H Lakshmanan, Sundaram Clayton executive director, dies aged 92

CHENNAI: H Lakshmanan, executive director of Sundaram Clayton and a pillar of the TVS group, died in Chennai on Friday. He was 92.

Lakshmanan had been associated with the group for seven decades. HL (as he was affectionately referred to) saw the group’s transition from transportation business in the early 50s under TVS Motor founder TS Srinivasan (Cheema) through to its successful transition to a two and three-wheeler manufacturer of repute under Venu Srinivasan to the group’s ongoing move towards becoming a global player with special emphasis on electric mobility under Sudarshan Venu. In the process, he witnessed India Inc’s transformation with the eye of a business historian.

HL’s “remarkable journey to the pinnacle of corporate leadership stands as a testament to the power of integrity, dedication, acuity and unparalleled leadership,” said the company tribute.

HL started his corporate journey at the age of 20 years, working closely with TVS Motor founder TS Srinivasan and acquiring experience in different aspects of business operations—from technical and legal contracts to labour relations. Together, they built India's largest auto components group, laying the foundation for future growth. When the untimely passing of T S Srinivasan brought a young Venu Srinivasan to lead Sundaram Clayton and the moped business, Lakshmanan became his trusted guide.

“Through him I learnt the wisdom that had been passed down by my father. HL had an ability to think clearly, counsel sagely and work tirelessly, and he was my rock of Gibraltar," said Venu Srinivasan, chairman emeritus, TVS Motor. "He would never settle for less and in a great measure what TVS is today, is thanks to his dedication and sense of duty."

It was Lakshmanan’s finesse in negotiation and strategic planning that helped transform TVS Motor from a moped maker into a global two-wheeler manufacturer.

Alongside he built Sundaram Clayton into what it is today. His ability to forge strong relationships across all levels—from shop floor workers to government officials and bankers—set him apart as a leader of extraordinary calibre.

“Bankers regarded his word as sacrosanct, a testament to his impeccable reputation for honesty and reliability,” said the company tribute.

He approached everything with a determination to succeed, whether establishing Sundaram Clayton or orchestrating the turnaround of TVS Credit into a NBFC serving millions of customers.

“He was the person I would turn to the most when I took over at Sundaram Clayton, and it was remarkable how he mentored me with the same enthusiasm and patience as he did my father,” said Lakshmi Venu, MD, Sundaram-Clayton. “He made a complex business, simple.”

But his most enduring legacy was his role as mentor and guardian of TVS Group's core values as he worked across three generations of the TVS family. “To the younger generation he passed on lessons in values that have thrived since my grandfather's time," said Sudarshan Venu, MD, TVS Motor.

"We at TVS are deeply grateful for his enormous contributions. He leaves a void that will never be filled."

H Lakshmanan's life story serves as an inspirational blueprint for future generations. He leaves behind his son and two daughters.


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