 | |
| Name | Chinnakannan Sivasankaran |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | July 29, 1956 |
| Birth Place | Kovilur, Tamil Nadu, |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | founder of Aircel |
Chinnakannan Sivasankaran was (born on July 29, 1956), in Kovilur, a small village in Tamil Nadu, India. he, commonly known as C. Sivasankaran or Siva, is a prominent Indian entrepreneur and businessman. He is widely recognized for founding Aircel, a mobile network that once played a vital role in India’s telecommunications boom. Over the years, Sivasankaran’s business interests have spanned multiple sectors, including IT, telecom, and real estate. His entrepreneurial journey is one of remarkable innovation, foresight, and adaptation to the ever-evolving business landscape of India.
Early life and education
Chinnakannan has a humble background, and Sivasankaran’s upbringing instilled a strong sense of ambition and resilience. His early education occurred in Tamil Nadu, where he demonstrated a natural affinity for business.
Sivasankaran later pursued advanced business education at Harvard University, which helped him gain a global perspective on business operations. His exposure at Harvard significantly shaped his future business ventures, providing him with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete on the world stage.
Career
Sivasankaran’s entrepreneurial career began in 1985 when he acquired Sterling Computers, a struggling IT company. Under his leadership, Sterling Computers quickly turned around, becoming one of India’s top computer brands in the late 1980s. His knack for spotting market gaps allowed him to position Sterling Computers as a low-cost alternative in India’s burgeoning IT industry.
In 1999, Sivasankaran ventured into the telecom sector by founding Aircel, which would become one of India’s leading telecom companies. Aircel offered affordable mobile services and helped expand telecom coverage in many rural areas, bridging the connectivity gap in the country. This move established Sivasankaran as a key player in India’s telecom revolution.
Aircel’s growth attracted the attention of Maxis Communications, which acquired a significant stake in the company in 2005. However, despite its early success, Aircel eventually struggled due to stiff competition and financial difficulties, leading to its shutdown in 2018.
Beyond telecom, Sivasankaran has invested in real estate, agriculture, and energy, making him a versatile entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio. His businesses have faced legal and financial challenges in recent years, but his ability to bounce back highlights his resilience.
Personal life
Chinnakannan Sivasankaran is known to be a private individual, keeping his personal life away from the public eye. He has one son, Saravana Sivasankaran, who is expected to carry forward the family’s business legacy. Despite his immense success, Sivasankaran has faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties that led him to declare personal bankruptcy in 2018.
While his business ventures have seen highs and lows, Sivasankaran’s resilience remains a core aspect of his personal and professional identity.
Awards and achievements
Founder of Sterling Computers: Sivasankaran transformed Sterling Computers into one of India’s leading IT companies in the 1980s, making computers more affordable for Indian consumers.
Founder of Aircel: Sivasankaran played a pivotal role in India’s telecom sector by launching Aircel, which significantly expanded telecom services to rural and underserved regions of the country.
Telecom Industry Pioneer: Sivasankaran is credited with making telecommunications accessible to millions of people across India, contributing to the nation’s digital transformation.
External links
Chinnakannan Sivasankaran on instagram