Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunitha Vegerla.
Sunitha, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started working at RECARO in 2004. I had never heard of them until I saw their small recruiting table at the University of North Texas (UNT) career fair. I was studying for my master’s in Engineering Technology. Though my education was in technology, I knew I didn’t want to sit behind a computer all day so I went for a mix of technology and management.
My first job after graduation from UNT was at RECARO (Recaro Aircraft Seating Americas) with their program management department. When I started in 2004 RECARO had 48 employees, two lines of production, and only filled a fifth of our current buildings. Now, we sit at 600+ employees, have eight assembly lines, and our logistics teams work a double-shift.
The size of RECARO isn’t the only thing that has changed—the industry now looks completely different. Due to the shift towards companies becoming global, and with a worldwide increase in travel, our industry has practically undergone a revolution. Fifteen years ago, power was unheard of on a domestic aircraft seat. The three-inch television screens on international flights were considered state-of-the-art, as were cigarette lighter outlets. It’s incredible to think how far we have come on the technology front.
In 2013, around the time our second child was born, who is now six years old, RECARO was going through some major organizational changes. I got a call two weeks after having the baby that I was needed back in the office. My family supported my decision to go back to work so soon, and I was feeling up to the task, so I went back in. Recaro is like a family after family to me. So when I needed to help, I did not hesitate. Within six months, I was offered the role of General Manager for RECARO – US, which obviously is a huge challenge. I accepted the offer after deliberating a bit. I am very glad that I accepted the opportunity to be the GM because it gave me a new perspective on the company and business. Being in the aviation business not only gave me opportunities to connect with clients from different parts of the world but also exposed me to various other cultures.
I was thriving in my profession, but my kids were missing their mom. The guilt about not being able to spend time with my girls, both being less than 10 years old was always in the back of my mind. As they were growing up and practicing their new vocabulary skills on me, I had to rethink my priorities. I had an open and honest discussion with our CEO, Dr. Mark Hiller, about my situation. He was very supportive and challenged me to find my own work-life balance. After thinking about it for several weeks and months, I decided that at this age, my girls needed me the most. Once they grow older (and start to appreciate my credit card more than spending time with me :)), maybe I would re-evaluate, but for now, this is my happy medium.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One thing I’ve learned about working in the aviation industry is that there are always new challenges. The industry is constantly changing and we must stay ahead of the game.
My father always told me, “it’s not what you say that matters, it’s what you do that matters,” and that resonated with me. These are the same words that guided me through engineering school where you do not find many female students but if you focus your efforts on the outcome then the gender difference does not have any influence on who you are and what you can achieve.
Please tell us about RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas. What should we know?
Recaro Aircraft Seating sees itself as a solution provider for its customers. As a global supplier of premium aircraft seats for airlines and OEMs, the company reported a growth averaging 10% over the past 15 years. Recaro employs over 2600 people worldwide and neared €600 million in sales in 2018. It is the global market leader in the economy class seating. To secure its strategic expansion, Recaro is investing hundreds of millions in product innovation in business class seating. Over the next five years, it will also invest in significantly expanding its headquarters in Schwaebisch Hall as well as its sites in China, Poland, and USA. With this, Recaro consistently underpins its corporate vision of “Driving comfort in the sky”.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Maybe, maybe not. You cant get lucky if you never try. As I said before, I always go by, “it’s not what you say that matters, it’s what you do that matters”. Regardless of your role or how long you’ve been here or your age or gender, you should strive to succeed through your actions.
As a woman with an engineering degree, I would say to not doubt yourself. Everyone is capable, but if you doubt yourself, you will be starting off on the wrong foot. There will be challenges, but if you embrace the task in front of you, you just did 50% of the work. If you put it off, you will never get there. Just get started! There will be people who are willing to help you, but you have to be able to take that first step yourself. Remember, “it’s not what you say that matters, it’s what you do that matters”.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2275 Eagle Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76177 - Website: www.recaro-as.com
- Phone: 6828316216
- Email: Brenna.Jefferies@recaro-as.com
- Instagram: @recaro
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RecaroAircraftSeating/
- Twitter: @recaro_as
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