Vellayan Subbiah was named EY World Entrepreneur of the Year for his leadership skills and his commitment to social and environmental causes at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Salle des Étoiles in Monaco earlier this month.
Ernst & Young (EY), the global consulting, insurance, tax and transaction service accounting giant, holds an annual World Entrepreneur of the Year event as a way of recognising visionary business leaders who are addressing modern-day challenges and transforming their industries.
The 2024 edition saw Indian businessman Vellayan Subbiah, the Executive Vice-Chairman of Tube Investments of India and Chairman of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, win the coveted award for his forward-thinking approach and his ambition to “change the trajectory of his country, his companies and his people”.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to be recognised as the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year,” said Subbiah of his win. “As part of a fourth-generation family business, the spirit of entrepreneurship runs deep within me, and I continue to be equally inspired by those who came before and those who follow. I’m steadfast in my belief that by approaching challenges as opportunities and committing ourselves to a path of self-improvement, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”
Subbiah spent 15 years working within his family business, Cholamandalam, before adding another string to his bow by joining Tube Investments of India.
In addition to his business prowess, he has also contributed to numerous humanitarian and environmental projects through educational scholarships and eco-friendly stewardship.
“Vellayan possesses all of the qualities one looks for in an entrepreneur,” said Carmine Di Sibio, EY Global Chairman and CEO. “The impressive growth of the businesses he’s led has been remarkable, but his story goes far beyond numbers. His humble and personable approach to leadership and his philosophy of enabling others to ‘enter a better life’ are the embodiment of what it means to be EY World Entrepreneur of The Year.”
The 54-year-old was selected by a panel of judges from 5,000 possible candidates hailing from 47 nations. The jurists looked at four criteria – entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact – when making their final decision.
Subbiah is the fourth Indian winner in the event’s 24-year history.
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Photo source: Ernst & Young Global Ltd.