In the demanding world of infrastructure and construction, companies face challenges such as intense competition, regulatory pressures, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Strong leadership is key to overcoming challenges, encouraging teamwork, and helping organizations succeed. Effective leaders play a vital role in driving strategic decisions, inspiring their teams, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, which positions companies for long-term success.
One such leader is Rajesh Yadav, Executive Director of HR for Oriental Structural Engineers (OSE) Pvt Ltd & Group Companies and Head of Operations for Oriental Tollways Private Limited (OTPL), who exemplifies this kind of leadership by steering the company toward its ambitious goals. His emphasis on innovation and quality keeps OSE ahead of the curve. Under his leadership, teams collaborate to deliver top-notch infrastructure projects, reinforcing OSE’s position as an industry leader and setting an inspiring standard of excellence.
Evolving Landscape of Business Leadership
Leaders like Rajesh Yadav play a crucial role in shaping teams, organizations, communities, and the world at large. Effective leadership skills are essential across professional and personal contexts, as they facilitate strong team dynamics, drive organizational success, manage change, and promote ongoing personal and professional growth. The traditional hierarchical command-and-control structures, where directives were simply given, are now outdated. Today, leadership emphasizes collaboration and collective efforts to achieve results. There has been a significant shift towards a more flexible and adaptable leadership style, where employee input is considered vital in decision-making processes, highlighting the importance of employee engagement in human resource management.
Effective leaders provide guidance and make critical decisions, large and small, that propel progress. True leadership embodies integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. Such leaders can influence others by clearly communicating their vision, expressing gratitude, and fostering collaboration.
From HR Leadership to Operational Mastery
Rajesh Yadav is an experienced HR leader with 40 years in HR management, talent acquisition, and people strategy. He has worked with national and international companies in the engineering and infrastructure sectors. Rajesh holds degrees in Master of Social Work (MSW) and Political Science and has served in senior HR roles at companies such as Electronics Ltd., Escorts, UFlex Industries, Machino Basell, and Sumi Motherson. As the Executive Director of HR for OSE & Group Companies and Head of Operations for OTPL, he aligns HR functions with organizational goals. He has also tripled OSE’s workforce, enhancing its reputation as an employee-centric organization.
Beyond HR, Rajesh leads tolling and non-tolling operations for Oriental InfraTrust (OIT), where he has doubled revenue in the last four years. He’s also efficiently heading the Open Cast Mining Projects, Optical Fibre Cable, and aggregate businesses. Since transitioning from manufacturing to infrastructure in 2006, he has focused on personal growth opportunities, applying his expertise to elevate the company’s standards in the organized sector and achieving top ESG rankings for OSE-SPV projects.
Overcoming Challenges
Rajesh has led the transformation of Oriental Structural Engineers (OSE) into structured, process-driven organizations by standardizing HR processes amid the company’s diversification beyond highway construction. To address challenges in attracting and retaining talent, he implemented a comprehensive strategy focused on competitive compensation and engaging employee initiatives. This strategy also emphasized leadership development and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).
The dual operations of Tolling and Non-Tolling businesses introduced further challenges, including issues of vandalism and violence at toll plazas. To foster community trust, Rajesh utilized his people management skills to enhance team morale and increase toll revenue. As a tech-savvy leader, he spearheaded the implementation of advanced Toll Management Systems (TMS) and FASTag to enhance operational efficiency in line with NHAI’s requirements. He also developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for toll collection and organized health check-ups, engaging local NGOs in awareness programs to strengthen community relationships and promote project success.
Sources of Inspiration
Learning and inspiration are ongoing processes. Throughout his career in esteemed organizations and professional forums, Rajesh has drawn inspiration from various senior leaders and industry stalwarts. Having spent the last 18 years at OSE, he credits much of his growth to the guidance and support of Mr K.S. Bakshi, the Managing Director, and Mr. Sanjit Bakshi, the Deputy Managing Director.
