Mr. M.J Shantharam launched the ‘Valdel’ group identity in 2000 with the acquisition of the engineering business of Kvaerner, USA’s Bangalore operations. The engineering business was further consolidated with an equity arrangement with S&B Engineers & Constructors, USA, a US $ 4 Billion EPC company.

In 2004, the engineering business was de-merged into upstream and downstream.

Mr. Shantharam brought in Larsen & Toubro to acquire a major stake in the upstream business and with that L&T Valdel Engineering Private Limited was formed, which today is one of the leading engineering companies for the upstream oil & gas sector. Simultaneously, he consolidated the downstream business with S&B Engineers & Constructors, USA, by opening the second engineering centre in Delhi to cater to the growing demand in the downstream oil & gas sector.

Mr. Shantharam forayed into the retail business in 2003 with the opening of Family Mart, a one-stop superstore destination, which is now in the process of being transformed into a upscale Residential Development with Shriram Group, who are one of the leading real estate developers in South India..

Under his leadership, the Valdel group later diversified into real estate in 2006 and successfully tied up with major real estate companies, including Prestige Group, DivyaSree Developers, Vaishnavi Infrastructure and Shriram Group to promote residential, commercial, SEZ and other mixed-use developments.

He is the chief strategist for the group and his responsibilities include, managing organizational performance, formulation of business strategy, explore new business areas and financial planning. His vision and leadership has led Valdel to be recognized as an important player in the industry and markets it operates.

He is a member of the Bangalore Chapter of Entrepreneur’s Organization, a global community of business owners.