Mr Mahadevan's triumph is a testament to vision and ingenuity. Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, he fused his passion for the hotel industry with his teaching career. The turning point came with the inception of Hot Breads in 1989. This bakery ventured beyond convention, offering novel items like curry buns and pastries. Mr Mahadevan's vision to provide unique experiences and his knack for blending cultures resulted in a global culinary sensation. His journey exemplifies the fusion of passion, innovation, and a transformative turning point, defining his remarkable success.
5:15 PM Registration & High Tea
6:00 PM
Welcome Address
Gp Capt R Vijayakumar (Retd), VSM
Executive Director
Madras Management Association
Chairman's Introductory Remarks
Mr K Mahalingam
Partner/Director
TSM Group of Companies
Address by the Speaker
Mr M Mahadevan
Founder, B&M Hotbreads Pvt Ltd
Followed by conversation with
Mr K Mahalingam
Q&A
7:20 PM Vote of Thanks
Mr M Mahadevan
Mr. Mahadevan embarked on his career as an Assistant Professor at the University of Madras in 1979, teachin Marketing to management and accounts students. However, his deep aspiration to enter the hotel industry led him to take a part-time job at a hotel in the evenings to learn more about the field. Juggling roles as a trainee, bell boy, and receptionist, he pursued his hotel industry ambitions alongside his teaching job.
Transitioning to the F&B sector in 1982, he co-founded his first venture – a Chinese take-away restaurant – with a partner he had met during his hotel stint. Their initial investment of Rs. 60,000 led to the establishment of a successful take-out. Recognizing an opportunity, he opened Cascade, a multi-cuisine restaurant featuring Chinese, Thai, Malay, and Japanese food. The restaurant's distinctive all-white and blue interior, conceptualized with the help of Parmeshwar Godrej, became a major attraction.
In 1989, he launched Hot Breads with an unconventional approach. Offering more than just bread, he introduced inventive items like curry buns, pastries, pizzas, and burgers. He quickly achieved profitability and expansion, breaking even in the first year and establishing Hot Breads as a unique culinary concept. His ventures continued to flourish internationally, with the opening of outlets in Dubai and Melbourne, Australia. Under three banners – Oriental Cuisines, CC Fine Foods, and B&M Hot Breads – his business has grown significantly. With 268 outlets in India and 145 worldwide, he collaborates with partners in 18 countries and has connected with 476 eateries globally.
The Indian operations generate an annual turnover of Rs. 196 crore, solidifying Mr. Mahadevan's reputation as a visionary entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry.
1984 - Graduated from NIT Trichy in Chemical.
Engineering -Distinguished Alumni 2016.
1987 - Completed PGDM from IIM Calcutta.
Key Achievements after-market brands.
Exceptional leader, transformation specialist, and impactful investor with over 35 years of experience. Driving force behind T S Mahalingam & Sons, turning it into one of South India's well respected automobile
Diversified TSM’s interests into financial services, real estate, and angel investing.
Transformed TS Mahalingam & Sons into a prominent brand, retailing 5000 cars annually in South India.
Accelerated TSM’s growth from a single-business, single-location operations into a multi-business, multi-location organisation.
Pioneered the distribution of third-party loan products in partnership with Citi bank, revolutionizing financial services. Co- developed brands like Autoline, Propshop, and Shelters along with Citi bank. Entered the real estate space in 2003, is today a prominent player in residential, commercial, and leisure properties with 100+ projects delivered.
President of the REC alumni (RECAL), leading impactful projects and massivefundraising in collaboration with NIT.
President of the IIM Calcutta Alumni Chennai, enhancing the IIM Calcutta brand. Launching unique initiatives focused on imparting practical knowledge to management students in TN & beyond.
President of the Madras Management Association (MMA),India’s top management association.
Member of the Chennai Angels'Executive Committee, guiding operations and ensuring compliance & corporate governance.
Active angel investor, mentoring buddingentrepreneurs and fostering entrepreneurship by growing the ecosystem.
Recognized as a go-to person for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking guidance, support & funding.
