A man is known by the contribution he makes to the area of his work and N. Shankar, Chairman, India Cements Ltd is one of those corporate leaders who have their names etched in golden letters, for steering the course of cement industry to great heights. In an age of cutthroat competition in the corporate world, where only the best ones survive, Shankar has shown the courage and conviction of a great leader.

Known for his visionary approach and relentless hard work, Shankar has successfully chiseled out a niche for himself in the tough corporate world. It is no wonder that India Cements Limited, under his stewardship has a market share of 14% and is all set to increase its production capacity manifold in near future.

A Master in chemical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA Shankar's foreign academic background has proved to be an asset to the company, which he has leveraged to take the company forward, as per the international standards.

As the Chairman of the Sanmar Group and its associates, which operates in diverse spheres, Shankar has given shape to a number of long-standing and well-established joint ventures with leading international companies like Bayer of Germany, Atofina SA of France and Emersons Electric, Tyco, FMC, Flowers, all from the US.

A versatile personality, Shankar is also serving as a Director on the Boards of Hindustan Mortors Limited, Fuller India Limited and IL&FS Asset Management Company Limited and is the former President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and an ex-President of the Indian National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce for the year 1992-93.

In fact, it is Shankar's deep experience in the corporate that has helped him Chair the Indo-US Joint Business Council in 1998-99. A corporate chief to the core, Shankar was awarded the 'Lala Shriram National Award for Leadership in Chemical Industry' by the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers in 1995 which was a fitting recognition of his leadership qualities.

Apart from business, Shankar is also involved with the management of many educational and charitable organisations. An ardent sportsman, he is the Vice President of the All India Tennis Association, and has earlier been President of the All India Tennis Association. Not only this, he was also the President of the Tamil Nadu State Cricket and Tennis Associations.

An Honorary Consul General for Denmark in South India since 1989, N. Shankar was awarded the 'Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog' by the Danish Government in recognition of his services. A man of many talents, Shankar is still the man whom people look up to as a source of inspiration and strength.