Punit Lalbhai

Background

About Punit Lalbhai

Punit Lalbhai serves as the Vice Chairman of Arvind Limited, overseeing the company’s Textile, Advanced Materials, Engineering and Agriculture divisions. He leads initiatives in sustainability, corporate social responsibility and innovation at Arvind. Punit has been instrumental in expanding Arvind’s entry and growth in technical textiles and advanced materials, making it the company’s fastest growing segment. Under his leadership, Arvind has gained global recognition for its human protection garments, industrial fabrics and composite materials made from glass and carbon. He is also involved with Anup Engineering, a capital goods manufacturing company, and Arvind Envisol, an emerging company specialising in wastewater treatment solutions. A strong advocate for environmental responsibility, Punit has played a key role in transforming Arvind into a leader in sustainable textile production. Under his leadership, Arvind has achieved 100% water circularity and neutrality in textile production, and almost 50% of the company’s energy needs are met through renewable sources. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology from the University of California, Davis, a master’s degree in Environmental Science from Yale University and an MBA from INSEAD, France. During his time at Yale, he recognised the potential of business as a platform to drive ecological stewardship and make a positive impact. Punit’s influence extends beyond Arvind. He has contributed to several boards in India and internationally focused on environmental sustainability such as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Organic Cotton Accelerator and Apparel Impact Institute. Punit is passionate about creating long-term social and economic value for the communities they engage with. He is a board member at Ahmedabad University and CEPT University and oversees Arvind’s Gyanada program, a CSR initiative focused on improving higher education and building opportunities for children in Ahmedabad’s municipal schools. Punit is also actively involved in wildlife conservation and serves on the boards of the Wildlife Trust of India and Tiger Watch. Outside work, Punit has practiced Heartfulness Meditation since 1998 and has been a certified trainer since 2012. He believes that internal sustainability leads to sustainable organisations, industries and landscapes. He also has interests in ornithology, reading and sports, especially Test cricket.