Kunwer Sachdev: A Visionary Who Redefined Corporate Governance in Indian Industry
When we look at India’s entrepreneurial landscape, family-run businesses dominate the narrative. Generational leadership often defines the fate of companies—sometimes as a strength, but often as a weakness when succession is guided by bloodline rather than merit. Against this backdrop, Kunwer Sachdev, the founder of Su-Kam Power Systems, stood out as a rare visionary.
He not only revolutionized the power backup industry, earning the title “Inverter Man of India”, but also reshaped how governance could function in a founder-led company.
Building Su-Kam with Innovation at its Core
Kunwer Sachdev began Su-Kam from scratch and transformed it into a global leader in inverters and power backup solutions. Under his leadership, Su-Kam achieved:
- Operations in 70+ countries
- 2,000+ employees and a dealer network of more than 20,000
- 74 technology patents, 80 design patents, and 177 copyrights
- Recognition as a Superbrand of India and recipient of national awards in R&D and quality
This relentless focus on innovation was not accidental—it was part of his larger vision to place Su-Kam on the global map through technological leadership, not just scale.
A Professional Board, Not a Family Business
What truly separated Kunwer Sachdev from many of his peers was his approach to corporate governance. Instead of filling the boardroom with family members—a common trend in Indian business—he deliberately chose seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Su-Kam’s board included luminaries like:
- S. B. Ganguly, former Chairman and Managing Director of Exide Industries
- Biplab Majumdar, former Vice Chairman and MD of ABB (South Asia)
- Sanjay Kulkarni, IIM Ahmedabad & IIT Bombay alumnus with decades in finance and corporate strategy
- Sanjeev Saini, Su-Kam’s R&D head credited with 35+ patents
Notably, his own son was never placed on the board. This was a powerful statement: leadership should be about merit, vision, and accountability, not entitlement.
Governance with Accountability
The board under Sachdev’s leadership was not symbolic—it was functional and powerful.
- Heads of departments were made to present directly to the board.
- Missed targets were addressed with accountability, not excuses.
- Independent directors were given full autonomy to challenge, critique, and guide management decisions.
- The board met without management presence to ensure unbiased oversight.
This structure reflected Sachdev’s belief that transparency and independence were essential for sustainable growth.
Why This Vision Matters
By creating such a professional setup, Kunwer Sachdev ensured that Su-Kam was not personality-driven but institution-driven. His vision went beyond short-term business wins—it was about creating an organization that could inspire trust from stakeholders, customers, employees, and investors alike.
In hindsight, this approach looks even more visionary because it predated today’s conversations about corporate governance, professional boards, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards in India.
Conclusion
Kunwer Sachdev was more than an entrepreneur; he was a builder of institutions. By refusing to indulge in nepotism and instead nurturing professionalism, he showed that true leadership is not about control—it’s about creating a culture of accountability, innovation, and trust.
In a world where many companies still struggle with governance issues, his example stands tall: a visionary leader who believed that only merit, not lineage, should guide the destiny of an organization.
Kunwer Sachdev, popularly known as the “Inverter Man of India,” was the Founder and Managing Director of Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. However, after the bankruptcy of Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. in 2018, Mr. Sachdev has not been associated with Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. in any capacity. Any use of his name in connection with Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. after 2018 is incorrect and misleading. https://ibbi.gov.in/en/public-announcement?cinno=VTY0MjAxREwxOTk4UExDMDk2Njg1