Mr. Shankar Vanavarayar is an accomplished business and organisation leader, a spirited patron of arts, history and heritage, a successful entrepreneur and an inspired educationist. In a highly dynamic and diversified professional career spread over 15 years, he has held leadership positions in businesses, educational institutions, social development organizations and programs within The Sakthi Group, and in the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He has a proven track record in building teams, strategic planning, managing programs and operations in multiple domains spanning business (textiles, automotive, financial services, agri-foods, retail), education (arts, science & technology), culture and heritage, community and social development, international youth affairs, cross national institutions and alliances etc.
As the National Chairman of Young Indians (YI) in 2011- 2012, he played a key role in the creation of the Commonwealth Asia Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAAYE). He also led Indian delegations and has represented India as the Global Young Leader in the BOAO Forum in Hong Kong (2011) and China (2012) and has delivered keynote speeches at the Commonwealth Business Forum London, CHOGM Perth summit (2011), G20 France, and Aspen Institute Seminar, Italy (2010). In his role as Managing Trustee of The Vanavarayar Foundation and keeping with the legacy of his ancestors, he has organized tours, lectures, book publications and awareness programs towards the cause of preserving and portraying the architecture, heritage, culture and history of the Kongu region. As member of the Apex Body of Siruthuli, he led several projects aimed at enhancing water conservation and rejuvenation through educational programs, communication campaigns, and by fostering wider community participation.