DR.  A.  SIVATHANU PILLAI

Distinguished Scientist & Chief Controller, Research & Development, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi & Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, BrahMos Aerospace,  New  Delhi

Born on 15^th July 1947, Dr Pillai graduated in Electrical Engineering from Madras University in 1969, undergone Programme for Management Development at Harvard Business School,  USA (1991)  and obtained PhD from University of Poona (1996).

Dr Pillai joined Space Science & Technology Centre, Thiruvananthapuram in 1969 and worked in Systems Engineering of Launch Vehicles.  He assisted Dr Vikram Sarabhai in the evolution of 10-year space profile for the country.  He was a core team Member of SLV-3 (the first Satellite Launch Vehicle of India)  under the leadership of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. In SLV-3, the contribution of Dr Pillai was in the development of four-stage rocket motors and rocket systems.  SLV-3 first stage later became the booster of Agni missile.  After the successful completion of SLV-3, he was the member of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle  (PSLV) study team in the evolution of PSLV mission and a senior scientist in Aerospace Dynamics & Design Group.  Later he became Technical Advisor to Prof Satish Dhawan, Chairman ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) at its HQrs, Bangalore for Launch Vehicle Programmes.  His significant contribution was in the evolution of PSLV configuration and direction for GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) configurations and technology requirements.

Dr. Pillai joined Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) in 1986 in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) at Hyderabad under the leadership of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He played a key role, introduced innovative management systems and made significant contributions for the development of Agni, Prithvi, Nag, Trishul & Akash Missiles as Programme Director of IGMDP. He was also Associate Director, Defence Research and Development Laboratory.  His most important contribution to missile programme was the development of critical technologies, using a network of academic institutions, R&D laboratories and industries through consortium approach and technology empowerment.  He also led to development of many societal products as spin offs from missile technologies.

He was appointed as Chief Controller (Research & Development) at DRDO HQrs at New Delhi in 1996, responsible for missile technologies & projects, ranges, naval systems and certain international collaborations. Dr Pillai became Distinguished Scientist from September 1999. 

Dr. Pillai is also Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the BrahMos Aerospace responsible for the design, development, production and marketing of the most advanced BRAHMOS-Supersonic Cruise Missile.  BrahMos is the world leader in the cruise missile family.  Dr. Pillai’s leadership to the BrahMos has yielded excellent results.  After successful trials, BrahMos system has been inducted by the Indian Navy and being inducted by the Army.

Dr. Pillai has published many papers in the international and national journals and conferences, and also chaired many international conference sessions.  The book titled “Envisioning an Empowered Nation” is authored by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and co-authored by Dr Pillai.   He has published a book titled “Technology Leadership – A Revolution in the Making” defining the future visionary leaders.  Recently, he also published one more book titled “Ocean Warfare – The Technology Waves”.  He is a recipient of various awards including DRDO Scientist of the Year (1988), Dr Vikram Sarabhai Research Award (1991), Dr Davidson Frame Award for Project Leadership from University of Technology & Management, USA in 2001 and Padmashri  from Government of India in 2002. 

In January 2003, Dr. Pillai received an Award for Outstanding Contributions and Achievement in the international sphere of dedicated service, co-operation, development and peace by OISCA (Organization for Industrial, Spiritual & Cultural Advancement) International, Japan.  Dr Pillai and  his team received the “Performance Excellence Award of DRDO” in 2005 for BrahMos and Raja Rammohan Puraskar 2006 for his outstanding contributions in Aerospace. He is awarded with the Doctorate HONORIS CAUSA degree from the Scientific  Council of St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University, Russia for outstanding  achievements in development of special purpose techniques for naval applications.

He has received honorary degrees of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University and Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed University), Avinashilingam Institute of Higher Education for Women, Andhra University and Pravara Rural University. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and Astronautical Society of India.  He is a member in many Professional Societies – IEEE, Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), Instrument Society of India and International Association of Business Leaders (USA). He has visited and interacted with many scientific and technological organizations in many countries.