S. N. Subrahmanyan: The Visionary Leader Steering L&T to New Heights

Subrahmanyan, alias SNS, is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro-India's premier multinational conglomerate with a business portfolio in Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, Technology, and Financial Services. He has played an important role in shaping L&T into globally recognized infrastructure and technology domains, having led through almost four decades of operation.

Subrahmanyan took over from A.M. Naik in 2017, as the CMD, and is also the Vice Chairman on the Board of LTIMindtree and L&T Technology Services, Chairman of L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited, and Director and Chairperson of L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. His career represents a nice balance of technical capability, strategic thought, and simply visionary leadership.

In this StartupTalky article, we will explore S. N. Subrahmanyan's success story, including his early life, childhood, personal life, education, awards, philanthropy, controversy, and more.

S. N. Subrahmanyan – Biography

S. N. Subrahmanyan - Early Life and Education
S. N. Subrahmanyan - Personal Life
S. N. Subrahmanyan - Career Highlights
S. N. Subrahmanyan - Controversy
S. N. Subrahmanyan - Philanthropy and Vision
S. N. Subrahmanyan - Accomplishments and Recognitions
S. N. Subrahmanyan - Facts
S. N. Subrahmanyan - Legacy of Leadership

S. N. Subrahmanyan - Early Life and Education

Born in Palakkad, Kerala, S. N. Subrahmanyan was raised in a family for which discipline and education formed an intrinsic part of upbringing. A high degree of work ethic and solving any given problem intelligently constituted his formative years.

Subrahmanyan did his civil engineering at Regional Engineering College, now NIT, in Kurukshetra. He was interested in the design and construction of structures. This made him recognize that leadership also needed some business acumen, which made him move ahead to get a postgraduate diploma in business management from SIBM, Pune. This was followed by an Executive MBA from London Business School, which eventually whetted his strategic thinking and leadership capability.

S. N. Subrahmanyan - Personal Life

S. N. Subrahmanyan is a pretty simple and down-to-earth person. He is married to Meena Subrahmanyan and is the father of two sons, Sujay and Suraj.  He loves playing sports, which include cricket and badminton, and extends his support to works aimed at facilitating sports in the country. He also has a keen interest in Western Classical music. 

S. N. Subrahmanyan - Career Highlights

Early Days at L&T

Subrahmanyan joined L&T in 1984 as a project planning engineer. Right from the start, he showed an in-depth understanding of project management and leadership. His eye for detail and how he managed complex engineering projects fetched him a string of promotions with added responsibilities. S.N. Subrahmanyan is among India’s top 10 highest-paid executives, earning a total salary of INR 51 crore in 2024.

Driving Infrastructure Excellence

One of the defining contributions of Subrahmanyan has been his role in transforming L&T's infrastructure segment into a global frontrunner. He successfully executed some of India's most ambitious projects, including:

• The single-largest PPP in the metro rail sector of India represented their testimony to engineering capability.
• L&T constructed one of the marvels of Engineering, the tallest in the world: the Statue of Unity.
• The infrastructural development is contoured in the state-of-the-art airports that will dot the country in no time, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
• Smart Cities Initiative: This was a great contribution by Larsen and Toubro in the field of India's Smart Cities Mission with respect to infrastructure in urban areas, water supply systems, and digital connectivity.

CEO and MD of L&T

Subrahmanyan was appointed CEO & MD, Larsen & Toubro, w.e.f. 2017, after A. M. Naik. It was a big landmark because he was the first professional not belonging to the founder's family to take over as chief of the company. The priorities that this CEO emphasizes:

• Diversification into technology and services increased L&T Group's business portfolio.
• To further expand internationally into the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
• Operational Efficiency: The group's focus is on embracing digital transformation.

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L&T has business interests in basic engineering, construction, information technology, and financial services. Know more about its business model, growth, etc.

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Digital Transformation

Subrahmanyan has been at the forefront of the latest technologies finding their way into the operations of L&T in:

• L&T-NxT: A platform to create disruption in the process of engineering and construction through the use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things.
• BIM: Usage of Building Information Modelling towards achieving real-time site project monitoring to allow for optimization.
• Advanced Robotics: Using robotics and automation in construction activities while improving efficiency and safety.

Expanding the Technology Portfolio

Subrahmanyan has played an important role in firming up L&T's IT services business through:

• L&T InfoTech: LTI is expanding into data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
• L&T Technology Services: It provides research and development engineering services to customers around the globe.
• Acquisition of Mindtree: This key strategic step firmly established L&T among the mainstays in this industry.

