Innovation, quality and exclusivity are the guiding principles which propel any company to go higher and higher in achieving its objectives. Onkar S Kanwar, Chairman and Managing Director, Apollo Tyres Ltd., is one of those professionals who have always adhered to these principles as the guiding force of his professional life. It is therefore no wonder that Apollo Tyres happens to be the first of its class to have incited the fancy of European tyre specialists. In fact, very recently, the European Rubber Journal rated Apollo Tyre Company as the Sixth fastest growing tyre company in the world.

A bachelor in Science and Administration from the University of California, Kanwar is a keen student of modern management practices and its successful application in business. Set up in 1972, Apollo Tyres has grown from strength to strength during the last three decades. The correct credit goes to people like Kanwar who have crucial role in its growth. When it comes to company's achievements it boasts of 119 marketing offices and more than 5,500 employees. It is now one of the largest companies exporting its products to a wide market including the USA, Europe, Africa, China, the Middle East, Pakistan and South East Asia.

A man known for his incisive intellect and corporate strategies, Kanwar is the chief driver of the company's vision. He has played pivotal role in all the company's operations and in the implementation of its business policies. Brushing aside the challenges from other players was not an easy task but undeterred by challenges, Kanwar facilitated a turnaround in the company's fortunes.

Known for taking bold initiatives, Kanwar has been the main driving force and the results are before everyone to see. In fact, Apollo Tyres is the first company in India to obtain an ISO 9001 certificate. Kanwar's latest big coup was a deal with Michelin, the world's topmost tyre manufacturer. The joint venture now produces and markets tyres for heavy vehicles in India.

Kanwar is closely associated with leading national and international industry chambers and other business organizations. He is a former president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the past president of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). A Director with the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India and the Kerala State Industrial Corporation, Kanwar has also held the office of the Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA), the apex body of the Indian tyre industry. He has been a prominent member of various delegations representing business and industry internationally.

Not every leaf of Kanwar's story has been hunky-dory. He has had his share of ordeals in life. However, he is known for his ability to bypass prospective business bottlenecks with professional ease. In each struggle, his experience-based expertise has always come to his rescue.

The leading light of the Rs.2300 crore empire, Kanwar, who has two sons and a daughter, spends most of his leisure time reading or frolicking with his five grandchildren. Sure, here is a man who has achieved what he wanted and is now targeting for things, which few can even dream of.