Under Mr K.S. Bakshi’s mentorship, Rajesh Yadav has significantly enhanced his people skills, effectively monitored business lines, conducted performance reviews, and developed corrective action plans. His experience has enabled him to build motivated and committed teams with high integrity. Meanwhile, Mr Sanjit Bakshi, a Wharton Business School graduate with further studies at the University of Pennsylvania, has inspired him with his dynamic leadership style. Mr Sanjit’s approach emphasizes the adoption of new business technologies, management of financial and commercial portfolios, delegation of responsibilities, and team empowerment. His mentorship has encouraged Rajesh to embrace the role of Business Head across various business verticals.
Steering the Organization
In his multifaceted role, Rajesh Yadav oversees key operations within the organization, including Tolling and Non-Tolling Business Operations, where he focuses on enhancing efficiency and driving revenue. He also leads the Mining Business, optimizing resources and ensuring compliance with industry standards, while managing the OFC (Optical Fiber Cable) Business to meet market demands through innovation and technology. Additionally, he champions HR and Environment, Health, Safety, and Social (EHSS) functions, promoting a safe and inclusive workplace and sustainable practices. His diverse expertise plays a crucial role in steering the organization toward its strategic goals and fostering a culture of excellence.
Adapting to Change
As technological and business changes continue to accelerate, the concept of effective leadership is also set to evolve. To remain relevant in this dynamic landscape, leaders must invest in developing their leadership skills and understanding of organizational development. Mr. Rajesh Yadav emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and actively engages in various activities to enhance his knowledge. These activities include reading books, attending conferences and webinars, participating in networking events, listening to podcasts, and subscribing to industry newsletters, blogs, and websites to stay informed about the latest trends and developments.
Cultivating a Unique Company Culture
Rajesh Yadav has championed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives at OSE, promoting a fair workplace by addressing biases and ensuring equal opportunities. Their recruitment strategy emphasizes attracting diverse talent, including local hires and international professionals. Mr. Yadav believes that fostering a culture of empowerment and belonging is vital for employee motivation and retention, creating a unified work environment.
To enhance engagement and career growth, Rajesh has established a framework with clear career paths, five-year plans, and succession planning through mentoring. Outstanding performance is rewarded through competitive compensation, incentives, and public recognition. Key personnel are empowered with defined roles and financial authority. OSE also offers various cultural activities and health initiatives, including yoga classes and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, to further engage employees.
Work-Life Harmony
Rajesh Yadav highlights that “maintaining a balanced work-life relationship enhances productivity and personal happiness”. He prioritizes tasks and employs strategies to save time and energy, ensuring equilibrium between his professional and personal life. Regular breaks and light physical activities, such as walking or desk exercises, help him stay agile at work. His involvement in CSR initiatives provides a meaningful outlet for stress relief while contributing to the community. Flexible work hours further support his ability to manage personal and social commitments.
Time management is essential for Rajesh Yadav; he adheres to structured timelines for meetings and follows a daily routine to maximize efficiency. His hobbies—spending time at his farmhouse, reading, fitness, travel, and meditation—serve as healthy escapes from daily pressures, enriching his personal and professional life.
A Strong Financial Foundation
With a strong legacy spanning over five decades, OSE has grown to be one of the top players in Indian Infrastructure space and has created a brand that is synonymous with high quality and speedy execution. Founded in 1971, Oriental Structural Engineers (OSE) is a key player in India’s infrastructure sector, focusing on highways and airfields. Known for its quality and timely execution, OSE has completed pavement works at 39 airports and boasts a portfolio of over 8,300 lane kilometers of highways and expressways, alongside strategic investments exceeding Rs 178 billion in public-private partnerships (PPP). With an annual turnover of Rs 55 billion, OSE is diversifying into open cast mining, OFC, real estate, hospitality, and warehousing.
In 2019, OSE launched a successful Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), attracting global investors like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The company has also excelled in toll operations, including toll collection and maintenance of national highways. Under Rajesh Yadav’s leadership for over eighteen years, OSE has driven revenue growth and operational efficiency. The company has also engaged in community service initiatives for families affected by highway projects, enhancing its reputation as a socially responsible organization.
