tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post3759069652334761333..comments2023-08-25T17:30:36.937+05:30Comments on Business Musings: A Titan steps downRameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11782192840421019943noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-53573116819705131502009-09-10T21:31:30.566+05:302009-09-10T21:31:30.566+05:30i am too inept to comment on the Titan but can’t r...i am too inept to comment on the Titan but can’t resist myself from saying this<br /><br />Kuditazhi ek kolocchum manila mannan aditazhi nirkum ulagu<br />- from the thirukural<br /><br />the world clings to the ruler’s feet whose scepter clasps the people’s heart.<br /><br />This is what Mr. Sundaram has been to his people.<br /><br />SandhyaSandhya Sriramhttp://sandhyasriram.sulekha.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-50452039934649322752009-07-23T15:55:29.169+05:302009-07-23T15:55:29.169+05:30It is very difficult to describe Mr. Sundaram what...It is very difficult to describe Mr. Sundaram what he has done for HUL in 34 years as a leader & to the entire finance fraternity. He has never preached what he has not practiced in his life & the same is inculcated to his team as well. <br /><br />Today all of us are aware that that many of Mr. Sundram's team members are leading many top industrial houses in the country. Mr. Sundram has always ensured to reward the right person. I am one of the beneficiary of his grace & it changed by life altogether. <br /><br />I would like to share my personal experience with Mr. Sundaram. If you are down in life & unable to get solutions,just have one meeting with Mr. Sundram for one hour & it will keep you charged alteast for three years to come & will definitely achieve the impossible.<br /><br />Mr. Ramesh thanks for putting across your thoughts for such a great personality.<br /><br />I wish Mr. Sundram & his family a healthy & happy life.<br /><br />- Syed AleemSyed Aleemnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-42036020245127213042009-07-19T23:36:55.349+05:302009-07-19T23:36:55.349+05:30Its very difficult to imagine the finance function...Its very difficult to imagine the finance function without Mr Sundaram. Mr Sundaram was not heading finance function but an institution as vast as river Ganges built so passionately & carefully where minnows like me can become what I am by just taking few dips in the mighty knowledge reservoir.Raghu Tantrinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-47066287792320984922009-07-12T20:54:20.777+05:302009-07-12T20:54:20.777+05:30Mr Sundaram undoubtedly has achieved the pinnacle ...Mr Sundaram undoubtedly has achieved the pinnacle of professional achievements. But for persons like me, he would remain someone who could reach out to people far below his level of professional and intellectual capability. A rare human being, Mr Sundaram has set an example for all of us to try and emulate.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03343229553330426974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-10289819942057043252009-07-10T12:13:57.003+05:302009-07-10T12:13:57.003+05:30Hi Ramesh
This is Sankar(Sankaranarayanan).. may ...Hi Ramesh<br /><br />This is Sankar(Sankaranarayanan).. may remember from my Pop Tea/Corp Audit days. Am now with Kodak India <br />Absolutely touching to read your tribute to Mr Sundaram. The word 'Titan' fits him to a T. <br />My first recollection of Mr Sundaram, was across the interview table in Brookefields in the mid nineties. He simply overawed me in the next hour or so , with some razor sharp, rapid fire questions delivered at high speed. I remember a few others present at the panel, but it was a Sundaram show through and through, with me at the receiving end. I was pleasantly surprised to know thereafter that I had made it to the company (one I had only dreamt of joining-HLL) <br />You are spot on when you allude to his combining the aspects of 'speed of thought' with the 'old world connect' in his staying connected with his team members. All through my tenure in HLL and (indeed thereafter with Quest ) ,I have always felt quite blessed to know that here was a person (a Function leader who inspired awe in all he came in contact with ),who kept a watch out for his wards, challenged their intellect to add value and grow in their careers. <br />I personally owe him a debt of gratitude for the career break (in a Functional leadership role) he provided me with Quest , and his mentoring during my stint, most notably in his role as Director on the Quest India Board. Indeed ,when I moved to Kodak, Sundaram’s advise and inputs were invaluable to my decision. <br />I do feel mighty honoured to contribute my bit to this tribute to this great man. He has and will continue to inspire me every day of my professional life. If I can live and pass on even a small portion of what one has imbibed from him (visible passion for the Finance Function , promoting role of Finance as a business value,without compromise on basics,identifying and mentoring talent and keeping them challenged all the time, and being there for the team members