DE & I / INTERVIEW #03

Exploring uncharted territories with a global perspective—Driving decarbonization through the ammonia value chain.

事業開発統括本部アンモニアバリューチェーンプロジェクト部に所属し、アンモニアの製造から輸送、そして利用までの一連の流れ、すなわち「バリューチェーン」を海外で構築するための営業開発を行なっています。

I am part of the Ammonia Value Chain Project Department within the Business Development Division, where I focus on business development and spearheading initiatives to establish an integrated "value chain" for ammonia production, transportation, and utilization in international markets.

インドの大学を卒業後、私は日本の大手化学メーカーでキャリアをスタートしました。その後、外資系企業でプロジェクトマネジメントや営業を経験し、2024年10月にIHIに入社しました。当時の私は2050年に迫るカーボンニュートラルの実現に向けた取り組みに強い関心を持っていました。何をどのように使えば脱炭素を実現できるのか。多くの日本企業がその解決策を模索する中、アンモニアバリューチェーンの確立という明確なビジョンを持っていたのがIHIでした。

After graduating from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay), with a major in Chemical Engineering, I began my career as a Process Design Lead at a leading Japanese chemical manufacturing company. As my career progressed, I gained extensive experience in project management, technical sales, and business development at both Japanese and foreign-affiliated companies before joining IHI in October 2024.
Motivated by a strong interest in initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, I became particularly intrigued by the exploration of innovative resources and methods for decarbonization. While many Japanese companies were seeking solutions to this global challenge, IHI stood out with its clear and focused vision of establishing the ammonia value chain, which ultimately inspired me to join the organization.

アンモニアバリューチェーン構築は、世界でもまだ誰も成し遂げていない未踏の領域への挑戦です。アンモニアを生産し、輸送し、利用する。この3つの段階それぞれの課題解決への取り組みは、非常にチャレンジングな取り組みです。例えば、アフリカ、中東、インドなどではアンモニア生産は行えるものの、輸送手段がありません。また、これらの国では政府とのタフな交渉を強いられます。インド出身の私は、現地の言語、文化、ビジネス習慣を知っています。この強みを活かし、日本企業とインド企業との間のコミュニケーションを円滑にし、信頼関係を構築することで、プロジェクトを成功に導く。自分のスキルを活かしてゼロから新たな価値を創造していくことに、大きなやりがいを感じています。

The construction of the ammonia value chain is a groundbreaking challenge in uncharted territory, one that has yet to be achieved on a global scale. Each stage—production, transportation, and utilization—presents its own set of unique and demanding challenges.
For instance, when focusing on green ammonia and its role as a fuel and hydrogen carrier, production is comparatively financially viable due to the abundant availability of renewable energy in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and India. However, a well-established supply chain connecting these producers to emerging end users has yet to be developed.
Furthermore, navigating negotiations with government entities, managing various risks, conducting environmental assessments, and evaluating the stability of economies in these regions adds further complexity to the endeavour.
As someone from India, I bring a deep understanding of the local language alongside proficiency in English and Japanese, as well as knowledge of the local culture and business practices. By leveraging this expertise, I aim to facilitate seamless communication between Japanese and Indian companies, foster mutual trust, and contribute to the success of the project. I find immense fulfilment in applying my skills to create new value from the ground up and in contributing to transformative initiatives like the ammonia value chain.

Taking on global business challenges in an environment that respects diversity. Pushing boundaries can change the world.

IHIに入社する以前、私は日本企業に対して「日本語でのコミュニケーションが必須」「上下関係が厳しく、ルールが非常に細かく設定されている」「暗黙の了解が多く、行間を読むことが求められる」といったイメージを持っていました。しかしながら、IHIに入社して、これらのイメージは良い意味で大きく覆されることとなりました。

Before joining IHI, I held certain preconceived notions about Japanese companies: "Communication must be conducted exclusively in Japanese," "Hierarchical relationships are rigid, governed by strict and detailed rules," and "There is a heavy reliance on implicit understanding, requiring one to read between the lines." However, after joining IHI, I was pleasantly surprised to find these assumptions overturned in a positive and refreshing way.

私の所属部署は多様なバックグラウンドを持つメンバーが集まっており、それぞれの個性や強みを尊重する文化が根付いています。会議は日本語だけでなく英語でも行われ、自分の意見を自由に発言できます。ビジネスのスピード感も想像以上に速く、意思決定のプロセスも非常に効率的だと感じています。

My department consists of members from diverse backgrounds, fostering a culture that values everyone’s unique perspectives and strengths.
Meetings are held in both Japanese and English, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can freely share their ideas and opinions.
I have also been impressed by the pace of business operations, which is faster than I had expected, and by the highly efficient decision-making processes that drive the organization forward.

また、ビジネスをグローバルな視点で見られる点も、IHIの大きな魅力です。私は営業開発担当として、世界各国の公的機関や民間企業と数多くの交渉を行なってきました。各国の文化に配慮しながら、生産国側と利用国側それぞれの利益をどのように担保していくか。経済や金融の専門家にアドバイスをもらいながら行なう交渉は、大きなやりがいを感じると同時に、グローバルな舞台で働けている感動を与えてくれています。

Another major strength of IHI is its ability to approach business with a truly global perspective. As a business development representative, I have participated in numerous negotiations with public institutions and private companies around the world.
A key challenge in these discussions is balancing the interests of both producing and consuming countries while respecting the unique cultural contexts of each nation.
Guided by insights from economic and financial experts, these negotiations not only provide a deep sense of fulfilment but also inspire me with the excitement of contributing to initiatives on a global scale.

今、入社して間もない私がこのような仕事に取り組めているのは、IHIが多様性を尊重し、社員一人ひとりのチャレンジ精神を奨励する企業だからです。IHIにはオープンなコミュニケーションを重視する文化が根付いており、年齢や役職に関係なく、誰もが自由に意見を交換できる環境があります。また、社歴を問わずにチャンスを与え、最良の結果を追求する懐の深さがあります。

The reason I am able to take on such responsibilities despite being relatively new to the company is that IHI values diversity and fosters a culture that encourages each employee to embrace challenges. IHI has cultivated an environment that prioritizes open communication, allowing individuals to freely exchange ideas regardless of age or position.
Additionally, the company provides equal opportunities to employees, irrespective of their tenure, reflecting its forward-thinking approach and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.

私はこうした企業文化に後押しされながら、世界を変える大きなプロジェクトに携わるチャンスをいただいています。アンモニアバリューチェーンのプロジェクトは、この先何十年と続くでしょう。私はこの長いプロジェクトの中で役割を果たすことを通じて、IHIという組織、ひいては社会全体に貢献できる人財へ成長していきたいと考えています。

Empowered by this supportive corporate culture, I have been given the opportunity to work　on transformative projects with the potential to make a global impact. The Ammonia Value Chain project is a long-term initiative expected to span decades. Through my contributions to this ambitious endeavour, I aspire to grow into a valuable asset who can drive meaningful progress—not only within IHI as an organization but also for society at large.