NEW DELHI- Pidilite Industries Ltd CEO, special projects Chandramouli Venkatesan passed away on October 6 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 54.
Fondly known as ‘Mouli’, Venkatesan was associated with Pidilite Industries from 2017. He was not just an industry veteran, but also a successful author – having penned the best-sellers Catalyst and Get Better at Getting Better, published by Penguin Random House India in 2018.
Before taking charge at Pidilite, Venkatesan worked at Mondelez International (erstwhile Cadbury India) from 2012 for three years and served as its managing director from January 2015 to August 2016. He had joined the company in 2005 and was instrumental in scaling up the chocolate business.
During his long and varied career, he also worked at companies like Onida and Asian Paints.
Colleagues and peers poured their hearts out on social media and shared fond memories of Venkatesan.
Eros International Media Limited Pradeep Dwivedi CEO – India wrote, “Dear All, while some of you may be aware, I am heartbroken and very sorry to share that we have lost our dear friend #Mouli -Chandramouli Venkatesan, Ex-Mondelez, Pidilite, today. An amazing and warm human being, author, coach, and mentor to many of us in the industry. He has left a shocking void. Prayers for the dear departed soul R.I.P.”
Marketing industry veteran Lloyd Mathias took Twitter to mourn Mouli’s sudden departure.
Devastating to hear about Chandramouli Venkatesan's passing! Long stint at Cadbury's/Mondelez India where he was MD in 2015-16, then with Pidilite and recent author of books: 'Catalyst' and 'Get Better at Getting Better'. RIP @vcmouli11 you were a catalyst for many. pic.twitter.com/mGYpE3oueE
— Lloyd Mathias (@LloydMathias) October 6, 2020
Whoaaaa.... this is such a shock....
RIP Chandramouli Venkatesan
This is a personal loss :(
Gosh. Just extremely sad.
We were about to speak again....Alas!
This day spent with you and Bharat Puri, will be forever etched in my memory! #RIP friend, mentor, philosopher pic.twitter.com/aohyd1kLUz
— Mangalam Maloo (@blitzkreigm) October 6, 2020
Om Shanti. Chandramouli Venkatesan, we have lost a true leader & a great professional with ur onward journey to heaven. Remember u joined Ondia in 2001, a full 16yrs after me. Although I had left India in '92, you still called me to understand the genesis of Onida, the Devil. RIP pic.twitter.com/xegQf6l2OE
— Rajeev (@rajeevkarwal) October 6, 2020