all the time. <br /><br />Mr Sundaram, I consider myself truly blessed and privileged having have been associated with you over the past decade and a half.. look forward to staying in touch going forward as well. Here’s wishing you and your family all success in all your future endeavours.Sankaranarayanannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-79584927798537668112009-07-07T19:55:17.233+05:302009-07-07T19:55:17.233+05:30Each opportunity of interacting with Mr Sundaram m...Each opportunity of interacting with Mr Sundaram makes a big difference to a person's learning and provides a huge recharge the impact of which remains with the person for life. <br /><br />An industry leader in his own right, one of the best and most powerful speakers (that I have ever listened to in my life in person or through any media), a great CFO, the best Cost Accountant in the country, an inspiring visionary, a person who has an endless quest for learning, passionate display of rigor, an expert on Thirukkural ...the list is endless, but the best among all is the approachability and people friendly attitude which is the jewel in the crown..<br /><br />Listening to him in meetings/workshops, interacting with him, seeing him lead are memories and experiences that we will cherish for a lifetime..<br /><br />His words on 'corporate life being like a treadmill', 'vanity-sanity-reality', 'war on cost' etc reverberate when you think of the interaction and have been interalised by all the 1000+ managers who have heard him drive it hard...<br /><br />Thank you Ramesh for the wonderful article and Thank you Mr Sundaram for the great learning that you have provided us and the infectitious rigor which we are making an attempt to imbibe..Syed Hassannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-66414298307662432362009-07-06T06:24:09.242+05:302009-07-06T06:24:09.242+05:30Err sorry my business knowledge is very limited......Err sorry my business knowledge is very limited...thanks to your blog I get to know about a lot of stuff like this...I can jus wish him happy retirementRikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03985152186939344611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-43975987307637732942009-07-06T05:15:44.671+05:302009-07-06T05:15:44.671+05:30To all Commenters - Thank you for your thoughtful ...To all Commenters - Thank you for your thoughtful words and reflections on Sundaram. It has greatly enriched this tribute to him and I am very thankful to all of you writing in so movingly.Rameshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782192840421019943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-57185126289878341122009-07-06T05:13:22.136+05:302009-07-06T05:13:22.136+05:30@Adesh - Yes, I've been lucky
@Nancy - Thanks...@Adesh - Yes, I've been lucky<br /><br />@Nancy - Thanks Nancy. I am touched that you keep visiting and commenting although business is not something you jump to read about. Much honoured.Rameshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782192840421019943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-17543984636949945262009-07-05T21:04:18.367+05:302009-07-05T21:04:18.367+05:30Alex...
I walked into the oldest factory of HLL 3...Alex...<br /><br />I walked into the oldest factory of HLL 33 years back pursuing my dreams and encountered this young vibrant traditional person from Madras. There after Sundaram was one of my role models to emulate, simplicity irrespective of the position one holds. <br /><br />His vision to use IT for business has made HUL the leader among all Unilever countries. I consider myself lucky to be in HLL during the era of Sundaram. HUL will not be trhe same without Sundaram.<br /><br /> I wish him and Geetha all the very best.Alexnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-31748174623560315522009-07-05T19:07:34.477+05:302009-07-05T19:07:34.477+05:30U wrote this beautifully Ramesh...enjoyed reading ...U wrote this beautifully Ramesh...enjoyed reading it!!!!<br /><br />I also read most of the comments here & am awed to see how much goodwill Mr. Sindaram has generated. He truly sounds inspirational:-))!!!!!!Reflectionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07306120391459083770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-15859924774195621952009-07-05T07:01:26.401+05:302009-07-05T07:01:26.401+05:30Ramesh and Others have truly described a great lea...Ramesh and Others have truly described a great leader. Mr Sundaram has left a huge legacy to the business and many people. As Sanjay as correctly said a great leader can should be measured by the people he has mentored, influenced and developed. From of I have seen Mr Sundaram can be very proud of what he has acheived todate.Phillipnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-74373512997942552592009-07-05T00:42:38.401+05:302009-07-05T00:42:38.401+05:30Ramesh, Your post and other comments on this blog ...Ramesh, Your post and other comments on this blog is a great attempt to highlight qualities of great Mr Sundaram.<br /><br />I personally feel it is difficult to capture in words greatness of visionary leader like Mr Sunndaram.