Ehsan Abdullah shines as a bright star. Imbued with traditional business values from his father and grandfather, he seamlessly blends these with modern business administration practices. His transformative leadership at Mitali Group of Industries has played a pivotal role in shaping its success story.
Mitali Group, since its inception in 1996, has been a significant contributor to the remarkable success of the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh.
Founded by his father Mr. Abu Yusuf Abdullah, Mitali Group has witnessed exponential growth under the innovative and creative stewardship of Ehsan Abdullah. Joining the family business in 2006, Mr. Ehsan brought fresh perspectives and strategies that have been instrumental in steering the company towards new heights.
He has a comprehensive understanding of the business, hands-on involvement, and a commitment to fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. His journey reflects the fusion of global insights gained from his education and work experience with the intrinsic understanding of local dynamics.
Ehsan Abdullah, an alumnus of Stern Business School, New York University has been reshaping Mitali Group. His early professional journey in New York included becoming one of the best Sales Executives in the North East division of a burgeoning startup, legalmatch.com.
In 2006, Mr. Ehsan made a pivotal decision to return to Bangladesh and contribute to the family legacy. His entry into Mitali Group marked the beginning of a transformative era. Instead of assuming a top-down approach, he began his journey in the Knitting Section, immersing himself in the production cycle. This hands-on experience allowed him to comprehend the intricacies of the RMG business from its core.
As the Director of Operations of Mitali Group, he was not only delved into product development but also engaged in fostering international relationships with buyers, a critical aspect of the RMG industry.
The company’s growth trajectory reached a significant milestone in 2014 with the establishment of its second unit, Zakaria Apparels. Ehsan’s strategic involvement in setting up the infrastructure for this new unit showcased his leadership acumen. This period also presented challenges for the entire industry, including the Rana Plaza disaster, worker unrest, and negative branding. Ehsan Abdullah successfully navigated these critical issues, steering Mitali Group through these tumultuous years.
In 2016, recognizing his transformative leadership, Ehsan Abdullah assumed the role of Managing Director of Mitali Group, taking over from his father, who became the Chairman. Under his stewardship, the company embarked on its most ambitious project to date – the construction of KSS Knit Composite. This venture expanded Mitali Group’s operations by a staggering 50%.
His leadership has been characterized by a foresighted approach, marked by the ability to forecast industry trends and an attitude of achieving goals through careful planning. His strategic initiatives have positioned Mitali Group as one of the most financially stable companies in Bangladesh.
The focus on winning in procurement has driven the company to become a vertically integrated industry. Approximately 80% of the products required for finished goods are now manufactured in-house, providing Mitali Group with a competitive edge in a volatile international trade market.
Another pivotal strategy introduced by Ehsan is the establishment of a robust audit department. This has not only significantly cut costs but also reduced wastage and excesses, ensuring operational efficiency.
Ehsan Abdullah has propelled Mitali Group into new territories. Embracing the world of e-commerce, the company is venturing into online platforms. Additionally, plans are underway to launch the first clothing brand, IsStyle, this year.
The diversification of Mitali Group’s ventures reflects Ehsan’s forward-thinking approach and his commitment to adapting to dynamic market trends. As Bangladesh undergoes economic transformations, Ehsan Abdullah’s vision positions Mitali Group as a significant contributor to Bangladesh Business.
The company’s future expansion plans are already in motion, with the construction of two additional industrial complexes. By 2025, Mitali Group aims to achieve an annual export revenue of $250 million, reflecting Ehsan’s commitment to sustainable growth.
