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As Subramanian Ramadorai prepares for another long-haul in the corporate world, industry expects he will recreate the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) success story with low-cost carrier AirAsia India.
After a career spanning four decades with TCS, the 67-year-old Ram, as he is popularly known, continues as vice-chairman of the country’s largest software exporter.
On Monday, Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia appointed him chairman of its India operations, expected to be launched by the year end.
He retired as TCS’ CEO and MD in October 2009, after 14 years at the helm, having transformed the Tata group company into a software giant.
S. Mahalingam, former CFO at TCS, told Business Line that Ramadorai is a very effective leader, a hands-on person who gets into details. From a governance point of view, he will make sure the right processes are put into place.
“Ram is good at mentoring the next generation of leaders, as is evident from the management bandwidth at TCS, most of which was created during his time as CEO,” Mahalingam, said, adding that Ram delegates work and ensures that people are empowered so the right results can be achieved.
The long-distance runner (a regular at Mumbai marathon) dons many a hat. A Carnatic music aficionado, he is also the adviser to the Prime Minister on the National Council on Skill Development; chairperson of the governing board of Tata Institute of Social Sciences; chairman of CMC and Tata Elxsi, and non-executive chairman of Bombay Stock Exchange.
Ram was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in April 2009.
“He is affable and a very good person,” said a former SEBI official, who knows Ramadorai well. Some people at the Mumbai marathon remember Ramadorai rushing to the aid of a runner, who was writing in pain and left only after ensuring the marathoner got medical attention.
On Monday, AirAsia Global CEO Tony Fernandes announced the appointment of Ramadorai as chairman of the carrier’s India unit on micro-blogging site Twitter. Earlier, on Sunday, the airline announced Ratan Tata would be Chief Advisor for its Indian venture.
Tata Sons has a 30 per cent stake in AirAsia India, with Arun Bhatia of Telestra Tradeplace owning 21 per cent.
AirAsia needs a leader at the top to do wonders as the aviation industry is in doldrums.
“Ramadorai, doyen of the IT industry, set for new innings in aviation. Wonder if he can repeat TCS magic at AirAsia,” a tweet by Chandra Ranganathan (handle þ@chandra86) said. This was re-tweeted by Tony Fernandes.
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