Born on 16 March 1960 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Sekharipuram Narayanan Subrahmanyan grew up in an environment rooted in integrity and public service. His father, S. S. Narayanan, served as a General Manager with the Indian Railways.
He attended Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in Mylapore, where discipline, academic curiosity, and strong values shaped his formative years. Fascinated by engineering and the belief that infrastructure could transform lives, he pursued Civil Engineering at the Regional Engineering College Kurukshetra (now National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra), graduating in 1982.
Understanding that modern leaders need both technical depth and managerial acumen, he later earned an MBA from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune. An Executive Management Programme at the London Business School further broadened his global outlook, equipping him with strategic insight that would later define his leadership style.
Early Career of Sekharipuram Narayanan Subrahmanyan: Learning from Mentors and Building Ground-Up Experience
In 1984, Sekharipuram Narayanan Subrahmanyan began his professional journey at Larsen & Toubro as a Project Planning Engineer in the ECC (Engineering Construction & Contracts) Division. Rather than chasing quick promotions, he immersed himself in the realities of construction—site challenges, workforce dynamics, deadlines, and operational complexity.
Under the mentorship of industry stalwarts such as C. R. Ramakrishnan, A. Ramakrishna, and K. V. Rangaswami, he learned that engineering leadership requires not only technical precision but also empathy, adaptability, and vision. Over the years, he took on increasingly demanding roles across multiple verticals, gaining a comprehensive understanding of L&T’s diverse business landscape.
Rise to Leadership: From Engineer to Corporate Strategist
Subrahmanyan’s ascent within L&T was marked by consistent performance and a deep understanding of infrastructure ecosystems. In July 2011, he joined the L&T Board as a full-time Director and Senior Executive Vice President (Construction). By October 2015, he was appointed Deputy Managing Director & President, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his ability to lead at scale.
In 2017, he became Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding A. M. Naik. On 1 October 2023, he assumed the role of Chairman and Managing Director, marking a new chapter in the company’s history.
Sekharipuram Narayanan Subrahmanyan: Transforming Larsen & Toubro – Technology, Sustainability, and Global Reach
As CMD, Sekharipuram Narayanan Subrahmanyan has been instrumental in steering L&T toward a future defined by digitalization, advanced engineering solutions, and sustainable infrastructure. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its global footprint across the Middle East, Africa, and ASEAN, strengthening its reputation as a trusted partner in complex engineering projects.
His focus on technology-driven solutions has positioned L&T as more than a construction giant—it has evolved into a diversified engineering powerhouse encompassing IT services, financial services, and innovation-driven manufacturing. A people-centric culture remains at the core of his leadership philosophy, emphasizing safety, training, and continuous learning.
Landmark Projects: Engineering Marvels that Define a Legacy
One of the hallmarks of Subrahmanyan’s leadership is the execution of projects that redefine engineering ambition. Under his guidance, L&T has delivered iconic initiatives such as:
-
The Statue of Unity, one of the world’s tallest statues
-
Offshore platforms and advanced energy infrastructure
-
ITER fusion energy projects and dual feed crackers
-
K9 Vajra defense systems
-
Atal Setu and major transportation corridors
-
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir
-
High-speed rail and bullet train infrastructure (ongoing)
Each project represents innovation, scale, and precision—earning global recognition for complexity, size, or technological advancement.
Leadership Beyond Business: Policy, Safety, and Sustainability
In February 2021, the Ministry of Labour & Employment appointed Sekharipuram Narayanan Subrahmanyan as Chairman of the National Safety Council, where he championed workplace safety standards aligned with the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
He is also among the founding members of the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative (CFLI) India. Additionally, his involvement in educational and engineering institutions demonstrates a deep commitment to nurturing future leaders.
Awards and Recognition: Acknowledging Visionary Leadership
Subrahmanyan’s achievements have earned widespread recognition. Among his many accolades:
-
Eminent Engineer Award from the Engineering Council of India (2024)
-
Featured on Fortune magazine’s cover as India’s Best CEO (2023)
-
Infrastructure & Engineering Category Winner, Business Today-PwC Best CEOs (2022)
-
Ranked in Construction Week Power 100 (2022)
-
CEO of the Year recognition by CNBC-Awaaz (2020)
-
Emergent CEO Award (2019)
-
Leading Engineering Personality Award by the Institution of Engineers (India) (2014)