<br /><br /><br />I learned real role of Finance function after DS took over as CFO of HUL and started steering his team to play a much superior and enriching role than that of traditional finance function. He developed and mentored his team to be not only accountant but also shrewd businessman, entrepreneur and change agent in organisation.He always made his team think of future.He painted a vision and made his team deliver on big initiative,huge transformations and thus providing sustainable and consistent benefits to organisation. He converted every problem to a big opportunity of transforming and making big changes to ensure that problem will never recur again.Mr Sundaram's contribution is not limited to finance function. He contibuted handsomely to initiatives in other functions and often taught lessons on marketing, sales and technical to his team and other colleagues.. <br /><br />..One can go on and on....and highlight many other qualities of this great leader...<br /><br />Respected Mr Sundaram,<br /><br />I was enlightened, energetic and motivated after each meeting with you.I developed huge respect and strong belief in you as leader and You made a huge difference to me and my career with your guidance and support.<br /><br />A great chapter in HUL history and life of many of us who are/have been associated with you/HUL is over......... days will never be same again as you move on and take up a new assignment and start a new inning. <br />It is time to say Thank You, Mr Sundaram for all the difference you made in my life and career with your gudiance and support and Wish you all the best in your future endeavour.May God bless you with good health and big success in your new endeavour.<br /><br />Sanjay JindalSanjay Jindalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-892129414692578112009-07-04T22:10:33.837+05:302009-07-04T22:10:33.837+05:30A leader is always remebered by how many leaders h...A leader is always remebered by how many leaders he has mentored like himself/herself and even better. K Ramesh is one such leader who was mentored by Sundaram. I know one person that K Ramesh has mentored- ME...<br /><br />I have taken a leaf out of his book and try to mentor people who work under me.<br /><br />May the tribes of the likes of Sundaram and Ramesh grow....Chennai Vibeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14296242521623335674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-5826586609468346552009-07-04T19:56:17.936+05:302009-07-04T19:56:17.936+05:30I had an opportunity to work with the organization...I had an opportunity to work with the organization refered as ‘baby’ here which was fathered by Mr.Sundaram and led by Mr. Ramesh. Having worked in this organization I know this blog has come straight from heart.<br /><br />Thanks Ramesh for giving us this opportunity to thank you both for setting up this organization where we had a chance to work with so nice people. We will always cherish memories of Indigo.<br /><br />I would like to thank and wish all the very best to Mr. Sundaram !<br /><br />An Indigoite !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-38774388314879496002009-07-04T07:02:16.029+05:302009-07-04T07:02:16.029+05:30A great tribute to a Legend from an inspiring lead...A great tribute to a Legend from an inspiring leader. In today's world there are large number of successful managers, but only very few visionary managers are there. Mr Sundaram is one such a visionary. Mr Ramesh has articulated well about Mr Sundaram's many successful contributions in HLL. Leaders who think ahead of times and make those thinking a successful one are very limited and Mr DS is one of the very few in the industry to have this distinction.<br /><br />Mr Sundaram apart from his corporate responsibility should come out and write books which can be a motivating for young professionals.<br /><br />SwamynathanSwamyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08098152588587590030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-77158827591087644992009-07-04T01:19:35.794+05:302009-07-04T01:19:35.794+05:30It is difficult to imagine this great Institution ...It is difficult to imagine this great Institution without this great leader. DS is synonymous with HLL/HUL and is an institution by himself. A person with a razor sharp clarity of mind. He sheltered the Commercial fraternity like a Banyan tree, inspired them to aim higher and crafted a path for each individual to blossom. He is a role model for many like me. His sheer expectations from people pushed the performance bar of the Organisation a few notches up. He converted a threat into an opportunity and a winning proposition in the form of shared services. A visionary of a rare kind. As a beneficiary of his masterstroke, I take this opportunity to reflect on a true leader who has been a perpetual donor of wisdom to all of us. I wish him well as he begins another innings after a remarkable debut with HUL.BL Narayannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-801907420346514642009-07-04T00:28:55.753+05:302009-07-04T00:28:55.753+05:30Ramesh, beautifully written about DS.
