Manivannan Krishnan
Mumbai
Summary
Transformational leader with 35+ years in the global elevator and service industry, currently managing a business portfolio exceeding USD 130 million in annual revenue while leading strategic growth and business operations for Otis in India. Previously led operations across Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos. Recognized for P&L leadership, successful organizational turnarounds, and digital innovation, including the launch of IoT-enabled Gen3 elevators in Vietnam and large-scale service transformation programmes. Honoured with the prestigious Otis Critical Talent Equity Award, a selective global recognition reserved for the company’s top-performing executives worldwide.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director, New Equipment Business
Otis
India
02.2026 - Current
- Managing a business portfolio with approximately USD 130 million in annual revenue responsibility, driving growth, profitability, and execution excellence across India.
- Currently leading the New Equipment business, overseeing sales strategy, project execution, operational delivery, and customer engagement across major infrastructure and real estate developments.
Managing Director – Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia
Otis Elevator Company
01.2022 - 2026
- Lead operations across four Southeast Asian countries with full P&L accountability.
- Spearheaded new market entry and regional expansion initiatives.
- Oversaw compliance, safety, and strategic stakeholder engagement at national and regional levels.
Managing Director – Malaysia & Brunei
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Executed business recovery strategy, achieving record profitability and growth.
- Introduced new tools, customer programs, and operational reforms.
Director – Western Region, India
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Managed India’s largest regional portfolio with P&L responsibility.
- Delivered consistent growth and oversaw major infrastructure projects.
KONE Elevators India Pvt. Ltd.
01.1986 - 01.2011
- Progressed from Trainee Engineer to Executive Director (New Equipment Business & Major Projects, All India).
- Directed multi-regional operations, overseeing revenue, customer satisfaction, and major urban infrastructure projects.
- Appointed Regional Director (West & East) in 2011, responsible for cross-regional growth and operations.
Skills
- Turned around Otis Malaysia from sustained losses (-2% ROS) to strong profitability (12% ROS) within four years
- Improved return on sales by 14 percentage points, demonstrating strong commercial and operational leadership
- Directed major infrastructure and landmark projects including Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur Metro and Airport, Cambodia Airport, Statue of Unity, Mumbai Metro, and Narendra Modi Stadium
- Expanded Otis Vietnam’s order book by 35% YoY through major infrastructure and residential project wins
- Recognized globally with the Otis Critical Talent Equity Award and multiple RSU grants awarded by Judy Marks, Chair, CEO & President of Otis Worldwide
- Led the first launch of IoT-enabled Gen3 elevators in Vietnam, strengthening Otis’s position in smart and sustainable mobility
- Directed Malaysia’s Service Transformation Program, digitizing 300 field devices to improve service efficiency and customer satisfaction
- Built leadership continuity through structured succession planning, talent identification, and mentoring of future leaders
Certification
Executive Leadership Programs
- Master Degree in Business Management (MBA), 2012 — Sikkim Manipal University
- Bachelor Degree in Business Administration (BBA), 2010 — ICFAI
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, 1985 — Murugappa Polytechnic College
Executive Leadership Program
- Executive Leadership – Strategic Thinking, Cornell University Johnson Graduate School of Management, USA (2013)
- Executive Program – Leadership Development, IMD Business School, Switzerland
- Post Diploma in Lift Installation & Maintenance (Sponsored by KONE), Employers Federation of South India (1986)
Certificate not retained due to the age of the programme.
Timeline
Senior Director, New Equipment Business
Otis
02.2026 - Current
Managing Director – Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia
Otis Elevator Company
01.2022 - 2026
Managing Director – Malaysia & Brunei
01.2019 - 01.2022
Director – Western Region, India
01.2012 - 01.2018
KONE Elevators India Pvt. Ltd.
01.1986 - 01.2011
Awards & Recognition
Recipient of the Otis Critical Talent Equity Award, a selective global executive honor, along with multiple RSU and executive compensation awards personally granted by Judy Marks in recognition of sustained business leadership, strategic growth, and organizational impact.
Career Progression
- Jun 2025 – Present: Managing Director – Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos, Otis
- Aug 2022 – Jun 2025: Managing Director – Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia & Brunei, Otis
- Jan 2019 – Aug 2022: Managing Director – Malaysia & Brunei, Otis
- Sep 2012 – Jan 2019: Director – West Region, Otis India
- Oct 2011 – Sep 2012: Director – New Equipment Business, Otis India
- Jan 2011 – Oct 2011: Regional Director (West & East), Kone India
- 2009 – 2011: Executive Director – New Equipment Business & Major Projects, Kone India
- 2006 – 2009: General Manager – New Equipment Business, Kone India
- 2005 – 2006: Regional Manager – Service Business (East, West & North), Kone India
- 2003 – 2005: Regional Manager – Central Region, Kone India
- 1998 – 2003: Branch Manager, Nagpur, Kone India
- 1995 – 1998: Assistant Manager, Nagpur, Kone India
- 1989 – 1995: Resident Engineer, Nagpur, Kone India
- 1986 – 1989: Trainee Engineer, Mumbai, Kone India