Dr. Lakshmi Venu, Deputy Managing Director - TAFE Motors and Tractors Limited, has been appointed as the Managing Director of Sundaram-Clayton Limited (SCL), one of India's leading auto component manufacturers.
For more than a decade, Dr. Lakshmi Venu has led Sundaram Clayton from the front lines. She was the driving force behind Sundaram Clayton's global expansion. Her decision to open a foundry in the United States three years ago in Dorchester, South Carolina, was almost prophetic, as most US-based customers were looking for on-shore foundry units to reduce supply chain risks and reduce carbon footprint and she has developed strong customer relationships with Cummins, Hyundai, Volvo, Paccar, and Daimler.
"Lakshmi brings deep customer understanding and has developed strong relationships with global customers," said R Gopalan, Chairman of Sundaram-Clayton. She has successfully charted a strategy to establish a global footprint in order to gain a competitive advantage. I am confident in her ability to further transform Sundaram-Clayton into a world-class auto component manufacturer."
"The elevation of Lakshmi Venu as Managing Director in Sundaram-Clayton is a fitting recognition of the enormous contribution she has made to the growth of the Company, particularly during very difficult times," said Admiral P J Jacob (Retd.), Chairman, Audit Committee, Sundaram-Clayton. She has worked her way up from the factory floor to the top of the company. I wish her every success in taking the company to new heights."
"It is an honour to lead Sundaram Clayton to its next phase of growth," Dr. Lakshmi Venu said in accepting the MD position.
“The world is changing at a breakneck pace, and automotive industry disruptions are becoming commonplace. The future promises to be thrilling, challenging, and full of new possibilities. We have a great team, and we're excited to grow Sundaram Clayton both in India and around the world. I hope to repay the trust that the company's shareholders, board of directors, employees, and management have placed in me. Chairman Emeritus Venu Srinivasan and Chairman R. Gopalan, who have mentored me throughout my career, will always be our guiding lights," she added.
