Biography of G. V. Krishna Reddy: Founder & Chairman of GVK Group -Entrepreneur
Journey of GVK Reddy: Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship
Gunapati Venkata Krishna Reddy, born on March 22, 1937, is a
prominent philanthropist and entrepreneur. He is the founder and chairman of
the GVK Group, a major business conglomerate focused on infrastructure
development. Alongside his business ventures, GVK Reddy is known for his
significant contributions to corporate social responsibility through GVK EMRI.
This organization provides emergency response services across 15 states and two
Union Territories in India, operating under a Public-Private Partnership model.
In 2009, he was also elected Chairman of the 108 Ambulance service for Andhra
Pradesh.
Support for Tennis and Young Talent
As the President of the All India Senior Tennis Association
and an avid tennis player himself, GVK Reddy is a dedicated supporter of
emerging sports talent. His leadership at GVK Group includes sponsoring young
tennis players like Sania Mirza and Pranjala Yadlapalli, reflecting his commitment
to nurturing athletic potential in the sport.
Early Life and Education
He started his education in his village, continued his early
college years in Nellore, and completed his graduation in Hyderabad. To further
his business acumen, he pursued the Owner/President Management (OPM) Program at
Harvard Business School in the USA. GVK Reddy is married to Indira Reddy and
they have a daughter named Shalini Bhupal and a son named GV Sanjay Reddy.
GVK Reddy’s Early Career and Achievements
G.V. Krishna Reddy’s career began at the young age of 21
when he took over his family’s construction business. He initially concentrated
on major irrigation projects, such as building bridges, dams, and canals. A
significant milestone came in 1990 when GVK Reddy secured the Jegurupadu power
project in Andhra Pradesh for the GVK Group.
This accomplishment not only elevated the company's status
but also paved the way for international partnerships and national acclaim.
Under his leadership, the GVK Group expanded its reach into the hospitality and
life sciences sectors, broadening its portfolio and solidifying its position as
a leading business conglomerate.
Career
Initially, the
company focused on major irrigation projects, including the construction of
bridges, dams, and irrigation canals. His first notable project was working on
a canal and an under-tunnel at Nagarjuna Sagar Right Canal in Adigoppula and
Chamarajapuram.
Expanding Horizons
Over time, GVK Reddy’s business expanded beyond just
construction to include sectors such as airports, roads, power, hospitality,
and life sciences. A key achievement in GVK Reddy’s career was securing the
Jegurupadu power project in Andhra Pradesh for the GVK Group in 1990. This
success significantly boosted the company's growth, facilitated international
partnerships, and garnered national recognition for its future endeavors. Prior
to this, he had also spearheaded several hospitality projects in Hyderabad.
GVK Reddy’s Business Ventures
GVK Reddy is the founder and chairman of the GVK Group, a
prominent business conglomerate specializing in infrastructure development.
Additionally, he leads GVK EMRI, an emergency response service provider
operating under a Public-Private Partnership model. GVK EMRI delivers critical
services across 15 states and two Union Territories in India.
Philanthropic Efforts of GVK Reddy
GVK Reddy's philanthropic work is primarily driven by the
GVK Foundation, which aims to support the underprivileged. The foundation’s
efforts extend beyond traditional charity to include urban improvement projects
and the promotion of sports talent. Under Reddy’s leadership, the GVK Group has
also made significant contributions to environmental preservation. Notable
initiatives include the establishment of Deer Park, a 6-hectare green space at
the Jegurupada Power Plant, and the development of Botanical Gardens in Mumbai.
The group has integrated eco-friendly practices into its operations, including
waste management systems at airports and sustainable practices at power plants
such as Jegurupada Power Plant and Goindwal Sahib Thermal Power Project in
Punjab.
Contributions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
GVK-EMRI’s hospital, which became operational on June 7,
2021, played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering free
treatment to those in need. Additionally, GVK Reddy demonstrated his support
for cultural initiatives by contributing Rs 1 crore towards the construction of
the Ram Mandir, showcasing his commitment to both community welfare and
heritage projects.
