REMINISCENCE OF FWD BUSINESS COVER
In this 13th edition of FWD Business Magazine, we would like to take a detour and give our readers a glimpse over the leading Keralites who ruled our cover pages. We featured the top business tycoons, government emissaries, corporate CEO’s; captured their lifestyle, spread their success stories and celebrated their accomplishments. The business captians who were featured in our magazine have the power to make and influence decisions for the betterment of the country. From setting a boom in the automobile industry to transforming the gold retail market, these most eminent trendsetters unveiled their saga of success to FWD Business Magazine.
Creating a spark in the Auto Industry, K Mahesh Kumar, Business Head and CEO, Renault-TVS was the first to be featured in the FWD cover. We were proud to feature P Sulaiman, Chairman and Managing Director of HiLITE Group a promising builder who was also the brain behind the first lifestyle shopping mall in Kerala, Focus mall. Followed by Kerala’s top women entrepreneur who is also a efficient multi -tasker, Ms Beena Kannan. FWD Business was fortunate to have the renowned personalities who immensely contributed to the IT Sector with the projects like Smartcity, Kochi and Dubai – the brainchild of Dr Baju George and SD Shibulal, the former CEO of Infosys.
We also interviewed top Government officials who have etched their names in Bureaucracy and State of Affairs namelyJiji Thomson IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala and Loknath Behera, Director General of Police, Kerala. Dr Viju Jacob, the man who anchored the extraordinary growth of Synthite Industries was followed by the power couple Dr Vaidyan, Deputy MD, SBI and Alice Vaidyan, CMD, GIC. And the latest issue of FWD Business carried the story of an alchemist who transformed the gold retail market in India, T.S Kalayanaraman. The cover had Mr Kalyanaraman and his sons Ramesh and Rajesh, the men behind Kalyan Jewellers.
Here is a look back to the FWD Business Magazine cover story personalities, their review on the year gone by and what they are looking forward to in 2017.
SECRET OF SUCCESS
IN A VERY SHORT SPAN OF HIS PROFESSIONAL CAREER, THIS MAN ROSE THROUGH THE RANKS FROM A POSITION OF SALES TRAINEE TO WHERE HE IS NOW
Name: K. Mahesh Kumar
Designation: Business Head and CEO, Renault – TVS, Kochi
Company name: Renault-TVS
Profile:
K. Mahesh Kumar rose through the ranks from a position of sales trainee to where he is now. Renault never had to look back after hiring him. The company saw the steepest rise any European manufacturer has achieved in India. The rise of the man on his field of work is par with any great success story. In 2015, he won the “Dealer of the Year Award.” Kochi dealership was selected as the best among 12,000 Renault dealers across the world. He strongly believes in the statement – “In the end everything is going to be fine and if it’s still not fine it’s still not the end.”
Rear view look of 2016
2016 was a good year for Renault. Business was really good. Introduction of KWID saw a lot of positive response. We started doing volumes; we grew about 300% in Kerala. The growth was phenomenal. I think whether it its volume or market share, we have grown immensely. Kerala is responsive to small car market predominately 40 to 45% of people prefer to buy small cars. KWID is a new generation car with almost all latest features. Kerala is a market where people had always wanted to try new things. So, that’s where Renault as a new entrant in the country we found it easy to sell our new car KWID. We had a fantastic Onam season this year, as we sold over 5000 KWID carsin July, August and September. We are now one among the top 5 car brands in the country. With new cars and new brands emerging every year, the growth of Renault is pretty amazing.
Gearing up for 2017
We are coming up with a new car next year. I think it will be a good car and we will get a good response. I think Renault understands India’s consumer mindset. KWID was made affordable to the public because 98% of components were localized so that consumers have access to components easily. I hope we will keep improving and providing best services in coming years too.
BUILDING TOWARDS THE HiLITE MAN
FWD TEAM MET UP WITH P SULAIMAN, CHAIRMAN AND MD OF HILITE GROUP
Name: P Sulaiman
Designation: Chairman and Managing Director
Company name: HiLITE Group
Profile:
P Sulaiman is Calicut’s Pride. With two decades of experience as a builder, P Sulaiman is the brain behind the first lifestyle shopping mall in Kerala, Focus mall. His courage to go out of the box and bring about a change in the state is commendable. His second project, HiLITE Mall is the largest shopping mall in Calicut, second biggest mall in Kerala and third biggest in India. In 2011, The Times Group honored HiLITE Group of Companies adjudged MrSulaiman as as the “Game Changer” in business par excellence in the realty sector in the state of Kerala during the ‘Excellence in Business’ awards. Hisphilanthropic works are well noted. Sulaiman entrusted JohathanYach with the job of managing its 1.4 million square feet mall built as part of the Rs 900 crore Hilite City project. HiLite City housed the shopping mall, 400 luxury apartments and a business park that offers office spaces for commercial and retail spaces. HiLite City houses the shopping mall, 400 luxury apartments and a business park that offers office spaces for commercial purposes aggregating over 10 lakh square feet of built-up space.
