Hawkins Chairman Brahm Vasudeva is no more; Industry remembers visionary leader

Brahm Vasudeva, the Promoter Chairman of Hawkins Cookers Ltd, passed away in Mumbai on Friday, July 10, 2020. With his passing away, the industry has lost a great leader who was a pioneer in many ways, extremely meticulous and a true business leader.

Vasudeva had been working as Vice-Chairman and Managing Director at Hawkins since 1968, and took over the reins as Chairman and Managing Director in 1984, when his father HD Vasudeva stepped down and handed over management to his son.

After 38 years of distinguished service to Hawkins, Brahm Vasudeva retired as Chairman and CEO on April 25, 2006, the day before his 70^th birthday. With effect from April 26, 2006, he became the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

A true business leader, Vasudeva built Hawkins has a great institution and also nurtured and mentored many managers during his tenure. A thorough professional, he had led several delegations to the government to fight for the advertising industry. One such instance was when the advertising tax was imposed while L K Jha was the Union minister. His active involvement in many industry bodies helped to bring in a lot of regulations and best practices for the industry to grow and surge ahead. He also closely worked with the MRUC council, when the Council was established and was trying to get their foothold.

The industry has lost a fine and inspirational person with great leadership skills and knowledge. May his soul rest in peace.

Industry pays rich tribute

Srinivasan Swamy, CMD, RK SWAMY BBDO

Srinivasan Swamy, CMD, RK SWAMY BBDO, who was the sole agency for Hawkins for the past 35 years:

“Brahm was a quintessential professional and a man of painstaking details. Hawkins range of products are market leaders because of his meticulous planning and execution. Actually, he was thorough in everything he takes up. He was the brain behind the start of ASCI and MRUC, the two institutions that are making a big difference to the marcom industry. He leaves behind a void that will be difficult to fill. He was also a fine gentlemen, who will be sorely missed.”

Sam Balsara, Chairman & MD, Madison World

Sam Balsara, Chairman & MD, Madison World:

“I am saddened to hear about the passing away of Brahm Vasudeva. What a fine gentleman he was! The industry has lost a real stalwart and staunch loyalist who always spoke up in impeccable English on all issues that he felt strongly about. He was the founding member of ASCI and I believe he had written the code that we follow till today with some additions and modifications, of course. He was also the founding member of MRUC and of course, played a leading role in ISA. He will sorely be missed in industry matters.

I had last met him at the Subhas Goshal Memorial lecture when Uday Shankar spoke and he did not look too good. May God give his wife and children the strength to bear this irreparable loss and may his soul rest in peace. Amen.”

Girish Agarwaal, Promoter Director, Dainik Bhaskar Group

Raj Nayak, Founder & Managing Director, House Of Cheer Networks Pvt Ltd:

“When I was growing up, the first pressure cooker we had in our house was Hawkins. So, later in life when I met Brahm Vasudev, there was an instant connect. Brahm was one of the first clients who actively participated and was part of various industry bodies. He was a sharp shooter and outspoken. If he was part of an AGM or a meeting, you better made sure you had your facts right. Much senior to many of us, I always called him sir. He was a doyen in our industry and a fine human being. Lately, I used to meet him more at industry functions/ gettogethers. He stopped shaking hands years ago, much before COVID-19 and only greeted everyone with his trademark Namaste and a big smile. We will miss him. My sincere condolences to his entire family.”

Ramesh Narayan, Founder, Canco Advertising and Area Director - APAC, IAA

Girish Agarwaal, Promoter Director, Dainik Bhaskar Group:

“Brahm Vasudev was a legend. He was a pioneer of many big things in the industry – he was the founding chairman of ASCI and had played a big role in the foundation of MRUC. He was a big strength for the Indian Society of Advertisers. In many ways, he was a stalwart. His passing away would be a big loss to the industry.”

Raj Nayak, Founder & Managing Director, House Of Cheer Networks Pvt Ltd

Ramesh Narayan, Founder, Canco Advertising and Area Director - APAC, IAA:

“Brahm Vasudev was an institution. In advertising industry circles, he was famous for his sharp mind, his relentless eye for detail and his great command over the English language. His contribution to associations like the IAA, the Advertising Club, ASCI and ISA was immense. As a rookie, I had the privilege of working with him in the IAA. Personally, to me, he was warm and kind. I shall really miss his smile and his Namaste.”