People
Our journey to success has been steered by the unparalleled leadership of a team of highly experienced professionals and experts.
Managing Director
B Prabhakaran
B. Prabhakaran is the Managing Director of Thriveni, and a majority shareholder. An entrepreneur with a computer science degree, he hails from a farming background in Tamil Nadu. Beginning in 1994, he has overseen the growth and diversification of the company, from modest contracts to pioneering innovations in mining. Widely considered a visionary leader, he thrives on a profound passion for technology, engineering and execution, in tandem with a deep commitment to community welfare. Prabhakaran also holds a private pilot license and has flown various aircraft, including the Cessna-152, Cessna-172, and Pilatus PC12.
Executive Director
B Karthikeyan
B Karthikeyan is a Promoter Director, who joined Thriveni in 1999. A civil engineer by training, he is currently the Executive Director, in charge of daily affairs of the company. He played a vital role in the global expansion, specifically in Indonesia and Singapore, and has more than 25 years of experience in the field. His responsibilities reflect his vast experience, spanning the entire gamut of mining. He handles several major clients, besides being an active spokesperson for the company.
Director & Head of Engineering Services
P Soorya Narayanan
Soorya Narayanan P has been the Director & Head of Engineering Services for the last six years. He oversees and manages the engineering department’s operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to clients. Besides contributing to the modernization of machinery, he is instrumental to business development, developing and implementing global business strategies. He has delivered consistent excellence in India, Indonesia and Africa.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS, MDO AND MANUFACTURING BUSINESS
S. Venkateswaran
With a Bachelor of Arts degree, S. Venkateswaran was the first graduate to join Thriveni. Over the years he has risen to the position of Director (Operations), overseeing operations, new business development, and special projects. His extensive experience includes building up mining operations in challenging environments, overcoming obstacles and rapid execution. Until recently he headed Thriveni’s iron ore operations in Odisha and currently leads the establishment and expansion of the Surjagarh iron ore mines and the Konsari steel plant.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT – ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
J. Balamurugan
J Balamurugan, an alumnus of the National Institute of Technology, Trichy, holds a B.E. degree. With 4 years of association with Thriveni and a remarkable work experience of 40 years, Balamurugan currently oversees technical innovation and services for both India and international operations. He brings extensive expertise in diverse technologies and experience in Infrastructure Development, Education Development, Entrepreneurship Development, and motorsports. Balamurugan has served as a Director in several automotive, manufacturing and technology companies, and serves as an Independent Director at Shanthi Gears Ltd. (Murugappa Group). Balamurugan’s contributions extend to his role as a member of the Board of Governors of the Technology Business Incubator, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT – OPERATIONS
Siddharth Jain
Siddharth Jain is a globally experienced leader with in-depth experience in mining commercial transactions, project execution and business transformation. A Mechanical Engineer from the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and Masters in Business Administration, AGSM, he has attended leadership and executive courses at LBS, MIT, and ISB. Siddharth has worked with Rio Tinto for upwards of 24 years, leading high-performance teams across diverse locations (Iraq, India, Canada, Australia, and the UK) and businesses. Siddharth believes in and sets a high standard for professional delivery and provides unique skillsets across M&A, strategy, financial evaluations, stakeholder engagement and market risks. Siddharth is a white-water rafter, trekker and has sailed for India.
Managing Director - BRPL
Priya Ranjan Prasad
Priya Ranjan Prasad, a seasoned professional with 40 years of work experience, has been associated with Thriveni for about two years. With a B Tech Mechanical Engineering degree from IIT Kanpur and certification in General Management from CEDEP, INSEAD, France, he currently holds the position of Managing Director at BRPL, a joint venture company of Thriveni. Priya Ranjan brings a diverse skill set to the table, specializing in sourcing, operations, maintenance, logistics, project management, human resource management, and stakeholder management. Prior to joining Thriveni, he had a successful career spanning over 31 years at Tata Steel.
