Shinta Widjaja Kamdani

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Notable Roles

- CEO, Sintesa Group
- Chairwoman, Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO)

Key Recognition

- Forbes Asia’s 50 Powerful Businesswomen (2012, 2013, 2016)
- Commander of the Polar Star (Sweden, 2017)
- Commander of the Order of Leopold (Belgium, 2017)

Background and Early Foundations

Shinta Widjaja Kamdani is the CEO of Sintesa Group, an Indonesian strategic investment holding company with a history dating back to 1919. Under her leadership, the company has transformed from a family business into a diversified conglomerate with interests in energy, industrial products, consumer products, and property.

Educated at Barnard College, Columbia University, and Harvard Business School, Shinta was groomed from a young age to take over the family business. She began her career at the company from the ground up, gaining experience across various departments before ascending to the top leadership role.

Career Milestones and Impact

Year

Milestone

1999

Rebranded the family business to Sintesa Group, emphasizing synergy and sustainability.

2012

Named one of Forbes Asia’s 50 Powerful Businesswomen.

2017

Received international honors from Sweden and Belgium for her contributions to business and society.

2023

Elected as the first female Chairwoman of APINDO in its 71-year history.

  • Subsidiaries: 17 companies under four business pillars.
  • Employees: Over 5,000 across Indonesia.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Launched “Sintesa for the Earth,” aligning company operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Leadership Style and Influence

Shinta Widjaja Kamdani is known for her “serving leadership” approach, emphasizing humility, community engagement, and employee empowerment. She has been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment in the workplace and has founded organizations like the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (IBCWE) to promote gender equality.

Legacy and Future Focus

Under Shinta Widjaja Kamdani’s leadership, Sintesa Group has not only expanded its business portfolio but also integrated sustainability and social responsibility into its core operations. Her vision continues to shape the company’s trajectory towards becoming a model for sustainable and inclusive business practices in Indonesia.

Read more inspiring people across Asia.

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