Reinventing a Multigenerational Manufacturing Business for Global Growth

In a recent episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia sat down with Akshay Shah, Group Executive Director of Silafrica, to explore what it truly takes to scale a multigenerational family business across borders, cultures, and decades. Akshay shared firsthand lessons from transforming a family-run operation into a professionally managed, multinational manufacturing group while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that fueled its success.

Leadership, Professionalization, and Scaling Across Generations

Akshay’s leadership journey began on the factory floor, where early exposure to hands-on problem-solving shaped a deep respect for operations and systems thinking. Before stepping into strategic leadership, he spent time rotating through every department, earning trust and building credibility with long-tenured employees. That experience reinforced a core belief: leadership is not inherited—it is earned through understanding the business from the inside out.

As Silafrica expanded across multiple African markets, the business had to evolve beyond informal family structures. Akshay described the deliberate shift toward professional management, standardized systems, and a unified brand identity—ensuring consistency without losing local agility. By separating ownership from day-to-day management and bringing in specialized external talent, the company created a scalable operating model capable of supporting long-term growth.

The episode also explored the importance of adaptability. Akshay emphasized that legacy alone is never enough; businesses must continuously reinvent themselves to remain relevant. From embracing private equity partnerships to investing in leadership development and prioritizing personal well-being, his approach reflects a modern view of stewardship—one that values sustainability, resilience, and clarity of purpose.

About Akshay Shah

Akshay Shah is the Group Executive Director of Silafrica and a multigenerational business leader with deep experience in manufacturing, trading, and operational strategy. Known for his systems-driven mindset and commitment to professionalizing family enterprises, Akshay brings a global perspective to leadership, succession planning, and sustainable growth in complex markets.

About Silafrica

Silafrica is a leading packaging manufacturer operating across multiple African countries, serving global and regional brands with innovative, high-quality packaging solutions. Built on decades of family ownership, Silafrica has evolved into a professionally managed organization with standardized systems, strong governance, and a focus on long-term value creation.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Silafrica Website

• Akshay Shah on LinkedIn

Key Episode Highlights

• Earning leadership credibility through hands-on operational experience

• Transitioning from family-run to professionally managed organizations

• Scaling manufacturing operations across multiple geographies

• Balancing legacy values with private equity and external leadership

• Prioritizing long-term sustainability and personal well-being

Conclusion

This episode of Growing Up B2B highlights how family businesses can successfully scale across generations by combining hands-on leadership, professional management, and the courage to evolve. Akshay Shah’s story reinforces that reinvention—done thoughtfully—is not a break from legacy, but a continuation of it.

Explore Ed Delia’s website to learn more about leadership strategies for family businesses and B2B growth. If you’re a B2B leader with insights to share, apply to be a guest on the Growing Up B2B Podcast here.