Major achievements in 2016
Overall, 2016 has been a very good year for HiLITE. Our major achievements during the year include the CWAB Award for HiLITE Mall (for the most noteworthy project in India -Retail category), Mathrubhoomi.com Property Award (for the best super luxury apartment project in Kerala) and the ICI Ultratech Endowment Award, 2016 under three separate categories. During the year, we also met sales targets, celebrated milestones, expanded to new horizons, bagged prestigious deals and diversified. ‘Thinking Big’ was our theme for 2016.
Projecting towards 2017
2017 is all likely to witness bigger projects. HiLITE Mall at Thrissur, our third mall in Kerala, would be reality soon. The White School International, our chain of schools following IB curriculum, would have new sophisticated campus in Calicut. Also, expansion is on the cards for Hug A Mug, our cafe chain, which has opened four outlets in the current year. Another super luxury apartment project at par with the best luxury apartments in the world is also on the anvil. In 2017, we hope to continue our successful journey taking bigger and bolder steps.
QUINTESSENCE OF TIME
BEENA KANNAN TAKES HER REINS AS THE QUEEN OF SILKS, MEET THE CEO AND LEAD DESIGNER OF SEEMATTI ,WHO EXEMPLIFIES PERSEVERANCE
Name: Beena Kannan
Designation: CEO
Company name: Seematti
Profile:
Ever dreamed of weaving wonders where each craft would be so precious that the world wonders right back at you? Well, Beena Kannan has been crafting wonderful tales of sarees in Kerala since 1980. Keralites have no elements of surprise when they hear about her multi- tasking abilities. She’s a very successful business woman, designer, and the pride of textile business in Kerala. She has won various awards and recognitions for her contributions including ‘The best Woman Entrepreneur Award of the year 2010 instituted by ‘Fashion Mantra’ and lifetime achievement award’ from Erode- Coimbatore Weavers community. Seemati has branched out to Changanassery, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Kayamkulam, Adoor, Trivandrum, Kottayam and Kochi.
Seematti success of 2016
Despite demonetization scheme left many retailers and traders helpless, we managed to sustain our business quiet well. Business is going good and we are really going well. Though the number of players in the retail and textile industry has increased, nothing have affected our business. We are really working hard to retain the trust of the customers through our services. Each and every minute detail regarding the designs and materials are taken utmost care and we continue to serve our customers with quality material in the best affordable price. With the growth of our brand, grows the responsibilities and the trajectory of learning.
FORECAST 2017
Only the plans from the above work. I never talk about my next day plans.
AT THE HELM OF A SMARTER WORLD
WHEN DR. BAJU GEORGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SMARTCITY DUBAI (HOLDING CO) & CEO (INTERIM) SMARTCITY KOCHI SHARED HIS THOUGHTS WITH US
Name: Dr. Baju George
Designation: Managing Director
Company name: Smart City Dubai (Holding Co) & CEO (Interim) SmartCity Kochi
Profile:
Dr Baju George is on a mission to give Kerala a new dimension with Smart City Kochi project. He is a highly experienced professional with accomplishment in Knowledge Cluster creation and management in UAE and abroad. Management experience from Dubai includes free zones development and operation. He has also done international knowledge township evaluation of potentials, formulating strategies and development in India Malta and other countries. Dr. George joined as Head of Property Management of Dubai Internet City in 2001, the first knowledge cluster that transformed Dubai into a knowledge power house with multiple clusters, and later worked with its holding arm, TECOM Authority as Project Manager, Department of Strategy & Business Development.
Dr. George was instrumental in establishing both Malta and Kochi SmartCity projects in 2007. Dr. George worked as Project Director- Real Estate of Dubai International Financial Centre Authority from 2008 to 2011 and rejoined SmartCity as its Managing Director in 2011. Apart from existing projects, he also focuses on international expansion of SmartCity network globally. From SmartCity headquarters in Dubai he leads Strategy, Business Development, Legal, Marketing and other key functions for the global network.
Scanning 2016
2016 has been a wonderful year as the CEO-Interim of SmartCity Kochi (“SCK”) and Chief Operating Officer of SmartCity Dubai. With 29 companies roped in the first phase of SCK, some of them being global leaders in their respective knowledge sectors, project reached a respectable state. We have also commenced construction of the second phase of SCK with around 90 lakh sq.ft of office space, which will increase direct employment to 80,000 . The third phase is planned to be launched during 2017-18.
