Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Experience
Designations
Personal Information
Training
Professional Memberships
Timeline
Generic
Vishan Ramnarian

Vishan Ramnarian

Managing Director And General Manager - Sub Saharan Africa
Johannesburg

Summary

Mr. Ramnarian is a highly accomplished Mechanical Engineering Technologist with over 19 years of extensive experience in the commercial HVAC and refrigeration sectors. As the Managing Director and General Manager of Johnson Controls International, he oversees operations in the Sub-Saharan region, reporting directly to the Middle East and Africa division. In this critical leadership role, he is responsible for the entire P&L of the operation, managing the complete revenue generation process from secured sales to overall financial performance, and currently leads a team of 141 employees across five locations in South Africa. Mr. Ramnarian is dedicated to cultivating a high-performance culture within his teams, emphasizing ethical leadership and a commitment to results-driven outcomes. His focus on collaboration and innovative problem-solving empowers him to adeptly navigate industry challenges while delivering exceptional results. With a robust background in detailed design and project management of commercial refrigeration and HVAC projects, as well as experience in managing mechanical utilities and piping systems for industrial projects, Mr. Ramnarian has built a reputation as a skilled project manager. His previous experience includes significant roles in the WSP Industrial division in Durban, where he managed projects for major clients such as Shoprite Checkers and Massmart (Game) across various regions. Mr. Ramnarian's international work experience spans South Africa, Swaziland, Mauritius, Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation and operational excellence, he continues to position Johnson Controls International for sustained success in a competitive landscape.

Customer-oriented General Manager focused on increasing revenues and expanding margin. Adaptive and deadline-oriented consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen.

Seasoned Operations Manager and talented leader applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing business plans and day-to-day activities. Results-driven and resilient in developing teams while improving processes and increasing productivity. Bringing solid understanding of industry trends, excellent communication skills, talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with strategic approach.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education

Work History

General Manager and Managing Director

Johnson Controls International
Johannesburg
03.2024 - Current
  • Oversee operations in the Sub-Saharan region, reporting directly to the Middle East and Africa division
  • Responsible for the complete P&L of the operation, managing the entire revenue generation process from secured sales to overall financial performance
  • Lead a team of 141 employees across five locations in South Africa, fostering a high-performance culture
  • Directly manage new sales, aftermarket sales, spare parts, planned service agreements, labor, and maintenance
  • Oversee the efficiency of technical teams across various disciplines, including chillers, industrial refrigeration, commercial and industrial HVAC, controls, fire, and security
  • Committed to ethical leadership and results-driven outcomes, leveraging collaboration and innovative problem-solving to effectively navigate industry challenges

Operations Manager - Africa

Johnson Controls, Inc.
Johannesburg
07.2023 - 02.2024
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.

Technical Director

Air Innovation HVAC Solutions
08.2019 - 06.2023
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.

Associate

WSP Group Africa
10.2014 - 07.2019
  • Increased customer satisfaction by resolving complex issues and providing exceptional service at all times.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating effective communication across departments and teams.
  • Enhanced team productivity by streamlining communication and implementing efficient project management tools.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction and engagement.
  • Optimized departmental processes with the implementation of innovative strategies, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering an inclusive work environment that encouraged collaboration and innovation.

Mechanical Technologist

WSP Group Africa
02.2011 - 09.2014

Factory Manager

Concord Refrigeration
07.2010 - 01.2011
  • Communicated factory operational needs, objectives and performance standards with senior management and earned full upper management support.
  • Trained and developed staff members, enhancing overall workforce competency and productivity levels.
  • Coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of raw materials, reducing lead times for production orders.
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to align production goals with market demands, increasing revenue potential.
  • Achieved on-time delivery of products by closely monitoring production schedules and coordinating with various departments.

Mechanical Technician

WSP Group Africa
10.2006 - 06.2010

Education

National Diploma - Mechanical Engineering

Durban University of Technology
Durban, KZN
01.2002 - 01.2006

Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering

University of South Africa
01.2010 - 01.2012

Master of Business Administration (MBA) -

Mancosa
Durban, KZN
01.2015 - 01.2019

Skills

Operational Efficiency Management

Strategic Issue Resolution

Customer Engagement

Customer Service Optimization

Strategic Team Guidance

Business development

P&L management

Budget coordination

Performance Review Management

Employee development

Professional Experience

Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd, 2006 - current, Refrigeration, Cabinet and Insulation design and project management for numerous existing and new Shoprite/Checkers Stores (>100 stores) across KZN, Mozambique, Swaziland, Mauritius, Nigeria, Eastern Cape and Madagascar., > ZAR 200 million, Game (Massmart Group), Refrigeration, Cabinet and Insulation design and project management for numerous existing and new Game stores across KZN, and Africa., Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd, 2014 - current, HVAC project management for numerous existing and new Shoprite/Checkers Stores across KZN, Mozambique, and Madagascar., Freshmark Cold Storage, Prospecton, Durban, South Africa, 2011, Assisted with the design and project management of the Ammonia Refrigeration installation at this cold storage facility., ZAR 7 million, SRF Flexipak BOPP line, Cato Ridge, KZN, South Africa, 2013, Mechanical Technologist. Design, tender and project manage the compressed air, hot oil, chilled and cooling water as well as the piping installation for a Greenfields Bio-axially Orientated Poly Propylene Film and Metallisation Facility., USD 65 million

Designations

Pr Techni Mech Eng

Personal Information

Date of Birth: 08/10/82

Training

  • Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, Saimeche, 01/01/08
  • Introduction to Steam; Steam Engineering Principles and Heat Transfer Workshop, Saimeche, 01/01/12
  • Gas Practitioner Course, SARACCA, 01/01/17

Professional Memberships

  • Professional Engineering Technician, Engineering Council of South Africa, 201430182, 01/01/14
  • Associate, The South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, 01/01/14
  • Member, South African Institute of Mechanical Engineering, 01/01/14
  • Authorised Gas Practitioner, South African Refrigeration & Air condition Contractors Association, 5998, 01/01/17
  • The Institute of Directors South Africa (IODSA)

Timeline

General Manager and Managing Director

Johnson Controls International
03.2024 - Current

Operations Manager - Africa

Johnson Controls, Inc.
07.2023 - 02.2024

Technical Director

Air Innovation HVAC Solutions
08.2019 - 06.2023

Master of Business Administration (MBA) -

Mancosa
01.2015 - 01.2019

Associate

WSP Group Africa
10.2014 - 07.2019

Mechanical Technologist

WSP Group Africa
02.2011 - 09.2014

Factory Manager

Concord Refrigeration
07.2010 - 01.2011

Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering

University of South Africa
01.2010 - 01.2012

Mechanical Technician

WSP Group Africa
10.2006 - 06.2010

National Diploma - Mechanical Engineering

Durban University of Technology
01.2002 - 01.2006
Vishan RamnarianManaging Director And General Manager - Sub Saharan Africa