Ananda Krishnan

Ananda Krishnan

The successful business tycoon, Ananda Krishnan is the sixth wealthiest man in Asia. He is the Chairman & CEO of Usaha Tegas Group Holdings Bhd. Krishnan was born Tatparanandam Ananda Krishnan to Tamil parents of Sri Lankan origin in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. Krishnan’s company, Maxis Communications has contributed immensely to his current status making him the richest business man in Southeast Asia.

Ananda Krishnan earned a Masters in Business Administration degree from the prestigious Harvard University. Despite his affluent status and impressive educational background, Krishnan avoids public exposure and tries to keep as low profile as possible. However, his name has made headlines for the controversial telecom deal Aircel-Maxis.

The first bricks of Krishnan’s business empire were laid with business in the oil industry. He was first an oil trader and his first venture was Exoil Trading, a company that dealt in oil trading concessions. More entrepreneurship ventures took birth from the money Krishnan made from the oil trading business. Some of these included gambling, a cartoon studio and stud farming. He then moved on to get hold of the biggest communications company, Maxis Communications. Maxis Communications holds the record for being Malaysia’s number one cell phone service provider boasting over 11 million subscribers and generating estimated revenue of $8.9 billion. His current private company, Usaha Tegas holds stakes in Tanjong Public Limited Company. This company runs a chain of subsidiaries including Pan Malaysian Pools, lottery gaming and leisure and Powertek power generation.

With already a net worth of $11.7 billion, Krishnan is still always on the look to expand his business. He holds interest in satellites and communications, property development, gaming and oil trading. His love for property led him to buy Kia Ora, his extremely expensive house near the rural town of Scone. The property comprises 1,800 hectares of land. Krishnan’s other properties are based in France, London and Kuala Lampur. Krishnan also thouroughly enjoys fishing trips on his luxurious yatch. Usaha Tegas, Krishnan’s privately held company contributes towards a number of social causes including education, arts and sports. Ananda Krishnan is married and has three children.