Interview Times 
FEATURE: In the ever-evolving landscape of business, where success is often measured in numbers and market shares, Dipali Goenka has woven a different story—one of empowerment, purpose, and transformation. As the CEO and MD of Welspun Living Ltd., she is not just a business leader; she is an advocate for women’s empowerment, a champion of sustainability, and a pioneer in reshaping the textile industry. Her journey is one of resilience, breaking barriers, and proving that a visionary leader can blend business acumen with social impact.
Born in Jaipur in 1969, Dipali Goenka’s path to success was far from conventional. Educated at the Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ School, she developed a strong foundation in leadership and independent thinking. At 18, she married B.K. Goenka and moved to Mumbai, balancing family life with a growing ambition to leave her mark on the business world. Determined to continue learning, she later pursued studies in psychology, a discipline that would profoundly shape her leadership philosophy.
Her thirst for knowledge led her to Harvard Business School, where she attended the prestigious Owner and President Management program. This experience sharpened her business acumen and instilled in her the confidence to take on a leadership role in Welspun’s transformation.
In 2002, Goenka officially joined Welspun, stepping into a male-dominated industry with a fresh perspective. She began by leading Welspun’s design studio, quickly identifying opportunities to expand the company beyond exports. Her foresight led to the launch of Welspun’s domestic retail brand, Spaces, which soon became a household name in India.
Her strategic vision reached new heights in 2004 when she established a textile manufacturing facility in Gujarat, ensuring that Welspun stayed ahead in the global market. In 2006, she spearheaded the acquisition of Christy, a renowned UK-based towel manufacturer, for ₹100 crores, further cementing Welspun’s position as a global leader.
By 2014, she was appointed Joint Managing Director, and in 2020, she became the CEO of Welspun’s global business. Under her leadership, Welspun has not only become a key supplier to major US retailers but has also expanded its reach to millions of homes worldwide.
Goenka’s leadership goes beyond financial success; she has embedded Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into Welspun’s core operations. Her commitment to sustainability has placed Welspun Living among the top global textile companies, earning high rankings on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and an S&P Global ESG Score of 66.
From using sustainable raw materials to implementing energy-efficient manufacturing processes, Goenka has ensured that Welspun is a pioneer in responsible business practices. For her, sustainability is not just a corporate goal—it’s a mission to create a lasting impact on the planet and future generations.
A firm believer in the power of women, Goenka has worked tirelessly to create a more inclusive workplace. Under her leadership, Welspun’s female workforce has grown from a mere 7% to nearly 27%, setting new benchmarks for gender diversity in the industry.
Her passion for women’s empowerment extends beyond Welspun. As the brand ambassador for WEConnect International, she actively champions opportunities for women entrepreneurs worldwide. She also chaired the ASSOCHAM Women’s Council, spearheading initiatives that support women in business.
Through the 3Es of Welspun—Education, Empowerment, and Environment & Health—Goenka has launched numerous CSR initiatives, including educational programs and healthcare projects in underprivileged communities. She has played a crucial role in establishing schools and Anganwadis, ensuring that children from marginalized backgrounds have access to quality education.
No success story is complete without hurdles, and Goenka has faced her share. One of the biggest challenges came in 2016 when US retail giant Target terminated its contracts with Welspun over a cotton supply dispute. The controversy, which alleged that Welspun had mislabeled non-Egyptian cotton as Egyptian cotton, led to a sharp 54% decline in the company’s market capitalization within days.
Instead of shying away, Goenka confronted the crisis head-on. She implemented rigorous quality control measures, improved transparency across the supply chain, and restored trust with key stakeholders. Her decisive actions helped Welspun regain its standing in the market, proving her resilience and strategic foresight.
Goenka’s leadership has placed Welspun Living on a trajectory of continuous growth and innovation. Under her guidance, the company has consistently surpassed $1 billion in revenue for three consecutive years, all while strengthening its global presence.
She has also been a key voice on international platforms, participating in the Harvard India Conference and the World Economic Forum in Davos. At the 2024 World Economic Forum, she was a panelist at the “Investing in Parity – The Double X Factor” session, further reinforcing her role as a global thought leader.
Goenka’s contributions to business and society have earned her numerous accolades. In 2016, Forbes named her one of the 50 most powerful women in Asia, and in 2021, Business Today recognized her as one of the most powerful women in business. In 2024, she was honored as a CNBC Changemaker, acknowledging her role in driving meaningful change in the corporate world.
Her leadership philosophy is simple yet profound: “Har Ghar Se Har Dil Tak Welspun.” For Goenka, business is not just about profits; it’s about enriching lives, empowering communities, and setting global benchmarks for excellence.
As she continues to steer Welspun Living to new heights, Dipali Goenka remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that with vision, resilience, and a people-first approach, one can truly change the world—one thread at a time.
