CII Madurai Zone Appoints Ashwin R Desai as Chairman and Rajiv S Jeyabalan as Vice-Chairman for 2025-26

MADURAI – The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Madurai Zone has announced the appointment of its new office-bearers for the year 2025-26 at their annual session. Mr. Ashwin R Desai, Managing Director of A & T Video Networks Pvt Ltd, has been appointed as the Chairman of CII Madurai Zone, while Mr. Rajiv S Jeyabalan, Managing Director of Susee Finance and Leasing Private Limited, has been named Vice-Chairman. These leadership roles mark a significant step forward for the local business ecosystem and highlight the growing importance of Madurai in the regional industrial landscape.

Ashwin R Desai and Rajiv S Jeyabalan – the newly appointed Chairman and Vice-Chairman of CII Madurai Zone respectively.

Ashwin R Desai: A Visionary Leader with Industry Experience

Mr. Ashwin R Desai brings to the table over two decades of experience in the industry, specializing in video collaboration and technology-driven solutions. As the Managing Director of A & T Video Networks Pvt Ltd, he has played a pivotal role in driving innovation in the video and telecommunications sectors. Under his leadership, A & T Video Networks has been at the forefront of providing high-quality video solutions that enhance business collaboration across multiple industries.

In addition to his role at A & T Video Networks, Mr. Desai is a co-founder of Med.Bot, an AI-driven health platform that integrates telemedicine with public health solutions. Med.Bot is the first of its kind in India, leveraging artificial intelligence to transform the way healthcare services are delivered, particularly to underserved populations.

Mr. Desai’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1996 when he founded the Internet Users Community of India – Madurai. His efforts were instrumental in bringing high-speed internet access to the city in 1998, a game-changer that contributed significantly to Madurai’s technological growth. Desai’s visionary thinking has also led to the founding of two influential organizations – the Software Industries Development Association (SIDA) and the Native Lead Foundation. These initiatives have fostered the growth of the tech community in Madurai and supported numerous startups.

As Chairman of CII Madurai Zone, Mr. Desai is expected to bring his extensive network and deep understanding of technology and entrepreneurship to drive innovation and industry development in the region.

Rajiv S Jeyabalan: A Prominent Entrepreneur Transforming Fintech in Rural Tamil Nadu

Mr. Rajiv S Jeyabalan, a well-established entrepreneur and Managing Director of Susee Finance and Leasing Private Limited, has been appointed Vice-Chairman of CII Madurai Zone for 2025-26. Mr. Jeyabalan has been at the helm of Susee Finance for many years, steering the company toward success and growth.

Under his leadership, Susee Finance has transformed from a traditional financing company into a fintech enterprise that leverages technology to better serve its customers. As a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), Susee Finance provides small-ticket loans to individuals in rural Tamil Nadu, empowering deserving people with the capital they need to improve their lives and businesses.

Susee Finance’s network of branches across rural areas has played a significant role in increasing access to finance for communities that would otherwise have limited opportunities. This innovation has been instrumental in driving financial inclusion and providing economic opportunities to the underserved regions of Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Jeyabalan’s entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to social change make him an ideal candidate for the role of Vice-Chairman. His focus on inclusive growth and using technology to create positive social impact aligns with CII’s vision of fostering sustainable development and economic growth in the region.

The Role of CII Madurai Zone in Promoting Industrial Growth

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has long been at the forefront of promoting industrial growth, policy advocacy, and community development. Through its various zones across India, CII plays a vital role in creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. The Madurai Zone, in particular, has been pivotal in fostering the growth of the region’s industries and promoting Madurai as an emerging industrial hub.

The CII Madurai Zone is a platform that facilitates collaboration between government bodies, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to address challenges, share knowledge, and innovate solutions that drive regional development. Under the leadership of Ashwin R Desai and Rajiv S Jeyabalan, the Madurai Zone is expected to see continued growth and innovation, particularly in the areas of technology, entrepreneurship, and financial services.

With the new office-bearers in place, CII Madurai Zone aims to enhance its support for startups and SMEs in the region, provide a platform for knowledge exchange, and drive initiatives that contribute to economic growth. The focus on sustainable development, digital transformation, and inclusive growth will be central to the Zone’s objectives in the coming year.

Madurai’s Growing Importance as a Business and Industrial Hub

Madurai, known for its cultural heritage, historical significance, and thriving tourism sector, is quickly becoming one of Tamil Nadu’s most important industrial and business hubs. Over the past few years, the city has seen significant growth in sectors like technology, finance, and manufacturing, driven by both established companies and new-age startups.

The appointment of Ashwin R Desai and Rajiv S Jeyabalan as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of CII Madurai Zone marks a new chapter in Madurai’s industrial development. With their combined expertise in technology, finance, and entrepreneurship, the new leadership is well-positioned to leverage the city’s existing strengths and foster new avenues of growth for businesses in the region.

As Madurai continues to evolve into a key player in India’s industrial landscape, initiatives driven by the CII Madurai Zone will be crucial in creating a business-friendly environment, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting innovation. The active participation of local entrepreneurs and industry leaders in CII’s activities will be vital in shaping the future of Madurai as a thriving economic hub.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for CII Madurai Zone Under New Leadership

The appointment of Ashwin R Desai as Chairman and Rajiv S Jeyabalan as Vice-Chairman of CII Madurai Zone marks an exciting phase for the region’s industrial development. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to their respective roles, and their vision for Madurai’s growth aligns perfectly with CII’s mission of fostering industrial progress and sustainable development.

As the new leadership takes charge, businesses in Madurai can look forward to increased collaboration, improved infrastructure, and greater opportunities for growth. The CII Madurai Zone’s focus on technology, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Madurai’s economy, making it a key destination for business and industrial activity in Tamil Nadu.