Sanjiv Lamba: In a world that constantly demands evolution, resilience, and innovation, few leaders stand out by embodying all three in equal measure. Sanjiv Lamba’s leadership journey is not just a corporate ascent—it is a powerful narrative of relentless growth, global impact, and purpose-driven leadership. As the Chief Executive Officer of Linde plc, the world’s largest industrial gases and engineering company, Lamba is more than just a figure at the top—he is the heartbeat of a global movement toward sustainable transformation.
From Kolkata to Global Command: The Humble Origins
Every great journey has a beginning rooted in discipline and aspiration. For Sanjiv Lamba, it began at St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata, where he earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in 1987. By 1989, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant—a decision that set him on a path marked by precision, perseverance, and purpose.
Lamba joined BOC India the same year, stepping into the finance division with curiosity and grit. In a company that would later become Linde, he didn’t just find a job—he discovered a canvas for limitless ambition. By 2001, Lamba had already become the Managing Director for the India business, a testament to his exceptional leadership and strategic foresight.
Sanjiv Lamba: A Global Perspective Forged in Experience
From the bustling streets of Kolkata to corporate boardrooms in London, Singapore, and Munich, Sanjiv Lamba’s leadership journey has been an odyssey of insight and impact. With every move, he absorbed cultures, markets, and people, strengthening his belief that true leadership lies in listening, adapting, and empowering.
From 2006 to 2011, Sanjiv Lamba led Linde’s South & East Asia Regional Business Unit, overseeing operations across 11 countries. His role on the Executive Board of Linde AG from March 2011 marked a turning point. He wasn’t just building regional business anymore; he was architecting global strategy.
Lamba’s cross-border leadership deepened his commitment to sustainability, innovation, and people. His Indian heritage, marked by resourcefulness and resilience, played a central role. “Jugaad”—the art of frugal innovation—isn’t just a word; it’s a worldview that Lamba uses to solve complex problems creatively while maximising value.
Leading Linde: The Visionary at the Helm
In March 2022, Sanjiv Lamba was appointed CEO of Linde plc, the culmination of over three decades of dedication. It was a role built not just on experience, but on a consistent record of excellence. Leading 66,000 employees across 80 countries, Lamba approaches the role not with entitlement but with immense gratitude and purpose.
Under his stewardship, Linde has delivered exceptional results, even amid a volatile global economy. In 2023, the company reported $33 billion in sales and an industry-leading operating profit of $9.1 billion. A remarkable 25.4% return on capital and a 16% growth in earnings per share reflect a performance culture that Lamba tirelessly nurtures.
And yet, he remains grounded. “High performance,” Lamba says, “isn’t just about numbers. It’s about execution, safety, innovation, and above all, people.”
Sanjiv Lamba: Culture of Excellence and Empowerment
Sanjiv Lamba believes that excellence isn’t imposed—it’s inspired. At Linde, this belief translates into a powerful culture of empowerment. “We talk about being limitless,” Lamba says. “Our gases are everywhere—from medical innovations to space exploration. To support that scale of impact, we must cultivate equally limitless talent.”
That’s why Linde has launched initiatives like the Executive Leadership Programme in collaboration with Duke University and the Global Immersion Programme to promote cross-cultural experiences. These aren’t just training sessions—they’re transformational opportunities for employees to grow as global citizens and industry leaders.
Sanjiv Lamba’s passion for talent development is deeply personal. “For me, growth has two aspects—how we grow our business and how we grow our people,” he says. This dual focus has propelled Linde to become a magnet for top talent while maintaining its position as a front-runner in industrial innovation.
Championing Sustainability and the Hydrogen Future
As Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council and a committed member of the Business Council, Lamba is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean energy. Sanjiv Lamba believes Linde must lead the global decarbonization mission—not just with technology, but with conviction.
Linde’s investments in green hydrogen, carbon capture, and eco-efficient solutions are already setting benchmarks. With over 600 active community engagement projects worldwide, the company’s sustainability ethos extends beyond operations to meaningful social impact.
“Our focus is clear,” Lamba explains. “To enable a more sustainable and interconnected world through smart, science-driven solutions.”
Also Read : Badrinarayanan Kothandaraman: The Mind Behind Enphase Energy’s Rise to the S&P 500