Karumuttu T Kannan (70), Chairman & Managing Director of Madurai-based Thiagarajar Mills Ltd and a prominent industrialist and philanthropist, passed away on Tuesday morning in Madurai after a brief illness.
His wife Uma Kannan, daughters Radha and Visalakshi, and son Hari Thiagarajan, who serves as the executive director of Thiagarajar Mills, are all still alive.The late industrialist and philanthropist Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar, who established the Thiagarajar Mills in 1936, is the father of Kannan.
Kannan, who was born on May 9th, 1953, graduated from Madurai University with a degree in business administration. He had connections with a number of nonprofit, business, and educational groups.
He has a wealth of expertise working in the textile sector. He served as the Chairman of the CII, Mumbai Textile Committee, Southern Region, and Cotton Textile The South India Mills’ Association and the Mumbai-based Export Promotion Council.As President of Thiagarajar College in Madurai and Chairman & Correspondent of Thiagarajar College of Engineering in Madurai, he was also a prominent educator.
He was on the boards of governors at the National Institute of Technology in Trichy, the IIM in Indore, and the Syndicate Anna University in Chennai. He also serves as the Thakkar for Madurai’s Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukoil.He has extensive knowledge of corporate finance, company administration, regulatory issues, and governance.
“I’m deeply saddened by this loss,” remarked Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company, upon learning of Kannan’s passing. He was more than just a reliable coworker to me. He was a close and devoted buddy who has a keen mind and always there with his wise counsel. He helped steer us through difficult times to now becoming an international player.”
Srinivasan added, “Kannan had a rare prescience and sharp business acumen, but above all, he was a man with tremendous social conscience who gave so much to society. Thiagarajar college is a testament to that as is his invaluable contribution to the Meenakshi Temple. He bore his responsibilities with grace, dignity, and a sense of purpose.”