The expeditious 2017
In year 2017 and beyond, work will be in full throttle to finish the construction of entire project which could touch 120 lakh sq.ft, including support facilities as international school, hospital, shopping center, sports center, residential units etc. The SCK is aiming to attract above 300 companies in four knowledge clusters- Information Technology, Media, Finance and Research & Technology, which will contribute substantially for GDP of Kerala state. We will also facilitate appropriate mechanism for SCK companies to be operational in Dubai, Malta, Seoul, Lagos and other future nodes of SmartCity to support their international growth.
AMBASSADOR OF THE MODERN SPICE ROUTE
THE STORY OF DR VIJU JACOB, THE MAN WHO ANCHORED THE EXTRAORDINARY GROWTH OF SYNTHITE INDUSTRIES LIMITED
Name: Viju Jacob
Designation: Managing Director
Company name: Synthite Industries Limited
Profile:
Viju Jacob played a significant role for the growth ofSynthite Industries Limited. Today, Synthite is the world’s largest producer of value added spices. Currently Synthite has manufacturing plants in Kolenchery, Coimbatore, Ongole, Harihar, Telgi and Xinjiang (China) and our own offices in Chicago, Colombo, and Sao Paolo. The Green Corporate building of Synthite which has bagged IGBC’s LEED India NC Gold rating. Viju Jacob has also taken charge of the business in hospitality sector. Ramada Resorts and Riviera Suites are also owned by Synthite Group. Synthite is a company with Rs 1500 crores plus annual turnover.
Viju attributes his phenomenal success to a perfect mixture of divine grace, his dad’s mentoring and the excellent support of his peers. Dr Viju’s international experiences have helped him to be a contributor to the country’s economic growth in advisory roles through organizations like CII, Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industries, European Union Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Spices Board of India. Viju is an admired philanthropist. His social commitments including the work at CVJ foundation, Light & Life, Care & Share etc, have earned him accolades and appreciations from various quarters.
The good year 2016
The year 2016 has been a very good year for both personally and professionally, my daughter Neethi got married to John this year, and Neethi is going to launch her own designer store – Ezva at Ramada Resorts Kochi. On professional front, yes, 2016 has been a special year for me as I have taken charge as the Managing Director fo Synthite Group. And for Synthite too, the business has been showing an upward trend.
EnVision 2017
We have many plans for 2017 and we are confident that we will achieve our targets soon.
TWIN FLAMES OF KNOWLEDGE
S D SHIBULAL AND KUMARI SHIBULAL TAKE SOCIAL COMMITMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL THROUGH THEIR EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH AND STARTUP INCUBATOR PROGRAMS
Name: S D Shibulal & Kumari Shibulal
Designation: Former CEO and Managing Director
Company: Infosys
Profile:
SD Shibulal, former CEO of Infosys, is an epitome of humility. His inclination to tinker with things, his vision for entrepreneurship and his magnanimity towards philanthropy has left an indelible mark on the world as his achievements. Bringing a remarkable change in the Indian IT Industry, Shibulal was one among the six others who quit their jobs to start a company of their own, Infosys. He went on to become the MD and CEO of the company. Then, stepping down from the company in 2014, he along with his better half Kumari Shibulal, began a new innings of philanthropy and mentorship. They run have two Foundations – The Sarojini Damodaran Foundation and The Advaith Foundation. SDF started off on a small scale, providing scholarships to a few underprivileged students in Alappuzha, Kerala. Today, SDF is a constantly growing entity expanding its reach to various causes including education, children’s health and other social initiatives.
A positive 2016
S D Shibulal – In 2016, India ranked third in the number of start ups in the world. This has helped Axilor’s growth. In 2016, We attempted to locate and help startups which are solving the problem of access for the rural, and affordability and efficiency for the urban and rural populations. We were able to identify the entrepreneurs who are solving major challenges relevant to a larger portion of the society. Axilor will continue to contribute to our startup ecosystem’s march to maturit in the coming years too.
Kumari Shibulal -The year 2016 was a satisfying and eventful year, both professionally and personally. For our charitable foundations, Sarojini Damodaran Foundation and The Advaith Foundation, it was a year of reaching new landmarks, in terms of expansion. Our scholarship programme ‘Vidyadhan,’ which was earlier limited to Kerala and Karnataka, has now expanded to the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. From this year onwards the students of all the Southern states will be able to benefit from this programme. Since, I personally interview the students who clear the scholarship exam, this process kept me very busy this year.
Further, it had been our strong desire to do something for the families of the martyrs of our para-military forces. This year saw it becoming a reality when ‘Vidyarakshak’ came into existence, with the help and co-operation of the Home Ministry. ‘Vidyarakshak’ is a scholarship scheme for the children of bravehearts who sacrificed their life for the nation. Similarly, The Advaith Foundation launched the third campus of our inclusive education school, The Samhita Academy, in Coimbatore. In the process, we will be able to touch more lives and reach out to a larger segment of population. We are also promoting organic farming to create awareness about the dangers of rampant use of chemicals and pesticides. We have instituted the Akshay Shree awards to honour farmers from Kerala, who have done exemplary work in this field. While meeting with people from diverse sections of society, I realized the magnitude of problems people from marginal communities face in our country.
