Venu Srinivasan
A Visionary Industrialist with a Commitment to Society
Venu Srinivasan, a prominent figure in the Indian industrial landscape, is widely recognised for his exceptional leadership in the business world and his unwavering dedication to social causes.
Born with a legacy of entrepreneurship, he has not only steered the success of major corporations but has also been instrumental in uplifting communities and preserving cultural heritage.
Venu Srinivasan is the grandson of T. V. Sundaram Iyengar, the founder of the TVS Group, a renowned Indian conglomerate. His journey began with a solid educational foundation, including schooling at Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai.
After completing his undergraduate degree from the College of Engineering, Guindy, he pursued a Master of Science degree in management from Purdue University in Indiana, USA.
His dedication to learning was further acknowledged when he received honorary Doctor of Management degrees from Purdue University and Doctor of Science degrees from the University of Warwick in the UK and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur.
Venu Srinivasan's illustrious career in business is marked by transformative leadership. In May 1979, he assumed the role of Managing Director of Sundaram-Clayton, setting the stage for his remarkable journey.
He later became the Chairman of TVS Motor Company, a prominent two-wheeler manufacturer.
One of the notable achievements in his career was scripting a turnaround for TVS Motor Company during the late 1980s. The company was grappling with labour disputes, leading to mounting losses.
Srinivasan's decisive actions included shutting down the factory for three months, forcing unions to reconsider their stance. He also invested in modernising plant machinery and adopted Total Quality Management (TQM), a Japanese methodology for process-driven manufacturing.
This commitment to excellence paid off as TVS Motor Company re-entered the market and became India's third-largest two-wheeler manufacturer.
His leadership extended to Sundaram-Clayton, where the brakes division received the prestigious Deming Prize in 1998 for achieving performance improvements through company-wide quality control.
In 2002, TVS Motor Company also received the Deming Prize, making it the first two-wheeler company globally to achieve this honour. For his contributions to the dissemination and promotion of Total Quality Management, Venu Srinivasan received the Deming Distinguished Service Award in 2019.
Venu Srinivasan's commitment to society is evident through his initiatives. He initiated the Srinivasan Services Trust (SST) as part of the social outreach of TVS Motors and Sundaram-Clayton. SST operates in over 2,500 villages in India, focusing on holistic development with active community participation.
Key areas of intervention include the development of women and children, water conservation, livelihood improvement through agriculture and livestock, and environmental preservation.
Beyond corporate social responsibility, he has also played a significant role in the restoration of ancient temples in India. Notably, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, contributing to its preservation and restoration.
Venu Srinivasan's contributions have been acknowledged through numerous awards and honours. Notably, he received the Padma Shri Award from the Government of India in 2010.
He was also elected as President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in 2009-10. His dedication to promoting bilateral relations between South Korea and India earned him the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit from the Government of South Korea.
Additionally, Venu Srinivasan has received accolades such as the Ishikawa-Kano Award from the Asian Network for Quality and the Star of Asia from Businessweek.
His contributions to culture and diplomacy have led to his appointment as the Goodwill Envoy for Culture and Diplomacy of the Republic of Korea.
Venu Srinivasan is married to Mallika Srinivasan, another distinguished industrialist who serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE).
Together, they have two children, Lakshmi Venu and Sudarshan Venu, who have carved their paths in the business world and continue to uphold the family's legacy of excellence.
Lakshmi Venu, the daughter of Venu Srinivasan and Mallika Srinivasan, is a dynamic businesswoman and currently serves as the Managing Director of Sundaram-Clayton. She is an heiress to the prestigious TVS Group, a conglomerate established by her great-grandfather, T. V. Sundaram Iyengar.
Her journey into the world of business began at a young age when she was appointed as the Joint Managing Director of Sundaram Clayton. Her educational background includes a degree in economics from Yale University and a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Warwick.
Her commitment to leadership and innovation has been instrumental in driving the success of the family's businesses.
Sudarshan Venu, another member of the Srinivasan family, is the Managing Director of TVS Motor Company. He also holds positions on the board of Sundaram-Clayton Ltd, the group's holding company, and serves as the Managing Director of TVS Credit, the group's financial services arm.
A true automotive enthusiast, Sudarshan Venu is on a mission to transform TVS Motor Company into a top global mobility player. Under his leadership, TVS Motor Company acquired the iconic motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles and expanded its presence in the electric mobility sector.
His commitment to staying ahead of emerging trends, including electrification and personal mobility, is steering the company towards new heights.
Venu Srinivasan's life and career stand as a shining example of visionary leadership, commitment to excellence, and a deep sense of responsibility towards society and cultural heritage.
His enduring impact on Indian industry and communities remains an inspiring testament to his remarkable journey.
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