To me he h...Ramesh, beautifully written about DS. <br />To me he has always epitomised the philosophy of simple living, high thinking. I have always admired leaders who have shifted the paradigm (cliched!). DS was a class apart even among those leaders, he never made any incremental changes - he believed in quantum changes. While people in the corporate world simply changed the rules of the game to keep ahead, DS simply changed the game! Adieu Mr Sundaram, wishing you very well in your future endeavors. What we are (taking the liberty of talking on behalf of several of us who came along with the bride!)today in a great measure is owed to what you made us. Many thanks for all that you have done to me, welcoming back the proverbial prodigal with open arms when I got back from NZ to India.Kiwiblokenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-20994528160776082152009-07-03T21:24:15.756+05:302009-07-03T21:24:15.756+05:30It is good that you had an opportunity to work wit...It is good that you had an opportunity to work with such great leader and visionary. <br /><br />Write up straight from the heart.Adesh Sidhuhttp://www.adeshsidhu.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-49291691783393733222009-07-03T20:22:43.828+05:302009-07-03T20:22:43.828+05:30Sundaram left the lovely girl with an incredible a...Sundaram left the lovely girl with an incredible and magnificient dowry. Be sure, dear Sundaram, that i'll personally take great care of her. You can be proud and be sure that shes is in good hands. <br /><br />Thank you from the 3000 employees that now are part of the family in India. <br /><br />HubertAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-54163192664830150632009-07-03T18:52:36.597+05:302009-07-03T18:52:36.597+05:30I only got to know Mr Sunderam when the “baby” was...I only got to know Mr Sunderam when the “baby” was already a bride. However Sunderam did not only allow the “baby” to go, simply ensuring it was in good hands, instead he personally invested a lot of time and energy in guaranteeing that the marriage grew into one with a prosperous future, holding its hand and guiding it through the early days of the relationship . Now the “baby” is ready to stand on its own two feet, it is well prepared for a great future and has already earned a lot of respect. Thank you, Sunderam for being such a good father to the “bride”, as well as a friend and supporter to us all. I think I can say for the entire team in India we will always do our best and we will ensure that Sunderam can always be proud of his “grown up baby”.<br />I wish Sunderam all the best for his personal future and sincerely hope he will stay close to us. Knowing that he will be very busy with a lot of new responsibilities in the future I hope we can still spend some time together in both the near and distant future. <br />Hansjoerg SiberHansjoerg Sibernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-66418872668985804552009-07-03T17:19:01.414+05:302009-07-03T17:19:01.414+05:30Dear Sundaram
After all the words written by Rame...Dear Sundaram<br /><br />After all the words written by Ramesh and others, I am really lost for words.<br /><br />I have personally seen the transformation you brought to the Finance and IT functions of this great company over the past decade and more.<br /><br />What I have been touched by, is the amount of care you show for people and development of every individual. For someone who has to take care of so much of pressure from all quarters, it shows your true concern for people. This has helped nuture many a great minds who we can see in Unilever and outside Unilever now.<br /><br />As a leader of IT function as well, you have helped the company grow to new frontiers in technology to get value to the business. Your trust in people, your astute business understanding, your clear vision to see the benefits of technology -that made each one of us climb the extra step to achieve what was a challenging goal. You have always stood for what you think is right for the business and have worked hard to help realise the same. It is your leap of faith in technology which is a lesson for all businessmen.<br /><br />Setting up Indigo and nurturing the baby so well - Ramesh and others have already mentioned. It has been a very memorable journey for me personally. It is the freedom you give the baby to grow, while making sure the values are held tight - which has helped the baby to grow into a successful mature business today.<br /><br />Wishing you and family the best of health, happiness and success.Geethahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01473257399950661790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-79825012234551801002009-07-03T15:27:03.952+05:302009-07-03T15:27:03.952+05:30@ thoughtful train - Thanks for your lovely words....@ thoughtful train - Thanks for your lovely words.<br /><br />@AJCL - Despite your running around in Chennai, you find time to read and say such kind words. You're a marvel.<br /><br />@Preeti - Thanks for the nice comment. Yes, he has a knack of doing such things.Rameshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782192840421019943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-18644842470921895452009-07-03T14:45:04.344+05:302009-07-03T14:45:04.344+05:30A superb tribute Ramesh.
You know at one of the c...A superb tribute Ramesh.<br /><br />You know at one of the company socials (which I abhor) I was trying to blend into the back ground as there were so many people around him, trying to grab his attention. I just wanted the party to get over and I wanted to go home as my daughter was just 2 at that time. (and you know how it is when they are that age)<br />Sundaram made it a point to come and seek me out, speak to me and he remembered not only my name but details about me.<br />That itself speaks volumes about the type of person he is.<br /><br />Very well written.<br />Cheers<br />preetiPreeti Shenoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01626823872300694608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4740849900073154554.post-29509571678236690752009-07-03T14:37:34.931+05:302009-07-03T14:37:34.931+05:30Dear Ramesh,
Very well articulated. We all at Ind...Dear Ramesh,<br /><br />Very well articulated. We all at Indigo share each word in your article.<br /><br />The values lived by Mr Sundaram can guide us for ever. His ability to connect with people is outstanding. He could make small fry's like us also feel important in a gigantic organization.<br /><br />Wish, that success continues to be with Mr Sundaram for ever.<br /><br />Regards<br />Harish NavarathnaHarish Navarathnanoreply@blogger.com