BS People: S Natrajhen

Flying start

Among the changes that Gurgaon-based low-cost carrier SpiceJet has carried out at the management level since Kalanithi Maran took over the airline five months ago is one that came as a surprise: the appointment of S Natrajhen as the chief operating officer. The 50-year-old Natrajhen is currently chief financial officer at Maran’s Sun TV network.

Natrajhen joined Sun TV in 1993 and is responsible for the accounting and financial functions, as well as the execution of strategic initiatives. His job in the group includes liaising with governmental organisations and authorities. This clearly points towards the kind of job he will be entrusted with at the airline — particularly critical at a time when the industry as a whole is limping back from a slowdown.

Natrajhen has a bachelor’s degree in commerce — with distinction — from the University of Madras. Prior to joining Sun TV, Natrajhen worked with Kungumam Publications Private Ltd for 12 years in the finance department.

SpiceJet has seen a lot of management changes after Sun TV promoter Maran acquired 37.7 per cent for Rs750 crore. He formally took charge as chairman last week. Neil Mills was brought in as CEO after Sanjay Agarwal left, taking along a team of around 10 people. Founding director Ajay Singh, who along with his family owns 10 per cent in the airline, opted not to continue on the board and resigned. Earlier promoter BS Kansagra, who also owned over 10 per cent in the airline, also resigned from the board.

Maran, after announcing the buyout, had said that Kansagra would continue on the board, “as he is my friend”. Directors Kishore Gupta, Mukkaram Jan and Vijay Kumar also put in their papers. A number of new directors have been brought in their stead. Kavery Kalanithi, who is a member of the Maran family, was installed as a non-independent director. Also joining the board were four independent directors: S Sridharan, J Ravindran, Nicholas Martin Paul and M K Harinarayan.