Early Life
Venu Srinivasan was born on December 11, 1952, in Chennai, India. He is the grandson of T. V. Sundaram Iyengar, the founder of the TVS Group. He completed his schooling at Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai. He pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy, followed by a Master of Science in Management from Purdue University in the United States.
Rise to Success
Srinivasan's career began at Sundaram-Clayton in 1979, where he became the managing director. He later became the chairman of TVS Motor Company. Under his leadership, TVS Motor Company grew to become India's third-largest two-wheeler manufacturer. A pivotal moment in his career was the late 1980s when he addressed labor troubles by shutting down the factory for three months, which led to a complete overhaul and the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM). This strategic move was critical to the company's turnaround.
Key Business Strategies
Srinivasan focused on innovation, sustainability, and excellence. He implemented TQM, which became a benchmark in Indian manufacturing. Key elements of this quality revolution included comprehensive employee training programs, and the installation of state-of-the-art machinery. He also formed strategic partnerships, including one with BMW Motorrad, to enhance product offerings and expand market reach.
Philanthropy
Beyond business, Srinivasan actively engages in societal development through the Srinivasan Services Trust (SST), which works in over 2,500 villages in India. The SST focuses on sustainable development, covering areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development, environment, and community development.