A Commitment to Quality
Oriental Structural Engineers (OSE) and its group of companies have built a solid reputation in the infrastructure sector, engaging in highway construction, real estate development, hospitality, mining, and Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) projects. What sets OSE apart from its competitors is its diversification beyond traditional infrastructure, actively expanding into various business sectors. The company has successfully secured funding from international investors and adopted modern technologies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance its operations.
Dedicated to delivering high-quality construction projects ahead of schedule, OSE plans to further expand into new sectors, including warehousing and international infrastructure and hospitality markets. Additionally, OSE aims to provide state-of-the-art facilities and enhance the road user experience on its toll-operated projects, ensuring a continued commitment to excellence in all its endeavors.
Factors Behind Success
The long-standing success of OSE stems from several key factors. Primarily, the company is committed to developing competent leaders and fostering a culture of long-term retention. Many OSE leaders have served 30 to 40 years, enhancing stability and expertise. Additionally, OSE prioritizes timely project completion and quality, earning numerous bonuses from satisfied clients. The company has also adapted quickly to evolving business models, shifting from Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) to Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) frameworks, including BOT-Annuity and BOT-Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Furthermore, OSE has diversified into sectors like hospitality, open-cast mining, real estate, and Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) businesses. This diversification, along with securing funds from multilateral global institutions through an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), has solidified OSE’s position as an industry leader and provided a crucial first-mover advantage.
Celebrating Excellence
Rajesh Yadav has been instrumental in the growth of Oriental Structural Engineers (OSE) by establishing new business units and implementing effective HR systems. His commitment to fostering a diverse and engaged workforce reflects his emphasis on talent management and technology-driven HR processes. Additionally, he leads the Environment, Health, Safety, and Social (EHSS) functions, securing ISO certifications for OSE’s operational units and special purpose vehicles (SPVs), demonstrating his dedication to quality and operational excellence.
Key accomplishments under his leadership include.
- Overseeing annual revenues of over Rs. 30 billion at Oriental InfraTrust (OIT while ensuring EHSS compliance for OSE-SPV projects.
- Facilitating Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) investments and achieving top ESG rankings for all InvIT assets in India.
- Driving CSR initiatives for Project Affected People (PAPs) through skill training and educational programs.
- Successfully managing Open Cast Mining Projects valued at Rs. 561 crore, the Aggregate Business with an annual turnover of Rs. 40 crore, and Optical Fibre Cable laying projects worth Rs. 62.23 crore.
These efforts have earned OSE significant recognition, including.
- Integrated ISO Certificates for the implementation of Quality, Environmental, Occupational, and Health & Safety Management systems, by ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018.
- ESG Rating Certificate, achieving the top rank in the Environmental and Social categories among Infrastructure InvIT companies
In addition to these accolades, OSE has been recognized with numerous awards.
| 2018 | Gold Award for Excellence in Construction Management (EPC) |
| 2018 | Champion Award for Construction Management (EPC) |
| 2018 | Silver Award for Excellence in Operation & Maintenance (Flexible & Rigid Pavement Category) |
| 2019 | Champion Award for Excellence in Operation & Maintenance (Rigid Pavement Category) |
| 2019 | Champion Award for Excellence in Operation & Maintenance (Flexible Pavement Category) |
| 2019 | Champion Award for Excellence in Highway Safety (Hilly Terrain Category) |
| 2019 | Champion Award for Excellence in Highway Safety (Hilly Terrain Category) |
| 2019 | Champion Award for Excellence in Project Management (PPP) |
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Leaders should act as enablers, focusing on their teams’ strengths and providing essential resources. Leadership development is a lifelong journey, as each team and project presents unique challenges. Young leaders can enhance their effectiveness by:
- Cultivating emotional intelligence
- Fostering adaptability
- Promoting teamwork
- Seeking mentorship
- Committing to continuous learning
- Communicating a clear vision
By honing these skills, leaders can motivate their teams and drive meaningful success.
