Vikas Handa, Managing Director, GulfTek
In the bustling landscape of the Middle East’s oil and gas sector, Vikas Handa, Managing Director at GulfTek, stands out not only for his leadership but also for his deep-rooted passion for innovation and local manufacturing. GulfTek, a prominent player in API-certified manufacturing and services for downhole tools, OCTG, and drilling equipment, is also a strong supporter of Aramco’s IKTVA initiative. Under Vikas’s stewardship, GulfTek has expanded its horizons, expanding its products, services, and manufacturing facilities in order to offer one-stop solutions locally to its customers including manufacturing, repair, services, and rental divisions.
Vikas’s journey into the world of business and engineering began early, nurtured in a family deeply entrenched in commerce. His father and uncle’s entrepreneurial spirit sowed the seeds of his future endeavors. Vikas’s educational path was a blend of technical expertise and business acumen, starting with mechanical engineering, followed by a postgraduate course in business management and a Fellowship in Management Accountancy from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
GulfTek’s Unique Position and Vision
Under Vikas’s leadership, GulfTek has carved a niche as the first and only manufacturer of flowmeters in the Middle East. This move not only underscores GulfTek’s commitment to reducing dependency on imports but also reinforces its role in driving technological advancements in the region. “If it can happen anywhere, why not here in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, with its vast oil and gas reserves?” Vikas remarks, highlighting the company’s vision to transform local manufacturing into a benchmark of excellence.
Vikas’s journey has not been without challenges. Building a team of top talent in a nascent industry and setting up world-class facilities demanded persistence and a clear vision. “Hurdles are opportunities,” he asserts, emphasizing that perseverance and focusing on one task at a time are crucial. His approach to overcoming obstacles is straightforward: honesty, hard work, and consistency. These values, deeply embedded in GulfTek’s culture, along with its investment in R&D have helped the company expand rapidly, doubling its growth yearly.
Leadership: A Pillar of Honesty and Hard Work
Vikas’s leadership style is rooted in simplicity and integrity. He believes that honesty is the cornerstone of successful leadership. “We deal with all stakeholders—employees, customers—with honesty at the core,” he states. This approach fosters a culture of trust and transparency, motivating the team to align with the company’s vision. “When your values are clear and you live them, your team is naturally motivated,” part of the responsibility towards each other is also to give honest feedback to stakeholders so that we can develop &grow together – he explains.
At GulfTek, customer satisfaction is paramount. Vikas’s commitment to this principle is evident in the company’s relentless focus on delivering quality and meeting customer needs, even with urgent deliveries. His philosophy is shaped by his upbringing, where his father’s hard work and his uncle’s dedication to customer delight inspired him. “Making my customer successful is success to me,” he declares, underscoring the importance of customer contentment and employee satisfaction as key metrics of success.
Despite his demanding role, Vikas maintains a healthy work-life balance by focusing on what he loves. “Every day is fun for me because I do what I enjoy,” he shares. He advocates for being present at the moment, whether at work or home, and finds fulfillment in his work, which seamlessly integrates with his personal life.
Future Aspirations: Growth and Innovation
Looking ahead, Vikas envisions GulfTek doubling its business again, over the next couple of years, driven by a commitment to customer service and continuous investment in R&D. His goal is to nurture a team that grows alongside the company, fostering innovation and excellence. “Developing my team and building the business is my personal goal,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth and innovation.
Vikas’s advice to budding entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Honesty and perseverance go a long way.” He believes that these values, coupled with a steadfast commitment to one’s vision, are the keys to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
For Vikas Handa, success is not just about business growth; it’s about contentment, peace, and making a positive impact. “Making people happy makes me happy,” he says, encapsulating his philosophy in one simple word—contentment. Through his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Vikas continues to drive GulfTek towards new horizons, setting new benchmarks in the oil and gas industry.