Maruti’s first MD Krishnamurthy passes away

Dr. V Krishnamurthy, former Chairman and Managing Director of Maruti Udyog (now Maruti Suzuki) passed away on Sunday, 26 June at the age of 97. He was based in Chennai. Dr. Krishnamurthy was appointed Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Maruti Udyog in 1981, soon after the Government formed the company.

Dr. Kirhnamurthy moved to Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in 1985, but was the non-executive of Maruti Udyog till 1990. He also held key positions in public sector undertakings, and in the Government, such as Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Chairman & CEO, SAIL, and Chairman & CEO, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Member, Planning Commission to name a few.

“He was a wonderful, great individual. His achievements everybody knows about,”R C Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki said. Bhargava credits Dr. Krishnamurthy for his entry into the industry. “I can honestly say that my coming into industry, and changing my career from the IAS to the industrial side is entirely because of him (Dr. Krishnamurthy),” says Bhargava.

Dr. Kirhnamurthy was the founding Chairman of Maruti Udyog which was a pet project of late Congress leader Sanjay Gandhi, son of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Bharagava was appointed in Maruti Udyog as OSD (Officer on Special Duty) till the post of Director – Marketing was created in the company. He also had a stint at BHEL, which is also credited to Dr. Krishnamurthy.

Dr. Krishnamurthy was also appointed chairman of Maruti Udyog after its first chairman Sumant Moolgaokar, also known as a ‘architect of Tata Motors’, resigned as Chairman. It is believed that Moolgaokar wanted Maruti Udyog to start the journey in commercial vehicles, while Dr. Krishnamurthy was interested in the company to be a passenger vehicle OEM.

Another industry, and former engineering head at Maruti Suzuki I V Rao, recalls Dr. Krishnamurthy as a thorough professional and a people’s man. “Dr. Krishnamurthy was very focused on achieving things as per schedule and commitment. He was extremely friendly, and inspired one to talk to him.” Rao, who was among the first group of professionals to join Maruti in 1983. Rao grew in the organisation to become its first Indian to be appointed as Head of engineering.