August 10, 2025

A power-packed event in Chennai on Saturday brought together leading bosses from Tamil Nadu’s close-knit family businesses. The theme was clear: modern family enterprises must professionalise and think beyond just making money to survive in today’s fast-changing world. The occasion was the 15th anniversary of Metis, a family business advisory group. Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman and MD of TVS Capital Funds, shared one secret of TVS Group’s success: "A constrained style of running the business and professionalising it very early on has been among the key contributors to the success of the TVS Group of companies." He added, "The values are very clear and no compromises are made on that." The keynote speaker, C K Ranganathan, Chairman and MD of CavinKare Group, threw the spotlight on the shift every family firm must make – "from being person-driven to process driven entities," a change that must start from the top. He also amazed the crowd by revealing how his company is embracing AI tools, boosting productivity and cutting costs. The event was more than just talks. It included two lively panel discussions on professionalism and the vital role of the next generation in running family businesses smoothly. A major highlight was the launch of a new book titled ‘Debunking 7 Myths of Family Businesses’ by Suresh Ramanujam, Founder & MD of Metis Family Office. Metis proudly counts over 150 family firms under their guidance, managing wealth worth over ₹1,00,000 crore! Ramanujam pointed out, "Professional management of wealth through family offices is much more common in the West of India but still a growing concept in the South. Managers of family businesses should always do things ‘right for the business than what is right for families.’" Vikram Mohan, MD of Pricol Group, who turned around his family business since 2010, gave a wise tip: "Managements in such enterprises must not get too emotionally attached to business decisions." Experts painted a realistic picture too: only around 13-14% of family businesses make it to the third generation successfully. They warned about the dangers of the next generation feeling entitled, urging them to embrace their role as caretakers of the legacy. Ranjit Pendurthi, MD of Archean Group, reminded everyone that family firms, like any business, must offer exits to investors, and IPO decisions should be carefully made only when necessary. Ravishankar Seetharaman, MD of Super Auto Forge, highlighted the magic formula for lasting success: "Playing to one’s strengths and changing with the times." Names like Rajkumar Ramasamy, Sharmila Kumbhat, Latha Pandiarajan, and Gautam Saraogi also shared their valuable insights, making the event a treasure trove of wisdom for family business owners. Businessline proudly served as the official media partner of this must-attend gathering. Published on August 10, 2025

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Tags: Family business, Professionalisation, Metis family office, Cavinkare, Tvs group, Generational wealth,