Biography of G. V. Krishna Reddy: Founder & Chairman of GVK Group -Entrepreneur/ philanthropist/startup/success story og GYK group/life of G.V. krishna
Major Achievements
GVK Reddy has achieved several significant milestones
throughout his career. In 1990, he secured the Jegurupadu power project for the
GVK Group, a pivotal event that marked substantial growth for the company. He
also established GVK EMRI, a highly effective emergency response service that
has saved millions of lives. In 2009, he served as the Chairman of the 108
Ambulance service for Andhra Pradesh, reflecting his dedication to public
service. Additionally, GVK Reddy has been a strong supporter of sports,
particularly tennis, serving as the President of the All India Senior Tennis
Association and personally sponsoring promising young players like Sania Mirza
and Pranjala Yadlapalli through the GVK Group.
Awards and Honors
GVK Reddy has received numerous accolades for his
contributions to infrastructure and philanthropy. In 2019, he was recognized by
the Turf Authorities of India (TAI) for his leadership in India's
infrastructure development. In 2017 alone, he was honored with multiple 'Lifetime
Achievement Awards' at various prestigious events, including the Realty Plus
Conclave & Excellence Awards, Construction Times Annual Awards,
Construction Week India Annual Awards, and the EPC World Awards. Additionally,
he was awarded the 'Padma Bhushan' in 2011 by President Pratibha Patil and
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and was named 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the
ET Awards for 2008–09.
A timeline of GVK Reddy’s life, career, and achievements:
1937
Birth: Gunapati Venkata Krishna Reddy (GVK Reddy) is born on
March 22, 1937.
1958
Early Education: GVK Reddy completes his early education in
his village and further studies in Nellore and Hyderabad.
1960s
Business Beginnings: At age 21, GVK Reddy takes over his
family’s construction business, focusing initially on major irrigation
projects, including bridges, dams, and canals.
1990
Jegurupadu Power Project: GVK Reddy secures the Jegurupadu
power project in Andhra Pradesh, a milestone that significantly boosts the GVK
Group’s status and growth.
1990s
Expansion: Under Reddy’s leadership, the GVK Group expands
into various sectors including airports, roads, power, hospitality, and life
sciences.
2000s
Philanthropy and Sports: GVK Reddy establishes GVK EMRI, an
emergency response service provider, and becomes an active supporter of tennis,
sponsoring players like Sania Mirza and Pranjala Yadlapalli.
2009
Chairman of 108 Ambulance Service: Reddy is elected Chairman
of the 108 Ambulance service for Andhra Pradesh, reflecting his commitment to
public service.
2011
Padma Bhushan: GVK Reddy is awarded the Padma Bhushan by
President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his
contributions to infrastructure and philanthropy.
2017
Lifetime Achievement Awards: Reddy receives multiple
'Lifetime Achievement Awards' at prestigious events, including the Realty Plus
Conclave & Excellence Awards, Construction Times Annual Awards,
Construction Week India Annual Awards, and the EPC World Awards.
2018
Recognition by TAI: He is recognized by the Turf Authorities
of India (TAI) for his leadership in India’s infrastructure development.
2019
Support for Cultural Initiatives: GVK Reddy contributes Rs 1
crore towards the construction of the Ram Mandir, demonstrating his commitment
to community welfare and heritage projects.
2021
GVK-EMRI Hospital: The hospital operated by GVK-EMRI becomes
operational on June 7, 2021, playing a crucial role during the COVID-19
pandemic by offering free treatment to those in need.
2022
Ongoing Success: GVK Reddy continues to lead the GVK Group,
which remains a prominent business conglomerate with diversified interests.
Awards and Honors Summary:
2008–09: Named 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the ET Awards.
2011: Awarded the Padma Bhushan.
2017: Receives several 'Lifetime Achievement Awards' at
various prestigious events.
2019: Recognized by TAI for leadership in infrastructure
development.
Personal Life:
Marriage and Family: GVK Reddy is married to Indira Reddy.
They have a daughter, Shalini Bhupal, and a son, GV Sanjay Reddy.
