PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full name: Vikram Shreekant Kirloskar [1] Zauba Corp
Profession(s): Industrialist, Businessman, Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor
Famous for: Bringing the global auto giant Toyota to Karnataka in 1997
Date of Birth: Year, 1958
Age (at the time of death): 64 Years
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Caste: Vikram Kirloskar was born into a Maharashtrian Karhade Brahmin family. His ancestor Laxmanrao Kirloskar’s father Kashinathpanth was a Vedant-Pandit. [4] Mintage World
Food Habit: Non-vegetarian [5] Hello!
Age: 64 Years
EDUCATION
School: Lawrence School, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
College/University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US
Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering [3] The Indian Express
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 178 cm in meters – 1.78 m in feet & inches – 5’ 9”
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status (at the time of death): Married
Wife/Spouse: Geetanjali Kirloskar (advertising professional who headed her own firm, Quadrant Communications) Note: Geetanjali Kirloskar also set up the insurance services wing of Kirloskar Systems. In 2013, she became the Chairperson of Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru. The hospital was establihsed by the Kirloskar Group by partnering with Toyota Tsusho, the trading arm of Toyota Group, and Secom Medical System, the medical arm of Japanese security company Secom. It was the first hospital in India which was jointly operated by Japanese and Indian companies.
Children: Daughter – Manasi Kirloskar (executive director of Kirloskar Systems who later joined the board of Toyota Motors) Note : Manasi Kirloskar married to Neville Tata, son of Noel Tata. Together, the couple has a daughter and son, Jeh.
Parents: Father – Shreekant Kirloskar (industrialist, third-generation member of the Kirloskar Group) Mother – Name Not Known
Siblings: None
Wife: Geetanjali Kirloskar
OTHER INFORMATION
Date of Death: 29 November 2022
Death Cause: Cardiac Arrest [2] The Times of India
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Vikram Kirloskar was a prominent Indian industrialist, renowned for his pivotal role in advancing the automotive sector in India. As the Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, a joint venture between the Kirloskar Group and Toyota Motor Corporation, he played a crucial part in establishing the Japanese automotive giant’s presence in India since its inception in 1997. Beyond his contributions to the automotive industry, he served as the Chairman and Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Ltd., a holding and investment company that has diversified interests in real estate and healthcare, along with various collaborative ventures with Toyota. Vikram was a scion of the illustrious Kirloskar Group, which was founded in 1888 by Laxmanrao Kirloskar and is celebrated for its legacy of pioneering industrial achievements, including the production of India’s first iron plough.
Vikram’s journey into the industrial landscape began after completing his formal education, whereupon he gained valuable experience by training in various capacities at different companies both in India and abroad. In 1981, he joined his family business, starting as a trainee in manufacturing at Kirloskar Cummins in Pune. His early career was marked by his innovative spirit, as he designed and developed numerous processes and machine tools that significantly contributed to operational efficiencies. His involvement in the late 1980s with the Government’s Development Council for Machine Tools allowed him to participate in the liberalization of capital equipment import licensing, a move that greatly benefited industries across the nation.
In addition to his role at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Vikram held various significant positions within the Kirloskar Group and its subsidiaries. He was the Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts and served on the boards of multiple entities, including Kirloskar Pneumatic, Denso Kirloskar Industries, and Kirloskar Oil Engines, among others. His leadership extended beyond the family business, as he actively participated in national industrial forums. He served on the National Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and was elected President of CII, completing his term in June 2020. Notably, Vikram also contributed to the development of the automobile sector as a member of the Government of India Development Council for Automobiles and the National Council for Electric Mobility.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Vikram was a passionate admirer of Indian classical music, deeply influenced by the legendary vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi from Karnataka. His refined tastes also extended to wine, where he cultivated a reputation as a connoisseur. He was recognized for his contributions to the industry with accolades such as the prestigious Suvarna Karnataka Award, highlighting his commitment to India’s industrial growth. Additionally, his commitment to education was evident through his role as a trustee on the Board of Trustees of The Rhode Island School of Design in the United States. Vikram Kirloskar’s multifaceted legacy reflects a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, cultural appreciation, and a dedication to the advancement of India’s industrial landscape.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.