Manufacturing today isn’t just about producing at scale—it’s about creating responsibly, adapting swiftly, and leading with vision. As supply chains stretch across borders and technology reshapes production, leaders who can balance global scale with ethical impact are the ones who define the future. One such leader is Revathi Advaithi, a trailblazer who has not only reimagined what modern manufacturing looks like but has also made it more inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready.
From India to the Global Stage
Born and raised in India, Revathi Advaithi built her career on persistence, ambition, and a clear vision of what purposeful leadership should look like. After completing her mechanical engineering degree in India, she went on to earn her MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in the U.S. Her journey reflects a relentless pursuit of growth—not just for herself but for the organizations and people she leads.
Her early years in the industry were marked by determination to break barriers. In sectors often dominated by men, she stood her ground, not just as a leader but as a changemaker who would eventually redefine leadership in manufacturing at a global level.
At the Helm of Flex
In 2019, Revathi Advaithi took charge as the CEO of Flex, one of the world’s largest manufacturing and supply chain companies. This was not just a leadership role—it was a mandate to transform. Flex operates in more than 30 countries with over 170,000 employees, delivering manufacturing solutions for industries ranging from healthcare and automotive to consumer electronics.
Under her leadership, Flex has not only strengthened its global presence but has also been recognized consistently among the World’s Most Admired Companies and World’s Most Ethical Companies. These accolades reflect a culture of integrity and innovation that Revathi has nurtured across the organization.
Championing Ethics and Sustainability
What sets Revathi apart is her unwavering belief that manufacturing must be about more than output. She champions sustainability and ethical responsibility as core drivers of business growth. Under her guidance, Flex has made sustainability a strategic priority—addressing environmental goals while creating long-term value for stakeholders.
Her leadership demonstrates that profitability and responsibility are not at odds; they are interdependent. By embedding sustainability into operations, Revathi has positioned Flex as a forward-looking manufacturer that is not only delivering products but also shaping a better future.
Recognition on the World Stage
Revathi’s influence extends well beyond Flex. She has been recognized on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list every year since 2019, a testament to her consistent impact. In 2024, she was also named among CNBC’s Changemakers, further cementing her place among leaders who are rewriting the rules of business leadership.
She also serves on the board of directors for Uber and Catalyst, expanding her influence into other sectors and reinforcing her role as a voice for inclusive and ethical corporate governance.
A Bold Leadership Approach
Revathi’s leadership style blends bold decision-making with empathy. She is known for being decisive in times of uncertainty while also staying deeply connected to her workforce. For her, leadership is not about commanding from the top but about enabling people at every level of the organization to deliver their best.
She advocates for diversity in leadership, championing initiatives that create more opportunities for women in STEM and manufacturing. By doing so, she is not only shaping the culture within Flex but also setting an example for the industry at large.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Revathi Advaithi’s journey is far from over. As manufacturing continues to evolve with digitalization, automation, and sustainability at the forefront, she remains focused on steering Flex towards innovation while keeping people and planet at the core of decision-making.
Her aspiration is clear: to redefine manufacturing as a sector that is not only efficient and profitable but also responsible, diverse, and inclusive. With leaders like her at the helm, the future of global manufacturing looks not just promising—but truly transformative.
Closing Note
Revathi Advaithi represents a new era of manufacturing leadership—one where scale meets sustainability, and vision meets execution. Her story is not just about rising to the top of a global manufacturing giant but about proving that true leadership is about leaving industries, organizations, and communities better than you found them.
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