Vimal Kapur, a veteran executive with over three decades at Honeywell, has emerged as a transformational leader guiding one of the world’s most prominent industrial conglomerates into a focused, future-ready organization. Since his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell International Inc. in June 2023, Kapur has accelerated the company’s shift towards sustainability, digital transformation, and strategic business realignment.

His journey from an instrumentation engineer in India to the helm of a global Fortune 100 company highlights a remarkable blend of technical insight, operational expertise, and visionary leadership.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1965 in India, Kapur pursued electronics engineering with a specialization in instrumentation at the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, graduating in 1986. This technical foundation would become the bedrock of a career defined by innovation and resilience in the industrial technology space.

Three Decades at Honeywell: From Ground Operations to Global Strategy

Kapur joined Honeywell in 1989 through a joint venture in India. His rise through the ranks of Honeywell Automation India Ltd. (HAIL) was marked by performance and precision. As Managing Director from 2006 to 2010, he led the company through growth in a competitive market. He then transitioned to key global roles, including Vice President of Global Marketing and Strategy for Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS) and General Manager of Advanced Solutions.

In 2014, Kapur was appointed President of HPS, where he led the business during a downturn in the oil and gas sector, steering the division towards innovation and adaptability.

From 2018 to 2021, Kapur headed Honeywell Building Technologies (HBT) in Atlanta, expanding its footprint in building automation and smart infrastructure. His role as President and CEO of Honeywell Performance Materials & Technologies (PMT) followed, during which he created the Sustainable Technologies Solutions business—a major step in Honeywell’s efforts toward energy transition.

In July 2022, Kapur became Honeywell’s President and Chief Operating Officer, leading customer sustainability programs and advancing the company’s digital transformation initiatives.

Ascension to CEO and Strategic Transformation

In March 2023, Honeywell announced that Kapur would succeed Darius Adamczyk as CEO. Taking office on June 1, 2023, Kapur inherited a company at the crossroads of technological evolution and climate imperatives.

Under his leadership, Honeywell has reoriented its strategic focus toward three global megatrends:

• Automation
• The Future of Aviation
• Energy Transition

This framework is designed to future-proof the organization while aligning with global industrial priorities. Kapur has emphasized innovation in AI, digital solutions, and clean technologies as core pillars of this transformation.

Honeywell’s Breakup: End of an Industrial Conglomerate

In a landmark move announced in February 2025, Honeywell revealed its plan to split into three separate entities:

• Spinning off its aerospace business
• Separating its automation technologies
• Creating a distinct entity for advanced materials

This decision marks the dissolution of Honeywell’s long-standing conglomerate model, ushering in a new era of focused innovation. Kapur explained that diverging market needs in sectors like automotive and aerospace required customized strategic attention—including investments in electrification, supply chain modernization, and energy security.

Industry analysts see this as a value-unlocking move that will allow each business to pursue targeted growth while enhancing shareholder returns.

Industry Influence and Recognition

Kapur’s influence extends beyond Honeywell. He is an active member of several high-profile leadership forums including:

• The Business Council
• The Business Roundtable
• The U.S.-India CEO Forum
• The Charlotte Executive Leadership Council

His contributions to industrial innovation and his role in fostering stronger U.S.-India business ties have earned widespread recognition in corporate and government circles.

Conclusion

Vimal Kapur’s ascent from an engineer in Patiala to CEO of a global industrial leader is not merely a personal success story—it is a narrative of visionary change, global strategy, and unwavering commitment to technological progress.

As Honeywell repositions itself around automation, aviation, and energy transformation, Kapur stands at the forefront of shaping the next phase of industrial evolution. With his deep domain knowledge and global perspective, he is redefining what it means to lead in an era driven by sustainability, digital acceleration, and geopolitical complexity.