Ms. Sudha Shivkumar is the Imm. Past President of FICCI Ladies Organization. She was the 40 th National President of FLO.

She is a lawyer and investment banker by profession. Her prolific career spans over 32 years and includes leading large organizations and mutual funds, managing international portfolios, spearheading non-profit ventures, all while keenly mentoring and inspiring women from all walks of life.

A gold medalist and a state topper in her undergraduate studies, Ms. Shivkumar completed her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Madras. She specialised in Corporate and Bankruptcy laws to build her expertise in these fields and completed a Master of Applied Finance with specialization in Investment Banking from Macquarie University, Sydney, with distinction.

Currently, Ms. Sudha is the Director of her family’s business in manufacture of Auto ancillaries. She was the managing director of family owned foundry – a role that she held for 5 years. She was actively involved with the World Craft Council in its projects, ‘Abhushan’ and ‘Kaivalam’. She is currently Treasurer, Crafts Council of India. In her spare time, Ms. Shivkumar helps run a vocational training centre for the mentally challenged as a trustee of Navajothi Trust.

Ms. Shivkumar has, throughout her student and professional careers, displayed a penchant for leadership in various roles. In her early days, she was a school pupil leader, the president of her college union, and an under officer of the NCC movement at the state level. At the young age of 29, she was not only the CEO of a financial services company, but also pioneered the operations of a mutual fund. Her experience as Managing Director of her family’s foundry exposed her to the nuances of leading and motivating people of varied backgrounds.

Her leadership abilities extended to FLO as well. She was the Chairperson of FLO Chennai Chapter in 2016-17.

During her term,
• 380 women were up skilled based on their interest; 93% were economically empowered earning between Rs.4000- Rs.9000.
• FICCI-FLO Women Achievers Award was broadened with over 100 applications and aired for the first time on CNBC TV18.
• Over 175 toilets were built at an adopted village and 4 tuition centers were set up that are functional even today.
• 44 programs were conducted, with several prolific writers, influential speakers and acclaimed spiritual coaches taking the stage.
• For the first time as FLO chairperson, Ms. Sudha Shivkumar was co-opted to the Committee of FICCI Tamil Nadu.

As the 40 th National President of FLO, Sudha Shivkumar led the organization into a new era of excellence and impact. Her tenure was marked by a steady focus on fostering entrepreneurship among women, promoting gender equality, and driving sustainable social change. With the theme for her term – TOGETHER WE RISE, her aim was to transform the power of women’s voices into forward thinking economic initiatives by changing perceptions and influencing policies. Some significant initiatives taken up by her for FLO are,

• She has been a part of FICCI Steering Committee and the National Executive Committee of FICCI
• She led the collaboration with NITI Ayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
• She led the collaboration with Google for virtual upskilling program for Digital marketing.
• She Identified an essential area of focus that requires immediate attention—the "Care Economy" and working towards addressing the gaps effectively, by connect with key stakeholders, including caregivers, policy makers, employers, and community organizations, organizing a series of strategic round table discussions, conducting a comprehensive study, and developing a White Paper on Care Economy.
• She Participated in various Global dialogues under the aegis of G20 EMPOWER, led by FICCI as the Secretariat.
• She was nominated by FICCI to lead a delegation to South Africa on occasion of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance Annual meeting 2023 BRICS Africa Trade Conference and the related engagements.
• She led a successful business delegation of 41 women entrepreneurs and professionals to the Republic of South Korea.
• She was invited as a panelist for 37th CACCI Conferencet,30 31 October 2023, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• She organized relevant sessions on Leadership Development, Digital Empowerment , Financial Literacy and others for the benefit of FLO & YFLO Members.

Ms. Shivkumar also partakes in sports and leisure activities. She has won the All-India Best Shot in Rifle shooting and has undergone advanced training in para-jumping. She also holds the state record for javelin throw. Focused strategic planning, penchant for process improvement and the ability to inspire teams to reach higher goals are her inherent skills. She’s a natural leader, one who can bridge cultures with her affable ease and grounded nature – someone who is simple and approachable with achievements that command respect.