In yet another inspiring story from corporate America, Revathi Advaithi, an Indian-origin leader from Tamil Nadu, continues to make headlines as the CEO of Flex Ltd, a $18.8 billion global electronics manufacturing giant headquartered in New York. Her journey from a small town in India to leading one of the world’s largest supply chain solutions firms embodies grit, academic excellence, and relentless ambition.
Early Life: From Tamil Nadu To Global Leadership
Revathi Advaithi was born in India to a middle-class family. Her father passed away when she was young, and her mother, a bank employee in Tamil Nadu, raised her and her siblings with emphasis on education and discipline. Revathi completed her schooling in Chennai and graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani.
She often credits her mother for instilling values of financial independence and confidence. Speaking at a leadership summit, Advaithi shared:
“My mother always said – your education is your real wealth. Growing up with limited means taught me resilience and adaptability, both critical for leadership.”
Professional Journey: Climbing The Corporate Ladder
Revathi began her career as a shop floor supervisor at Eaton Corporation, an American-Irish multinational power management firm. She gradually moved up the ranks over a two-decade career, eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer for Eaton’s electrical sector, overseeing its global operations.
| Company | Role Held | Years Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Eaton Corporation | Shop Floor Supervisor → COO (Electrical Sector) | 1995 – 2019 |
| Honeywell | Executive roles in manufacturing & supply chain | Early career |
| Flex Ltd | CEO and Board Member | 2019 – Present |
In 2019, Flex appointed her as CEO, making her one of the few women of colour leading a Fortune 500 manufacturing firm globally.
Flex Ltd Under Revathi’s Leadership
Flex Ltd, formerly Flextronics, is a global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) and supply chain solutions leader with a revenue of $30.3 billion in FY24 and market capitalisation of $18.8 billion. Under Revathi’s stewardship, Flex has pivoted towards:
- High-margin businesses such as healthcare devices, automotive electronics, and cloud data centre infrastructure
- Strengthening global supply chain resilience, especially during the COVID pandemic disruptions
- Accelerating sustainability initiatives, including net-zero commitments and green manufacturing
Flex Ltd: Key Business Metrics
| Metric | FY23 | FY24 | YoY Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue ($ billion) | 26.0 | 30.3 | +16.5 |
| Net Income ($ million) | 779 | 934 | +19.9 |
| Employees | 160,000 | 170,000 | +6.2 |
| Manufacturing Sites | 100+ | 100+ | — |
Leadership Style And Recognition
Advaithi is known for her direct yet empathetic leadership style. She has been vocal about gender diversity in manufacturing and boardrooms, often highlighting:
“Women need to take more risks in their careers. Be open to hard roles, international relocations, and frontline jobs – that’s where leadership foundations are built.”
She has been featured in Fortune’s Most Powerful Women lists multiple times and serves on the board of Uber and Catalyst, advocating for gender parity in corporate leadership.
Impact On The Industry
Flex, under Revathi’s leadership, has:
- Diversified its portfolio from electronics contract manufacturing to end-to-end supply chain solutions
- Expanded healthcare device manufacturing, catering to global medtech giants
- Enhanced data centre infrastructure solutions, supporting leading cloud companies amid AI-led demand surge
Challenges Faced
Her tenure has not been without challenges. Navigating global semiconductor shortages, China-US trade tensions, and post-pandemic supply chain restructuring tested Flex’s operational resilience. However, analysts credit her swift decision-making in mitigating these disruptions and ensuring delivery continuity for global clients.
Flex Ltd’s Geographic Revenue Breakdown
| Region | FY24 Revenue Share (%) |
|---|---|
| North America | 38 |
| Asia-Pacific | 42 |
| Europe | 20 |
Inspirational Quotient
Revathi’s story continues to inspire young engineers, especially women in STEM, across India. Her journey from Tamil Nadu to New York boardrooms underscores:
- The importance of technical education and lifelong learning
- Embracing international opportunities with courage
- Resilience to break glass ceilings in male-dominated industries
Future Plans For Flex
In her latest strategic roadmap, Advaithi outlined goals to:
- Achieve carbon neutrality by 2040
- Double Flex’s healthcare and automotive electronics revenues in the next five years
- Strengthen AI-led manufacturing, robotics, and digital supply chain capabilities
Industry Expert Views
An analyst at a leading US brokerage noted:
“Revathi’s operational acumen, engineering expertise, and global mindset have transformed Flex from a contract manufacturer to a strategic supply chain partner. She is among the top Indian-origin CEOs shaping global manufacturing’s future.”
Other Prominent Indian-Origin Women CEOs In The US
| Name | Company | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Indra Nooyi | PepsiCo (former) | FMCG & Beverages |
| Revathi Advaithi | Flex Ltd | Electronics Manufacturing |
| Jayshree Ullal | Arista Networks | Cloud Networking |
| Padmasree Warrior | Fable (former NIO, Cisco) | Tech & Auto |
Conclusion
The journey of Revathi Advaithi, daughter of a bank employee from Tamil Nadu to CEO of Flex Ltd in New York, is a testament to India’s educational strength, immigrant resilience, and the rising influence of Indian-origin leaders globally. As she continues to drive Flex towards innovation, sustainability, and profitable growth, her story remains a beacon for millions of young aspirants in India and worldwide.
Disclaimer
This news content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as investment advice. Readers are advised to consult financial experts before making any business or career decisions based on this report.
