CEO Insights Magazine

The Mechanical Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Engineering industry plays a crucial role in the construction sector by providing innovative solutions for various aspects of a building's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing needs. This industry requires technical expertise, precision, and innovation, which is essential for delivering world-class MEP services. Chinthake Kodippilikande, CEO of Abans Engineering, is an industry leader who has made significant contributions to this sector in Sri Lanka. Having studied Engineering at the Open University of Sri Lanka, Chinthake Kodippilikande, is a Professional Marketer with a Master's in Business Administration. With more than two decades of experience in the MEP industry, Kodippilikande has established himself as a transformational leader who excels in managing large, complex projects. Let's learn more about him in below interview snippets.

Can you provide a brief summary of your professional journey?

I am a person with a born flavor for engineering, biology, a nd technology. I entered Nalanda College, Colombo, after getting through the scholarship exams in 1987. Having passed Advanced Level science subjects in the Biology stream, I decided to follow Engineering studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka while working as a technical assistant at the Ceylon Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research in 1998. I then joined Abans Group to pursuit a career in Marketing, where I held various managerial roles for over a decade before leaving to pursue other career opportunities. I started with Sales & Marketing at Abans in 1999 as a Sales Executive while continuing my Engineering studies. After three years of engineering studies, I decided to stop the course at the diploma level and continue with the rewarding marketing career at Abans Engineering by completing the postgraduate diploma in marketing from CIM, UK. I continued to grow with Abans for 13 years until I decided to join the Vallibel Group, (a conglomerate in Sri Lanka) after completing my MBA in 2011, while I was heading the Marketing team of Abans Engineering. I then served as the Head of Procurement and Technical Evaluations for Vallibel Group for 6 years prior to Abans calling me back as the CEO of Abans Engineering in 2017.

Under the guidance of renowned business tycoon Dhammika Perera, I gained valuable knowledge in management and cost optimization strategies, as well as the use of new technology. Later, I returned to Abans Group in 2017 as the CEO of Abans Engineering, where I managed to turn the company around and make it profitable by 2022, despite macroeconomic challenges.

How would you describe your leadership approach, and what has been the key to your success so far?

I believe that attention to detail, a strong focus on the basics, and a passion for what you do are key to success. My leadership approach is transformational, with a focus on creating a profit-oriented, customer-centric, and learning culture within the organization. I have implemented an open-door policy and encouraged a people-first approach to motivate employees and get the best out of them.

What is Abans Engineering's role in the market, and what does the organization do?

Abans Engineering provides Mechanical Electrical & Plumbing Solutions to the construction industry under the building services category. The company is a market leader in large centralized HVAC installation solutions and is the sole distributor for Trane Air Conditioning Equipment USA and Mitsubishi brand ACs. Abans Engineering is also the sole distributor for Hyundai brand Escalators & Elevators in Sri Lanka and is currently completing Sri Lanka's largest elevator installation at the Cinnamon Life Project.

What areas do you consider when developing effective corporate growth strategies? How do you foster a learning culture within your team?

As an industry leader, I consider both market development and product development strategies when developing effective corporate growth strategies. I always encourage continuous learning and development by introducing key performance indicators to measure self-development and holding monthly knowledge-sharing sessions and workshops.

Where do you see your career heading in the upcoming years? What advice would you give to leaders stepping into new roles and assessing new opportunities?

For the coming years, my focus is on doing my best in present, and where I will be in the future will depend on the work I do today to the best of my abilities. About my advice to budding entrepreneurs, I would like to say, do what you love and learn to love what you do. It's important to continuously learn and unlearn to keep your knowledge up-to-date.

Chinthake Kodippilikande, CEO, Abans Engineering

Chinthake Kodippilikande is a Member of CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) and a member of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers). After three years of engineering studies, he decided to stop the course at the diploma level and continue with the rewarding marketing career at Abans Engineering by completing the postgraduate diploma in marketing at CIM, UK. He also holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Appointed as the CEO of Abans Engineering in 2017, since then Chinthake has managed to turn the company around and make it profitable by 2022, despite macroeconomic challenges.

Hobbies: Electronic & Mechanical Repair and modification works.

Favorite Cuisine: Local Cuisine in Sri Lankan style (Milk Rice is my favorite food falls under Sri Lankan cuisine)

Favorite Book: 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C Clarke

Favorite Travel Destination: Maldives

Awards & Recognition: The Construction Engineering CEO of the year 2022