In his second stint in India, Legrand CEO Jean-Charles Thuard says he came here by choice and not by chance.

It is the rich culture, tradition and a cosmopolitan outlook, besides the ability to communicate with people in English, that Thuard finds comforting on Indian soil.

On the professional side, he finds the country full of energy with great growth potential.

He spent his first innings between 2000 and 2005, moving in from Singapore. China was his base, when he opted for India to serve his second term that began in early 2013. In an interview with Business Line, Thuard is talking about India’s business potential and why he loves the country. Edited excerpts:

What draws you to India?

It’s the culture, values, people and potential of business. Here, you can really be an entrepreneur. It’s up to you to grow. If you do not grow, it is because of you. You can choose what type of investment you want to make, the people you want to recruit and the products you want to launch. It’s all in your hands. In other countries, where the economy is not good, one cannot decide this way. The challenge is to grow with opportunity to grow. As a CEO, one has to make the right choices to ensure you benefit from the growth. This is also completely different from the more mature or advanced countries. There, one runs the risk of de-growth, loss of profitability and performance.

Working in India, how different is it from China?

I find people have a strong commitment for work and their company. There is keenness to contribute for the development of company, which is very important. Working climate is also good. If you look at China and India, there is a lot of common in values and attitude. People want to grow and bring value to company. Besides, there is a significant level of emotional relationship in China, which is also true here, especially in business, network and reliability. Trust and confidence are key drivers. Importantly, here we speak the same language (English), which makes it a lot easier.

What do you like in the work culture?

First, I would really like India to keep its rich culture, tradition and values intact.

I know about 50 per cent of its population is below 25 years. It’s a challenge to transmit these values to the younger generation. The challenge is to become modern without compromising on values.

Your advice to expats?

Be informed. Be modest, observe and patient. Things can change, but it takes time. You cannot make changes overnight.

People are attached to their organisation. The hire-and-fire culture is not here. India is a great country. The potential, energy, hospitality and food are fantastic. On the family front, it is very important that your family is comfortable and your wife does not wait all day long for you. In my first assignment, my family was with me. Now, my children are in France. During my previous tenure, my wife was supporting an orphanage. This time, she is into Yoga. I think she may like to become a teacher.

Your after-office hours…

I have a refurbished 1974 Royal Enfield, which I ride along with friends during weekends. There are about 200 French families here and we get together quite often.

Jean-Charles Thuard Legrande CEO

Nationality: French

Time spent in India: six years

Place of work: Mumbai

Places travelled in India: Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and all the main places

Advice to expats: Be modest, observe and patient.

Loves: Its rich culture, tradition, values and cuisine

How much of India have you seen?

Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and all the main places, besides there are many more places I want to go. However, what is more interesting is that wherever you go you are welcome and surprised.

This is part of a series on expat CEOs working in India

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