VICE PRESIDENT- TECHNICAL
Sachidhanandham Ammasai
Sachidhanandham Ammasai is a BE-Mechanical professional with a remarkable 21-year association with Thriveni. Having initially joined in 2002, he has gained expertise in various domains such as HEMM, Crusher & Screen, Project Management, and Techno-Commercial. Currently, he holds a leadership position overseeing the execution of special projects. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a track record of successfully delivering high-value and impactful engineering projects, optimizing processes, and managing projects. Additionally, he possesses extensive knowledge and experience in international business development.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Venkatesan R
Venkatesan is an accomplished Human Resources professional with over 30 years of experience across various sectors and geographies. He has held leadership positions in manufacturing, IT, ITES, telecom, ISP and media, successfully steering organizations to achieve and surpass their business goals. Venkatesan is recognized for his strategic thinking and thought leadership, influencing and advising business leaders to drive positive organizational development and establish a high-performance culture. He has led multiple HR transformation projects, including organisational development, leadership development, performance management, M&A, HR automation, and talent engagement. Venkatesan has a proven track record of building top-class teams, implementing robust HR systems and processes, and fostering an enabling work environment. He holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts degree and has completed prestigious leadership programs from Harvard University.
Managing Director, Lloyds Infrastructure & Construction Ltd.
S Venkatesh
Mr. Venkatesh S, an esteemed professional, recently joined from Larsen & Tourbo, where he built a remarkable career spanning thirty eight years in buildings and infrastructure construction. With profound experience in tendering, procurement, project management and contracts management, he has successfully executed intricate projects within stipulated timelines. Having graduated with distinction from the prestigious College of Engineering Guindy, Mr. Venkatesh’s exemplary achievements include being a university gold medalist in 1995.
DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
Vinay Ganga
Vinay Ganga, with a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) from the University of Oxford, UK, and a First Class (Distinction) Bachelor of Law (BL.) from S.V. University, India, possesses an exceptional legal background. He has also completed the General Course on Public International Law at the Hague Academy of International Law in Holland. With extensive experience in international law, Vinay has worked as a partner in various international law firms, advising clients on corporate and legal matters. He is a Barrister in the UK (Inner Temple) since 2002, a Solicitor in England & Wales since 1998, and an Advocate in India since 1991. Vinay has been associated with Thriveni for the past four years and currently leads international business development activities.
Vice President-Strategic Finance
Hemankur Upadhyay
Hemankur Upadhyay holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and an MBA in Finance from the Management Development Institute. He has amassed 15 years of experience in corporate finance and strategy, working with renowned companies such as JP Morgan, Earthstone, Sinarmas Group and AKR Group. His expertise includes financial and strategic planning, fundraising, project management and business development. He has wide international business exposure, having worked extensively in Indonesia. He currently serves as the Vice President of Strategic Finance and the Chief Finance & Commercial Officer at Thriveni. He also holds the position of deputed CFCO at PT Darma Henwa Tbk.
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Y Nagendra
Y Nagendra has an impressive professional background, equipped with a B Tech in Mining from NIT, Suratkal, an M.S. in Mining from Anna University, and a PGDM in Finance & Operations from XIM, Bhubaneswar. Certified as a First Class Mines Manager by DGMS and RQP (Mine Planning) by IBM, he is also an IPMA-D certified Project Manager and Lead Auditor for ISO 50001. He is also a facilitator for TPM with expertise in Operational Excellence Projects for coal, barytes and iron ore. With a total work experience of 28 years, Nagendra has spent the last three years with Thriveni. His expertise spans over 25 years in leading large mining operations, business development, mine planning and development, business model development, achieving business excellence, and cost control. He has previously worked with notable organizations such as Vedanta, Dempo Mining Corporation, L&T ECCD, and Jindal Steel & Power.
Country Head - Indonesia Coal Operation
A Subramanian
A Subramanian is a highly-skilled professional with extensive experience in the coal and iron ore mining industry, as well as LPG cylinder manufacturing and testing, and industrial valve division. Currently employed as COO at PT Thriveni Indo Mining for Satui Coal Project. he previously worked at the Pakri Barwadih Coal Mines of NTPC Ltd. with MDO Thriveni Sainik Mining Private Limited. With a background in green and brownfield project development, he possesses expertise in various aspects of mining such as project planning and development, drilling and blasting, safety, production and quality management, cost control, and contract management. He has also demonstrated proficiency in establishing government liaisons for licensing and contract management. Additionally, he has hands-on experience in maintaining and operating heavy earthmoving equipment, crushers, screen plants, and other machinery. He has travelled to several countries for work-related purposes and has actively participated in securing ISO certifications. Overall, A Subramanian has made valuable contributions to project management, land acquisition, contract management, and adherence to governmental regulations and procedures.