My Profile

PhD in Competency Management, Anna University, Chennai, 2014

MSc in Engineering Business Management, University of Warwick, UK, 2000

BE in Production Engineering, PSG College of Technology, University of Madras, 1979

MA in Yoga for Human Excellence, Bharathiar University, 2016

I began my professional journey at NTTF – Nettur Technical Training Foundation in Bangalore (1979–1983), where I was responsible for production planning and quality control of pressed, molded, and fine-blanked components. Those early years gave me a strong foundation in manufacturing operations and precision engineering.

In 1983, I joined TVS Motor Company, which marked the beginning of a fulfilling association that lasted over three decades. As Manager – Production Engineering (1983–1993), I handled process and facility planning for motorcycle components, especially using press and weld technologies. I was fortunate to be part of the team that set up a world-class press shop in collaboration with Suzuki, where we were able to achieve benchmark levels in safety, quality, and productivity.

From 1993 to 1998, I served as General Manager – New Product Development, where I led the end-to-end development of the XL Super—a product that went on to become one of the most successful in its segment. I also managed the product lifecycle for our utility vehicle range and contributed to new moped and scooter programs.

Between 1998 and 2009, as Vice President – Total Quality Management and HR, I led company-wide TQM efforts that helped TVS Motor receive the prestigious Deming Prize. During this time, I helped evolve our HR practices, established a Skills Training Center, and co-developed a TQM maturity model in partnership with a Japanese expert to support ongoing quality improvements.

From 2010 to 2016, I served as Senior Vice President – Group HR, where my focus was on building a strong, future-ready HR structure across the group. I introduced a learning management system with over 130 competency-based courses and mentored HR leaders while driving programs for leadership and specialist development.

In my final corporate role, I served as Director of the TVS Institute for Quality and Leadership from 2016 until my retirement. I had the privilege of founding and leading the Institute, which earned global certification from the Corporate University Council (CCU). We focused on delivering practical, role-based learning for employees, suppliers, and dealers while also building strong partnerships with academic institutions. Much of our work was aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to drive meaningful and long-term impact.

Certified ‘A’ Level Project Director, International Project Management Institute

Certified Organization Design Professional, Organization Design Community (ODC)

Governing Council Member PSG College of Technology

Academic Council Member  VIT-ARAI, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering, NTTF

Governing Body Member VLFM Program (CII & JICA)

Executive Committee National Board of Accreditation (NBA)

Advisory Committee NITIE, Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce

Sub-Committee Chairman SIAM Human Capital Group

Mentor & Auditor World Bank's TEQIP Program, MHRD

Advisory Board Member Global Council of Corporate Universities, Board of Apprenticeship Training (BoAT), US-based EdTech Startup

Product Development Strategy Stanford University

Quality Management Osaka, Japan

Global Management Development University of Michigan

Leadership and Coaching Centre for Creative Leadership, Singapore

Lean Summit Cannes, France

Finland – Curriculum design and teacher education

Germany – Dual education system and master's programs

Switzerland – Dual-track vocational education

USA – Community college system for vocational training

Singapore – World Education Leadership Summits

Organized agriculture and mechanization study missions

Journals

Competency-Based Engineering Education International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management

Experiential Projects with Manufacturers in India INFORMS

Engineering Student Performance via Competency Education International Journal of Engineering Education

Conference Presentations

Product-Based Learning for Engineering Outcomes ASEE Annual Conference

Innovation & Competency Fitment Anna University, ICTM-IISc Bangalore

Executive Education Programs for Operations Research ASEE

Stage-Gate Approach in Quality Improvement ASEE 2021

100 Most Talented Global HR Leaders CHRO Asia (2014)

Distinguished Alumni Award PSG College of Technology

Excellence in Industry-Academia Interface SEED

Outstanding Contribution to Quality Circles QCFI

Harsha Award Indian Society for Quality (2020)