Global Expansion

Under Subrahmanyan’s leadership, L&T has significantly increased its presence in international markets, executing projects in over 30 countries. Major projects include:

• Infrastructure development in the Middle East, including airports, metro systems, and power plants
• Water management systems in Southeast Asia
• Solar power projects in Africa

S. N. Subrahmanyan - Controversy

In January 2025, a viral video of Subrahmanyan's New Year address sparked controversy. Responding to an employee's query about working on Saturdays, he regretted not being able to mandate work on Sundays, claiming it would make him happier as he works on Sundays. He questioned employees' activities at home and suggested they should work instead. His remarks led to online backlash, with his wife, Meena Subrahmanyan, also facing trolling. Subrahmanyan defended his stance, citing China's longer work hours as a reason to adopt a 90-hour workweek for success.

S. N. Subrahmanyan - Philanthropy and Vision

Subrahmanyan’s vision extends beyond business success. He is deeply committed to creating a positive societal impact through L&T’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

• Skill Building: Under Subrahmanyan, L&T has set up skill development centers across the country. These centers train less privileged youth in employable skills related to construction, manufacturing, and technology.
• Education: L&T supports education initiatives by funding schools, providing scholarships, and supplying infrastructure in underserved communities. Subrahmanyan believes in empowering the next generation through quality education.
• Sustainability: Subrahmanyan has championed sustainability across L&T’s projects, incorporating green building techniques, waste management systems, and renewable energy solutions. Some initiatives include:
  - Adoption of solar and wind energy in large-scale projects.
  - Rainwater harvesting systems in construction sites.
  - Sustainable urban development in smart city projects.
• Community Outreach: L&T, under Subrahmanyan’s guidance, has made substantial contributions to disaster relief efforts, healthcare services in rural areas, and women’s empowerment programs.

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S. N. Subrahmanyan - Accomplishments and Recognitions

S. N. Subrahmanyan has been awarded several awards and accolades in his glittering career. These include:

• Construction Week 2023: Ranked 8th in the Power 100 List as one of the most influential faces of the Middle East. 
• Fortune India 2022: Best CEO in the Infrastructure Sector 
• BT-PWC India’s Best CEOs 2022: Best CEO in the Infrastructure and Engineering category 
• GCC 2021: Top 50 utilities leaders 
• Chairman of the National Safety Council by Labour Ministry 
• Construction Week Magazine 2021: Ranked 11 in the Power 100 Ranking 
• CNBC Awaaz 2019: CEO of the year 
• CEO Awards 2019: Emergent Award for exemplary leadership 
• Construction Week Magazine 2019: Ranked 13 in the Power 100 Ranking 
• IIM-JRD Tata Award in 2019 by the Indian Institute of Metallurgy for his ‘service to the country through leadership in the industry, corporate governance and fulfilling of societal responsibilities.’ 
• Qatar Contractors Forum & Awards 2014: Contractor CEO of the Year 
• Construction Week Magazine 2014: Ranked 36th 
• Construction Week Magazine 2012: Infrastructure Person of the Year

S. N. Subrahmanyan - Facts

• L&T Tenure: Subrahmanyan has been with L&T for over 40 years, making him one of its longest-serving and influential chiefs.
• Global Visionary: More than 30 countries saw operations during his time in the company and positioned L&T as one of the big global players.
• The technophile Subrahmanyan has integrated AI, IoT, and robotics seamlessly into the operations of L&T.
• Mentor: Subrahmanyan is keen on grooming talent and actively mentors several young leaders within L&T.
• Low-Key Lifestyle: Despite his massive success, Subrahmanyan keeps a low profile and puts his family first.

S. N. Subrahmanyan - Legacy of Leadership

The metamorphosis of S. N. Subrahmanyan from a young project engineer to CEO & MD has been symptomatic of the power of dedication, vision, and innovation. During Mr. Subrahmanyan's era at the helm, L&T rose to great heights and participated in multifarious aspects of infrastructure and technological development in India.

Subrahmanyan's emphasis on sustainability, skill development, and community welfare spoke volumes about his holistic approach to leadership. His legacy will inspire leaders across India and the world as L&T pursues expansion plans under his stewardship.

FAQs

Who is S.N. Subrahmanyan?

S.N. Subrahmanyan is the CEO and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of India's largest conglomerates with operations in engineering, construction, manufacturing, technology, and financial services.

What is S.N. Subrahmanyan education?

S.N. Subrahmanyan is a civil engineering graduate from NIT Kurukshetra and holds a postgraduate degree in management and technology from Anna University. He also completed an executive management program at the London Business School, equipping him with expertise in engineering, construction, and business leadership.

What is S.N. Subrahmanyan controversy?

In January 2025, S.N. Subrahmanyan faced backlash for suggesting employees work on Sundays and endorsing a 90-hour workweek, citing China's work culture. His comments led to widespread criticism and trolling of his wife, Meena Subrahmanyan.