Leaders In Design

Vice president APAC Kartik Shethia believes his team’s dedication to design will ensure the success of furniture manufacturer herman miller within the rich market that is the asia–pacific.

- Oliver Featherston

There’s a theme that persists through everything Vice President APAC Kartik Shethia says about office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller – commitment. In the 10 years he’s spent with the company, a commitment to quality, to design, to customers and to Herman Miller’s mission has persisted through his own work and the organisation as a whole.

“The drive that the organisation has to deliver great design time and time again is part of a huge commitment the organisation has made to the industry,” Kartik says. “Today we’re recognised as a leader in design. The company stays committed to meeting that expectation, and so, two things that really make it a great place are its commitment to its people and its commitment to design.”

The Asia–Pacific Vice President believes that when employees are there for the long-term it creates a much better organisation and culture. His previous boss had been with the company 28 years, while his current boss has been there for 35 years. Kartik himself has worked under said boss for eight years now, and it’s not surprising that he’s drawn so much inspiration from his superior, including his efforts to foster autonomy and eschew micromanagement.