The vertical transportation industry is more than just about moving people and goods between floors. It is about connecting lives, enabling progress, and shaping the way cities grow. Behind every smooth elevator ride and reliable escalator is a complex network of innovation, precision engineering, and human dedication. In fast-developing regions like South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, this sector plays a vital role in building smarter, more sustainable urban environments. It ensures accessibility, safety, and efficiency at every level.
At the forefront of this transformation is Mayuir Bhairoparsad, Managing Director of Schindler Lifts South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, a leader known for redefining mobility solutions across the region. With over six years of executive experience at Schindler, he has steered operations, sales, and growth with a clear focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction. His journey combines deep technical understanding with strategic foresight. It spans project planning, procurement, financial analysis, and business development. Armed with an MBA from Monash South Africa, a MAP from Wits Business School, and a qualification in investments and securities from Milpark Education, he brings both business acumen and a genuine passion for innovation. For him, leadership in this industry isn’t just about moving people. It is about uplifting communities and creating value that lasts.
The Calling to Lead
Mayuir’s journey into leadership and business began with the guidance of strong role models and timely opportunities. These early encounters set the foundation for his evolution as a leader. At Schindler Lifts PTY LTD, he found a company with values that resonated deeply. Service, integrity, and a genuine investment in people define its culture. That alignment shaped his growth and ultimately led him to the position of Managing Director.
Finding Balance in a Demanding World
Leading a global brand in a dynamic industry can be intense, yet Mayuir manages to balance the pressures gracefully. Schindler’s forward-thinking approach to flexible working arrangements has been key. Tools like remote work options, variable hours, and part-time opportunities make it possible for him to maintain both his performance and personal well-being. This balance not only benefits him but also sets a powerful example within the organization.
A Test of Resilience
The year 2020 was a defining moment for leaders across the globe, including Mayuir. Faced with lockdowns and uncertainty, he and his team at Schindler had to rethink the way business was done. By staying focused and agile, they cut structural costs and introduced the Schindler Clean-Mobility solutions. This move showcased innovation under pressure and reinforced customer trust at a critical time.
Success, for Mayuir, has transformed significantly over the years. Once focused on individual milestones, his vision now centers on achieving harmony between personal growth, professional fulfillment, and broader impact. Today, success is a shared endeavor. It celebrates innovation, collective wins, and meaningful contributions to the community and industry.
The Managing Director’s Lens
In his leadership role, Mayuir balances two key responsibilities. These include strategic vision and operational oversight. Long-term strategies are crafted alongside the Executive Committee and Board, while day-to-day operations are carefully aligned to support those goals. Risk management ties it all together. Strategic risks are evaluated at the top, and operational risks are managed locally to ensure stability and momentum across the business.
In an industry built on legacy machinery and timeless engineering, Schindler continues to push the boundaries. With an annual investment of CHF 140 million in R&D, the company is pioneering technologies like PORT and the Internet of Elevators and Escalators. By modernizing systems and anticipating the needs of tomorrow’s customers, Schindler is not just keeping up. It is shaping the future of urban mobility.
Schindler’s Cultural Blueprint
At Schindler, values aren’t just statements on a wall. They are woven into every part of the business. Mayuir leads with a commitment to an inclusive and diverse culture where every voice matters. Schindler’s core values include safety, quality, customer focus, integrity, and trust. These are upheld through strict ethical standards, leadership training, and safety-led site visits. This approach fosters an environment where people can thrive and where the mission is reflected in action.
According to Mayuir, collaboration isn’t just encouraged. It is actively cultivated. He leads through values of inclusion and respect, ensuring that every employee feels welcomed and recognized. Flexibility in work arrangements, supportive policies, and inclusive benefits attract diverse talent and foster belonging. Leadership development, bias-awareness training, and gender diversity initiatives reinforce the company’s commitment to equity. Partnerships with universities and research institutions help sharpen insights and enhance mutual trust across teams. Through employee engagement programs and regular feedback cycles, Schindler maintains a dynamic and collaborative culture that fuels innovation and meets modern business challenges.
A Career Milestone Worth Remembering
At the age of 32, Mayuir became one of the youngest Managing Directors within the Schindler Group. It was a milestone that left a lasting mark. The role brought with it a tremendous sense of responsibility for the 370 employees under his charge. It taught him the value of sustainable decision-making, long-term planning, and creating growth opportunities while ensuring the well-being of the team. That experience shaped his leadership philosophy and continues to guide his approach to business and people.
Habits That Shape a Grounded Leader
Amid the demands of leadership, Mayuir has developed a set of personal habits that keep him focused and fulfilled. Staying active through padel, gym workouts, and travel helps him maintain clarity and resilience. Time with family remains a non-negotiable priority, supporting his emotional foundation. His commitment to health and safety not only safeguards productivity but reflects his long-term approach to work and life. Underpinning it all is a deep passion for his work. This remains the driving force that continues to fuel his ambition and success.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
Mayuir aims to leave a legacy of growth, change, and purpose. His leadership philosophy is rooted in empowering the next generation of professionals. This is especially true in the infrastructure and engineering sectors. By championing innovation and sustainability while nurturing talent, he hopes to light the way for future leaders who can elevate the industry and create lasting impact.
To those who aspire to make an impact in the elevator and escalator space, Mayuir offers practical and values-driven advice. “Always pursue quality and stay open to innovation,” he says. These, he believes, are what differentiate true leaders. People skills matter greatly; they help build a collaborative and celebratory work culture. Sustainability is increasingly central to the industry, so staying informed on energy-efficient and eco-friendly advancements is key. Digital tools are no longer optional. They are transformative for operations and customer engagement.
He also highlights inclusivity, strong customer relationships, and a commitment to continuous learning. Above all, he urges aspiring leaders to stay authentic and courageous in pursuing what they believe in.
The Future of Vertical Mobility
As urban centers expand and skyscrapers rise, the way people move vertically will undergo a profound shift. Mayuir sees this as an opportunity. It is one where Schindler leads from the front. The company is working toward smarter, greener, and more efficient elevators and escalators that enhance urban living. This involves not just creating new systems but modernizing existing infrastructure for better accessibility and sustainability. With a focus on innovation, Schindler is paving the way for more connected, inclusive, and responsive urban environments. For Mayuir, the future isn’t just about moving people. It is about improving how they live and interact within the cities of tomorrow.
