Article

Building the Chairman’s Office at Murugappa Group

Context 

Murugappa Group, a legacy conglomerate, was entering a phase of rapid transformation. With a

bold 5-year plan targeting 10x growth, the Group set out to build a high-impact Chairman’s Office in Chennai. This Office was envisioned as the strategic nerve center to shape and drive

long-term initiatives across the Group.

To power this vision, Murugappa needed a niche talent pool: professionals from top-tier consulting backgrounds (MBB – McKinsey, BCG, Bain) with the strategic capability to operate at the Group level and the mindset to thrive within an Indian promoter-led ecosystem.

The Challenge

The required talent had to combine top-tier consulting rigour with the patience and loyalty

needed to operate within a stable, decadal vision-driven conglomerate.

MBB professionals typically exhibit a fast-paced, short-term problem-solving mindset. Murugappa required long-term alignment, operational continuity, and deep cultural fit.

Traditional hiring channels were unable to deliver candidates who could blend strategic sharpness with emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity.

Our Approach

Targeted Screening Strategy: We specifically identified MBB professionals looking for stability and long-term alignment in their next move.

Geo-Targeting: We prioritised candidates with roots in Chennai or a strong preference to

relocate to the city, ensuring location-based alignment.

Cultural Compatibility Assessment: Every candidate was evaluated not just for strategic

acumen but also for cultural fit, loyalty indicators, and belief in long-term organisational vision.

The Impact

Built a high-calibre Chairman’s Office team aligned with the Group’s 10x Growth Vision.

We staffed a high-performing core team of:

4 Vice Presidents

7 Assistant Vice Presidents

6 more AVPs currently in pipeline

1 additional VP joining soon

Chief of Staff mandate currently underway

End result: A significantly stronger leadership team built to execute and already delivering on the Group’s 10x growth vision.

Why The LHR Group

We understand the unique leadership needs of Indian promoter-led businesses.

Where others look for speed, we optimize for vision, belief, and stability.

That’s how we bridge strategy with legacy.

About the Author

Ankur Agrawal is the Founder & CEO of The LHR Group. With over 20 years of experience in executive search, he has led hiring for some of the most ambitious growth and transformation journeys in the consulting, BFSI, and industrial sectors. Beyond his work at LHR, he has served as guest faculty at leading IIMs, advised startups as an angel investor, and built ventures across education, jewellery, and food. He shares practical insights on hiring, leadership, and career navigation through his content, helping professionals make more informed decisions at critical career junctions.

Ankur Agrawal

Founder & CEO | The LHR Group

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