G. V. K. Reddy
Gunupati Venkata Krishna Reddy | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 22, 1937 Kothur Village, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, philanthropist |
| Known for | Founder and chairman of GVK Group; head of GVK EMRI |
| Notable work | Leadership in infrastructure projects and emergency medical services; promotion of sports talent |
Gunupati Venkata Krishna Reddy (born 22 March 1937) is a prominent Indian businessman and philanthropist, recognized as the founder and chairman of the GVK Group, a diversified conglomerate specializing in infrastructure projects.
He also heads GVK EMRI, the group's corporate social responsibility division, which delivers emergency medical services across 15 states and two Union Territories through a Public-Private Partnership framework. In 2009, he assumed the role of Chairman for the 108 Ambulance service in Andhra Pradesh.
As an avid tennis enthusiast and President of the All India Senior Tennis Association, Reddy actively promotes emerging sports talent. Under his guidance, the GVK Group has sponsored notable athletes such as Sania Mirza and Pranjala Yadlapalli. He married Indira Reddy early in life and has two children: Shalini Bhupal and G. V. Sanjay Reddy.
Early life and education
G. V. K. Reddy was born in Kothur Village within Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. He completed his primary education locally, pursued early college studies in Nellore, and graduated from Hyderabad. Subsequently, he attended the Owner/President Management (OPM) Program at Harvard Business School in the United States.
Career
At age 21, Reddy took charge of his family's construction enterprise, initially focusing on large-scale irrigation contracts including bridges, dams, and canals. His inaugural project was the construction of a canal and tunnel for the Nagarjuna Sagar Right Canal. Over time, the GVK Group diversified from infrastructure such as airports, highways, and power generation into sectors like hospitality and life sciences.
A significant breakthrough came in 1990 when GVK secured the Jegurupadu Combined Cycle Power Plant contract in Andhra Pradesh. This achievement allowed the group to expand operations, establish international collaborations, and enhance its national stature. Prior to this milestone, Reddy had already led ventures into hospitality within Hyderabad.
Philanthropy
Reddy directs his charitable activities through the GVK Foundation, which concentrates on supporting disadvantaged communities, urban renewal projects, and nurturing sports talent.
Environmental sustainability has been a priority under his stewardship, with initiatives including a 6-hectare Deer Park at the Jegurupada Power Plant site and Botanical Gardens located in Mumbai. The group integrates green practices into its power generation facilities and airport waste management systems.
Starting June 2021, GVK-EMRI’s hospital began providing complimentary COVID-19 treatment. Furthermore, Reddy donated Rs 1 crore towards the construction of the Ram Mandir.
Awards and honours
- Honoured by Turf Authorities of India (TAI) for GVK’s leadership role in advancing infrastructure across India at the TAI Awards 2019.
- Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Realty Plus Conclave & Excellence Awards - South in 2017.
- Awarded Lifetime Achievement at the Construction Times Annual Awards in 2017.
- Conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award at Construction Week India Annual Awards in 2017.
- Earned Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th EPC World Awards in 2017 for significant contributions to infrastructure and construction sectors.
- Bestowed with the Padma Bhushan in 2011 by President Pratibha Patil alongside Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
- Named Entrepreneur of the Year at the ET Awards for 2008–09.