Every great leader has a foundation built upon knowledge and grit. For Chandran Ratnaswami, this began at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1970. This early education provided analytical thinking, discipline, and a problem-solving mindset that would later define his approach to business and investment.
Seeking global exposure, he moved to the United States and completed an Associate’s degree in Advertising from Northwood Institute, Michigan, in 1972. This immersion into marketing communication introduced him to consumer behavior and brand psychology, skills that would later power his corporate breakthroughs.
His academic journey culminated in 1979 when he earned an MBA from the prestigious Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. By then, the blueprint of a global business leader was already being drawn.
Chandran Ratnaswami: A Career Built Through Constant Evolution
1. Early Professional Journey – Advertising and Brand-Building
Between 1972 and 1976, Chandran Ratnaswami entered the advertising world in the U.S. and Canada. He thrived, sharpening his understanding of markets, messaging, and audiences — a unique start for someone who would later handle billion-dollar investment portfolios.
2. Leadership Roles in Marketing
From 1976 to 1989, he served in senior management roles at General Foods Limited, Canada, one of the most renowned packaged-goods companies of the time. There, he served as Marketing Director for iconic brands like:
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Maxwell House Coffee
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Jell-O desserts
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Kool-Aid beverages
This period refined his leadership voice — turning ideas into revenue, and brands into household names.
3. Entrepreneurship and Independent Success
Between 1990 and 1995, he owned and operated a profitable aerosol brand business in Canada. His company developed and sold its own J2 aerosol products, proving that he possessed not only corporate skill but entrepreneurial courage.
Transition Into Finance – The Fairfax Chapter Begins
In 1993, Chandran Ratnaswami joined Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd., an investment company within the Fairfax Financial ecosystem founded by Prem Watsa. His role as Director of International Investments marked the start of a defining era.
Here, he managed portfolios across Southeast Asia, achieving high-return investments in South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong. But one nation soon became his core focus — India.
Chandran Ratnaswami: Building India’s Modern Financial Landscape
Founding ICICI Lombard – A Turning Point
When Fairfax Financial sought entry into India, Chandran Ratnaswami spearheaded a partnership with ICICI Bank. This gave birth to ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, which today stands as a leading and most successful private-sector general insurance institution in India. He served as a founder-director for over 10 years — establishing industry standards that changed India’s insurance sector forever.
Strategic Investments That Shaped an Economy
His role extended far beyond insurance. He participated in high-impact investments across some of India’s most trusted and valuable corporations, including:
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ICICI Bank
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Bangalore International Airport (BIAL)
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Sundaram Finance
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Tata Electric
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BPCL
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HPCL
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Hindustan Lever
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Thomas Cook (India)
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IIFL Finance
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NCML
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Sanmar Chemicals
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Quess Corp Limited
Each investment came with one intent — to foster economic growth, inspire corporate excellence, and empower long-term national development.
Leadership at Fairfax India Holdings
Fairfax India Holdings Corp. was created as a platform to strategically invest in Indian assets. In 2015, Chandran Ratnaswami became its Chief Executive Officer and Director. Under his leadership:
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Approximately $2 billion was invested in India
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Market value of these investments reached about $2.7 billion
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Over 10 major companies brought growth, jobs, and capital infusion into the nation
On July 1, 2024, he transitioned to Executive Vice Chairman as part of a planned succession, marking a dignified continuation — guiding, mentoring, and overseeing the next chapter of Fairfax India.
Fairfax India and Hamblin Watsa – His Present-Day Roles
As of 2025:
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Executive Vice Chairman, Fairfax India Holdings Corp.
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Senior Managing Director, Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel – Managing $5 Billion Across India
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Vice Chairman & Chairman, Nomination and Remuneration Committee – Thai Reinsurance Public Co.
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Non-Executive Director – Quess Corp Limited
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Board Member – Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., CSB Bank, Fairbridge, BIAL, ZoomerMedia Ltd., Go Digit Infoworks, Sanmar Chemicals, and more
He now sits on the boards of more than 10 major global companies.