Inspirational 2017
S D Shibulal – In the coming year, we hope to use the power of technology to help underserved communities and find solutions to critical national issues.
Kumari Shibulal -In the year 2017, my sincere wish is that I can reach out to more people to the best of my ability, and make a difference for the better in their lives.
STATE OF AFFAIRS
DGP LOKNATH BEHERA CANDID ABOUT MODERNIZING THE POLICE FORCE
Name: Loknath Behera
Designation: Director General of Police
Department: : Kerala, Police
Profile:
DGP Loknath Behera is the quintessence of Kerala Police Administration. A man of eminence and honour, Loknath Behera has served the country for three decades now. His competence requires no comparison as he was the first officer from National Investigation Agency (NIA) to receive the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service in 2009, while he was posted as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in NIA. Under his long stint with the CBI, Behera has handled several sensitive and sensational cases across the country. His top priority is to curb the growing rate of crime in the State. LoknathBehera’s optimistic nature is prerequisite for an highly educated and constantly evolving people of Kerala. He has 25 years of experience in various facets of Policing such as Investigation of Crimes, Maintenance of Law & Order, Enforcement of Traffic Regulations, Security including VIP Security, Planning, Policy formulation, Counter Terrorism strategies, Project work, Resource Management at State, National & International level, IT application and Management.
Look over 2016
In 2016 we were able to deal with several cases including land mafia, sex racket, drug mafia , blade mafia etc. We were able to relaunch our police department that helps in timely and quick updation of information. Now, it is considered to be the best police website in the country.
For a secured 2017
I have been entrusted with constitutional duties to help the people of the state-especially the poor. A special recruitment drive would be made for women officers. We will give focus on safety for women. Next year we will be introducing more cameras, surveillance system and high way patrolling in the city. Cases that are reported will be promptly identified and the criminals will be prosecuted without delay. Latest technologies with private and public participation will be implemented. We are also planning to have one cyber cell in each district and four or five officers will be IT-trained in each section. We are also aiming to reduce the corruption rates in the coming year.
CAMARADERIE OF THE VAIDYANS
EXCLUSIVE WITH THE NATION’S REINSURER & NATION’S BANKER
Name: Dr M Geevarghese Vaidyan, Alice Vaidyan
Designation: Deputy Managing Director & Group Executive, (Stressed Asset Management), Chairman & Managing Director (only Reinsurer)
Company name: State Bank of India, General Insurance Corporation India
Profile:
Dr M Geevarghese Vaidyan, a true banker with consistent excitement in both his professional and personal life. He is the Deputy Managing Director & Group Executive (Stressed Asset Management) in India’s biggest PSU, State Bank of India. A man of immense acumen who has always stood out in the crowd with his out-of-the-box approach in every assignment he has undertaken. Dr Vaidyan’s banking experience is quite wide from retail, wholesale, corporate, SME, treasury, agriculture to micro finance. Married to M G Vaidyan, Alice Vaidyan is the first woman to hold the position of Chairman & Managing Director in the country’s insurance company and only reinsurer, General Insurance Corporation India. GIC has branch offices in Dubai, London and Malaysia. In Moscow, GIC had a representation and it’s now being converted into a subsidiary. GIC is an accepted reinsurer in Dubai and South Africa. Reinsurance works on the principal of spread, diversification across lines of business and geographies.
Power packed 2016
M G Vaidyan – 2016 October, I entered another phase of life. I retired as the Deputy Managing Director of State Bank of India. With over 35 years of service in the country’s biggest PSU, SBI has given me the opportunity to head few of the most challenging and best projects across the country and also internationally.
Alice Vaidyan – 2016 has been the year of big opportunities for me. I got appointed as the CMD of GIC Re and honored to hold the position as the first woman to be appointed in the Indian insurance sector. GIC has been operating in this market for 45 years and is in a position of strength where 50% of the reinsurance market is underwritten by us. There has been an increase in competition in Insurance which is good. As the expanse of Insurance gets wider, the book of business in value will have a significant increase.
Prospective 2017
M G Vaidyan – I am looking forward to enjoy my retirement life and plan to travel around the world. Yoga has been a very critical part of my life which I wish to explore more. More time will be spent on reading books on management, philosophy and spirituality.
Alice Vaidyan – As the Chairman of India’s only Reinsurer, my plan is to spread GIC across geographies. The Americasand the ASEAN countries are in the top of our listof interest. Currently, GIC is ranked 14th in the world and we want to take GIC into the top ten. I’m confident it will happen in the near future.