Leading the way: Manjusha Singh, CEO of Siegwerk India

As the first woman CEO of Siegwerk India, Manjusha Singh has made a mark on the company and the packaging industry. With more than two decades of experience in B2B sales and marketing, her leadership comes at a pivotal moment for Siegwerk, which has long been recognised for its double-digit growth in India. 

Singh’s leadership style is shaped by two core values: safety and service. Reflecting on her role, she says, “Product safety is paramount. With over two decades of direct experience in the print industry, coupled with extensive collaboration with global FMCG clients, I can affirm Siegwerk’s leadership in packaging safety.” Notably, Siegwerk has pioneered initiatives such as toluene-free, mineral oil-free, and water-based inks, establishing benchmarks that continue to shape the packaging landscape.

Her leadership also extends beyond product safety. Singh explains, “Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a top priority for businesses and consumers alike.” Siegwerk is involved in developing solutions for the circular economy, including barrier coatings, deinkable primers, and other products aimed at reducing packaging waste and enhancing recyclability. The company’s focus on these environmentally friendly initiatives has been central to its success in India.

Navigating change in the Indian market
With regulatory changes and rising consumer awareness pushing businesses to adapt quickly, Singh’s experience across international markets has proven invaluable. From her early roles in companies such as Huhtamaki and Hungama to her tenure at Tetra Pak, where she led global teams and transformative sales initiatives, Singh has been at the forefront of major shifts in the packaging industry. Her insight into the Indian market, shaped by years spent living and working in Italy, Thailand, and Switzerland, has equipped her with on how to balance local needs with global trends.

“Regulatory frameworks, such as FSSAI regulations and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), have been instrumental in driving industry changes across packaging safety, recycling, and environmental sustainability,” Singh notes. As a result, Indian businesses are increasingly held accountable for sustainability and social responsibility across the value chain.

Singh also highlights the importance of service levels as a key driver of business growth. “With expectations around product quality, safety, sustainability, and circularity at an all-time high, service excellence is a key differentiator.” 

Embracing diversity and digital transformation
As the first woman to lead Siegwerk India, Singh brings a fresh perspective to leadership in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. Her approach emphasises qualities she believes are naturally embodied by women in leadership roles.

“Openness has the power to transform teams. It creates a culture where transparency and trust thrive, encouraging others to reciprocate and engage more authentically,” she explains. This mindset has fostered a culture of innovation and inclusivity within the company, as Singh continues to champion diversity, both in the workplace and in the company’s operations.

Siegwerk’s commitment to digital transformation, a key pillar of its long-term strategy, is another area where Singh has made strides. Through investments in digital tools such as SAP and Microsoft Dynamics, Siegwerk has streamlined its operations and improved customer interactions. 

In India, where business processes are rapidly evolving, digital solutions like track-and-trace systems and digital certificates of analysis (COAs) have greatly enhanced the company’s efficiency. Singh notes that digitalisation is not just about ease of business; it is about “doing things better, faster, and more cost-effectively.”

Driving innovation and social responsibility
Singh’s is committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the company’s impact on society. She recalls a moment during a visit to a school supported by Siegwerk’s CSR initiatives, where young girls—once at risk of early marriage—are pursuing higher education and dreaming of careers in fields such as medicine. “Witnessing this shift firsthand was inspiring—it reinforced the importance of education as a catalyst for change.”

Looking ahead, Singh is focused on overcoming the challenges posed by the Indian packaging market, in advancing the circular economy. While sustainability is a concern, she recognises that cost competitiveness remains crucial. “We ensure our solutions benefit our customers and the environment without imposing financial burden,” she says.

Singh’s leadership will inspire change and set new standards for the industry, solidifying Siegwerk’s role as a key player in the global packaging sector.n