The Chief Executive Officer of Beta Glass, Alex Gendis, says his global career across four continents shaped the leadership approach he now brings to one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturing companies. In an exclusive conversation with Oghenovo Egodo-Michael, Gendis reflected on the impact of his international exposure, the lessons he learned abroad and how they influenced his management philosophy in Nigeria’s fast-evolving industrial landscape.
Gendis, who has worked in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia for more than two decades, said his leadership style is rooted in an unwavering respect for diversity and the discipline of operational excellence. He noted that navigating different cultures, regulatory frameworks and business climates forced him to develop a leadership mindset anchored on adaptability, data-driven decision-making and long-term strategic planning.
According to him, the experience of working in regions with contrasting economic pressures and consumer behaviors strengthened his resilience and sharpened his capacity to manage complex business transformations. He said those lessons have become essential in leading Beta Glass through a period of rapid change, innovation and industrial modernization.
The CEO emphasized that one of the most important takeaways from his global journey was the realization that diverse teams outperform uniform ones. He explained that exposure to multicultural environments allowed him to understand how varied perspectives contribute to stronger problem-solving, creativity and organizational growth.
Reflecting on his work at Beta Glass, Gendis said he is privileged to lead a team that shares his commitment to excellence, sustainability and customer-focused innovation. He added that the company’s transformation agenda is driven by a deliberate strategy centered on expanding capacity, modernizing production processes and reinforcing its leadership in the region’s glass packaging industry.
Gendis also highlighted the resilience of the Nigerian workforce, describing it as one of the most determined and solution-oriented groups he has worked with globally. He credited this resilience with strengthening Beta Glass’ capacity to compete within and beyond the continent, particularly during periods of economic turbulence and foreign exchange pressure.
As the company accelerates its sustainability program, Gendis said his leadership approach emphasizes responsible production, environmental awareness and long-term value creation. He noted that global best practices he learned abroad continue to shape how the company manages its supply chain, invests in new technologies and supports its host communities.
When asked about the earliest moment he realized he wanted to lead, Gendis said leadership became natural to him at a young age. He recalled moments from his childhood when he instinctively took responsibility during group activities, organized peers around shared goals and embraced challenges that required initiative and coordination.
He described those early experiences as foundational to the leadership philosophy he practices today one that values empathy, accountability and strategic thinking. Gendis said leadership is not defined by titles but by one’s capacity to inspire others, make difficult decisions and guide teams through uncertainty.
Looking ahead, the CEO said Beta Glass will continue to strengthen its footprint in Nigeria and the region by investing in innovation, technology and human capital development. He believes the company’s future lies in building an ecosystem where employees are empowered to lead, customers are consistently satisfied and sustainability becomes a core driver of long-term success.
Gendis reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Beta Glass as a global competitor rooted in African excellence. He said the company’s ongoing transformation is not just a business ambition but a broader mission to contribute to industrial development and economic progress across the continent.
