Names have changed for this lad over past 42 years. Came to IIMA as M S Achutha Kumar in May 1974 under SPA stream, changed to MSA Kumar (when faculty started addressing as Achuth Kumar – with A in silent mode!!!), known as Kumar for work friends and MSA for foreigners who insist on first name calling. 

 

For GEMS, choice is yours excepting one name!!! MSA is a grandfather of a 2 year old. Son Sriram, Gayatri and Advaith. Sriram (32) is a Partner in McKinsey, Singapore after NIT Warangal and INSEAD France / Singapore. MSA’s daughter Sridevi (29) B.Arch. from MIT, Manipal & Masters in Heritage from York University, runs her Architectural Design firm in Bangalore – Mason’s Ink.

 

Post IIMA, he started his career with Sandoz (India) Ltd as a Management Trainee in 1976. Crossing over to Bayer (India) Ltd in 1987, he rose to the position of Executive Director, Consumer Products Division. Before joining AV Thomas Group of companies in 1995 as Managing Director of AVT McCormick Ingredients Pvt Ltd (an American 50:50 JV for Spice Processing) and AVT Natural Products Ltd (a listed company), he was the Vice President of Shaw Wallace and Company, Chennai from 1993 to 1995.

 

Post retirement on 31/March/2015, he runs a talent management company “Catalyst 360” offering CEO Coaching and Family Business Facilitator services.

 

MSA’s main hobby / pastime is cricket, socializing and gets his energy from get-togethers and talking to people. Lover of Single Malt Whiskies – Glenlevit 18 and Mini loves Malibu.

 

Based in Cochin, God’s Own Country, he is reachable @ +91 98 460 35959 and msakumar60@gmail.com