Vaibhav Diwan closed 2024 on a high note as he was honoured with the Business Elite 40 Under 40 Europe award. Selected from over 5,500 nominations across Europe, Vaibhav’s achievement is a testament to his remarkable journey and impact in his field as a global leader in regulatory compliance focused on human health and environmental safety. His background in molecular biology gave him a strong foundation for understanding complex systems, which he says has been instrumental to his career.
From India to Lund: A Journey of Transformation
Originally from India, Vaibhav moved to Lund 14 years ago to pursue a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology at Lund University. Drawn by the University’s reputation and Sweden’s inclusive environment, he found himself challenged but inspired.
“Thanks to my family’s support and Sweden’s welcoming environment, I didn’t face major challenges. However, adjusting to the environmental and cultural differences initially felt overwhelming. Six months in, I briefly considered returning to India, but soon realized the immense learning opportunities Sweden offered. That perspective shift has stayed with me and shaped my journey.”
Vaibhav’s educational journey later took him to Denmark, where he earned a PhD from the Technical University of Denmark. While he initially planned to stay within academia, his career took an unexpected turn into regulatory compliance.
Fostering a culture of innovation and trust
Today, Vaibhav is the General Manager of Growth at Global Product Compliance Europe AB, where he leads transformative initiatives in chemical regulatory compliance, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
When asked what the key is to fostering a culture of innovation and trust within his own team, Vaibhav emphasizes that the foundation of any culture is built on the connection between people. “If people feel valued, they will be ready to be led. One of the key practices I emphasize is leading by example. I demonstrate transparency, accountability and a willingness to adapt, which I believe inspires the team to do the same.”
To spark innovation, he provides his team with the resources and opportunities to grow, but most importantly he encourages autonomy by empowering team members to take ownership of their projects, which not only enhances their creativity but also fosters a sense of responsibility and trust, according to Vaibhav. “Having said this, it’s a two-way street – opportunity and reciprocation. It doesn’t always work as people are different, their expectations and the way they reciprocate are different, and that’s where continuous learning comes in by adapting to different needs. At times you are successful, and other times you learn.”
Keys – Mentors and Milestones
Reflecting on his time at Lund University, Vaibhav speaks with gratitude.
“The Swedish education system taught me to think critically and solve problems practically. My mentors, including Christina Ledje and Professors Torbjörn Säll and Klas Flärdh, played pivotal roles in shaping my journey. Their guidance gave me the confidence to explore and embrace challenges.”
Family as a Source of Strength
Outside of work, Vaibhav cherishes time with his wife, Dr. Tania Singh Diwan (a fellow Lund alum), and their three-year-old daughter, Aarya. “Tania has been my greatest source of strength and inspiration. We met in India while we were both studying for our Bachelor’s degrees in Delhi. Our relationship blossomed when we both got the chance to attend Lund University for our Master’s degrees, turning Lund into our wonderful second home.”
Advice for fellow alumni
For Vaibhav, the future holds more opportunities to innovate, empower others, and contribute to sustainability. His advice for fellow alumni?
“The journey to success is often challenging, but being open to opportunities and making the most of them can lead to greater results over time. To achieve your goals, it’s essential to be proactive, allowing others to help you along the way. I never thought I would be here, but going forward, I want to continue the path of perseverance and a purpose-driven approach that can lead to a meaningful impact in the long term.”
Congratulations to Vaibhav Diwan on his inspiring journey and well-deserved recognition!