforms – Partnering with ALDI and expanding into the US market for reusable packaging solutions.
30% recycled content target by 2025 – Aiming to integrate recycled materials across its product portfolio, reducing plastic waste.
These sustainability-driven strategies position Pact Group as a leader in eco-friendly packaging and demonstrate Sanjay’s vision for a greener future.
Innovation Amid Challenges: Adapting to Market Changes
The business landscape has not been without challenges. Economic pressures, the COVID-19 pandemic, and fluctuating consumer demand have tested Pact Group’s resilience. Yet, Sanjay has continuously driven innovation and transformation.
The company successfully navigated cost-of-living pressures in Australia and New Zealand, while also addressing subdued demand in China. By implementing a proactive cost-reduction program and strengthening the supply chain, Pact Group has ensured stable operations despite market volatility.
A major achievement was the reduction of gearing from three times to 2.5 times, highlighting Pact’s strong debt management and financial discipline.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Sanjay Dayal’s leadership extends beyond business success. As a Director of Chemistry Australia, he contributes to shaping industry standards and fostering innovation in the chemical and packaging sectors.
Sanjay Dayal’s leadership philosophy revolves around three key principles:
Customer-Centric Transformation – Ensuring that all business strategies align with consumer needs and market trends.
Sustainable Innovation – Investing in technologies and partnerships that promote environmental responsibility.
People-Driven Success – Empowering employees and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
Also Read:Trump Signs Executive Order to Combat Antisemitism, Targeting Pro-Palestinian Activists