Sumi Nadarajan
Joint General Manager, KMRL
Kochi
Summary
Customer-oriented General Manager with 19 years of experience focused on increasing revenues, expanding margins together with achieving sustainable goals. Adaptive and deadline-oriented consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Joint General Manager
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd
10.2011 - Current
- As the second employee of KMRL, served as the sole nodal officer coordinating various approvals for Phase I (25 km) of the project between different departments of the State Government and the Government of India.
- Led the Kudumbashree integration project for Kochi Metro from inception to ground-level implementation, overseeing engagement in all customer-facing roles and ensuring the inclusion of transgender personnel— a key initiative in promoting gender and social equity, for which KMRL gained international recognition.
- Developed and implemented strategies to integrate social and gender inclusion across all KMRL activities and operations.
- Acted as the primary liaison for sustainability-related matters, coordinating with State/Central Government agencies and international partners for project proposals, tenders, and policy advocacy.
- Managed a broad portfolio of environmental sustainability initiatives including renewable energy, energy efficiency, recycling, waste management, and water conservation.
- Conceptualized and executed sustainability campaigns to promote a greener metro system (including Water Metro and supporting systems), targeting both internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborated with internal departments to develop a coordinated sustainability roadmap, ensuring alignment across planning, implementation, and monitoring.
- Spearheaded the formulation of KMRL’s sustainability vision and operating principles, while identifying new opportunities for integrating social, gender, and economic inclusion into the broader urban transport ecosystem.
- Served as Public Relations Officer and official Spokesperson for KMRL, representing the organization at conferences, media interactions, and government meetings.
- Headed the Social Media Cell, with direct responsibility for reviewing and approving all digital content, ensuring brand consistency, timely communication, and alignment with organizational values.
- Acted as the key personnel in all major KMRL events, including Prime Ministerial functions, leading as Protocol Officer, Programme Officer, and Stage Coordinator. These high-profile events were executed successfully under my leadership with a small, agile team, ensuring precision, compliance, and excellence in delivery.
- Maintained KMRL’s public image and stakeholder engagement through strategic messaging and real-time media coordination.
- Built and sustained long-term relationships with clients, vendors, government bodies, and partners to foster trust, enhance collaboration, and support revenue and branding goals.
- Led the Alternate Revenue portfolio at KMRL, managing all aspects of contract administration with a minimal team of two/three. Handled both initial auction/tender process and contract management processes.
- Successfully handled 30+ contracts, achieving rental of 12,790 sq. ft. across 103 retail units and 60,961 sq. ft. across 26 office units, surpassing revenue targets in the year 2021-22.
- Oversaw daily revenue collection tracking, agreement execution, and licensee grievance redressal, ensuring operational continuity and compliance.
- Spearheaded automation of invoice generation and delivery, reducing manual dependency and improving billing timelines.
- Designed and implemented the Contract Management framework, including the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline departmental processes.
- Entrusted with fare box revenue management from FY 2022–23 onwards; through strategic campaigns and active outreach, revenue targets were exceeded in both FY 2022–23 and 2023–24.
- Established and led the Metro Promo Centre, a dedicated, target-oriented unit to manage and enhance all promotional and public engagement efforts of Kochi Metro to increase the ridership and fare box revenue.
- Transformed the centre into the central hub for marketing, facilitating direct outreach to citizens, residents’ associations, schools, colleges, and students, significantly improving metro ridership.
- Implemented a monthly target system for promotional activities; consistently achieved results including the sale of over 2,500 student cards every month.
- Designed and executed a variety of innovative on-ground and digital campaigns to boost public interest, strengthen brand visibility, and increase footfall.
- The integrated work of the Promo Centre under my leadership played a key role in improving the metro's financial performance and public perception.
- Serving as the Chief Sports Officer of Kochi Metro, responsible for promoting employee wellness, interdepartmental rapport, and a healthy work-life balance through organized sports activities.
- Annually plan and execute a comprehensive two-month Sports Meet, involving 15+ events with the participation of 300+ employees across departments.
- Ensure zero disruption to official working hours by conducting all events on holidays and weekends, managing a demanding schedule to protect productivity.
- Oversee end-to-end event planning, including logistics, scheduling, team coordination, and distribution of certificates, medals, and trophies to winners.
- Encourage and facilitate employee participation in external corporate sports competitions, representing Kochi Metro and promoting a culture of fitness and teamwork.
- The initiative has played a key role in enhancing employee morale, team spirit, and interdepartmental collaboration across the organization.
HR & Administration Assistant
Smart Engineering and Design Solutions Ltd
08.2008 - 10.2011
- Company Overview: Smart Engineering and Design Solutions Ltd. (SEDS) is a ship design company headquartered in Nassau, Bahamas. The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a ship classification organization, signed a three-year contract with SEDS, under which I was part of the ABS team in Kochi.
- Managed core Human Resources functions, including coordination with Practice Heads, Managers, and Technical Panels to ensure the smooth execution of the recruitment process.
- Prepared all documentation for new joiners and coordinated with the Head of HR in Singapore.
- Conducted joining formalities and induction training for staff, along with specialized training in Office 2000 Engineering, GEMS Self Service, and the Training Documentation System.
- Oversaw the coordination and regulation of internal HR activities such as attendance, leave management, inter-office communication, and maintenance of employee records and personal files. Also handled the preparation of HR MIS reports.
- Conducted weekly meetings with Team Leads and Supervisors to maintain a healthy employee relationship environment.
- Handled documentation for resignations and terminations, conducted exit interviews, and maintained all related records.
- Coordinated with the Finance Department for monthly payroll processing and PF contributions.
- Provided technical support to engineers, including timecard management, document review, and certification processes.
- Took charge of the Finance Department for two months in the absence of the Finance Manager, independently managing payroll for nearly 100 employees during that period.
- Smart Engineering and Design Solutions Ltd. (SEDS) is a ship design company headquartered in Nassau, Bahamas. The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a ship classification organization, signed a three-year contract with SEDS, under which I was part of the ABS team in Kochi.
HR Executive
Skycomm Communications, BPO
01.2007 - 07.2008
- Managed the entire recruitment process, including campus interviews, referral checks, joining formalities, induction, and coordination with the technical department.
- Assisted in designing and implementing HR policies and procedures; administered payroll activities.
- Maintained and regularly updated the employee database and individual personnel files.
- Coordinated with Functional Heads to obtain appraisal dockets and KRAs, compiled appraisal ratings, and forwarded them for corporate-level assessment.
- Conducted exit interviews, prepared resignation/termination documents, and ensured proper maintenance of exit-related records.
Technical Executive
Dell International Services
07.2006 - 12.2006
- Handling mainly the technical hardware part of the computers.
Education
MBA - Marketing & HR
IGNOU
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology & Biochemical Engineering
Kerala University
Skills
- Customer relationship management
- Team leadership
- Business development
- Strategic planning
- Relationship building
- Advertising and marketing
- Administrative skills
- Project management
Passions Hobbies
- Badminton - State & District Champion
- Traveler - Exploring Places
Personal Information
- Age: 41
- Date of Birth: 03/01/84
- Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Joint General Manager
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd
10.2011 - Current
HR & Administration Assistant
Smart Engineering and Design Solutions Ltd
08.2008 - 10.2011
HR Executive
Skycomm Communications, BPO
01.2007 - 07.2008
Technical Executive
Dell International Services
07.2006 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology & Biochemical Engineering
Kerala University
MBA - Marketing & HR
IGNOU
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