“Harmony is an important value in finance. We respect the views of others and respond on time and appropriately.”

Harish

MEET OUR PEOPLE

Harish, Regional Finance Director, Brake Business Unit, Asia

Finance professionals are important in every organization. What excites you about working at Hitachi Astemo as a finance director?

Being part of the senior management team for Hitachi Astemo’s brake business in India gives me the opportunity to participate in strategic business initiatives. I feel proud and humbled to be part of the Hitachi Group. We have freedom to work independently, and we also are part of a professional management team which makes us accountable for our actions and results. It also provides us an opportunity to grow.

I joined this company six years ago. We are the second largest player in India’s passenger-vehicle brake business. The automotive industry is exciting and challenging. Lowering costs and protecting margins are key considerations. Our open and inclusive culture encourages everyone to contribute.

“ Harmony is an important value in finance. If there is cooperation among team members, then harmony becomes a force to achieve greater success. We cannot work as individuals in silos. This also means we must respect the views of others and respond on time and appropriately. We can only do this by embracing harmony. ”

What does your regional finance director role entail?

I am responsible for the accounting, tax and controlling functions. This includes timely and accurate reporting of financials; annual business planning and the implementation of measures to monitor, achieve and control deviation to plans; business case reviews; as well as supporting the regional head in business and operational matters. I also lead the legal, secretarial and information technology (IT) functions in India.

Hitachi Astemo embraces diversity in an inclusive environment. What has your experience been like?

Being a part of Hitachi Astemo is a unique experience. We have employees from multiple nationalities and geographies throughout the company. Working and interacting with our globally diverse team has given me different perspectives and helped me learn about other cultures. For example, we have had foreign nationals work as members of our team in India for a couple of years. Diversity of perspective and experience also are important to the company’s success. The broader finance team shares best practices among regions and business units. Differing opinions about the best approach and encouraging robust discussions have led to the best solutions for our Hitachi business unit partners.

Of Hitachi’s three founding values – Harmony, Sincerity, and a Pioneering Spirit, which one do you have the most affinity for within your finance role?

Harmony is an important value in finance. If there is cooperation among team members, then harmony becomes a force to achieve greater success. We cannot work as individuals in silos. In our finance role, we need to question other departments and they need to feel they can come to us with their issues. It is our responsibility to help solve their problems and to support the business. This also means we must respect the views of others and respond on time and appropriately. We can only do this by embracing harmony.