T.T. Jagannathan was recently awarded the Padma Shri posthumously.
New Delhi. The country's well-known industrialist and Chairman Emeritus of TTK Prestige, T.T. Jagannathan was recently awarded the Padma Shri posthumously. With this honour, once again the success story of TTK Prestige and the legacy of the founder of this group is in the news. In such a situation, we are telling you about the journey of cooker manufacturing company TTK Prestige. We will also tell you about who is taking over this group after Jagannathan's departure.
When and how was TTK Group started?
TTK Group was established in the year 1928 as an indenting agency by T.T. Krishnamachari did it. He laid the foundation of organized distribution system in India and built distribution networks for international brands in many categories like food, personal care, stationery and pharmaceutical products.
TTK Group reshaped the Indian FMCG and consumer goods market by establishing distribution arrangements for brands like Cadbury, Max Factor, Kiwi, Kraft, Sunlight, Lifebuoy, Lux, Pond's, Brillcreme, Kellogg's, Ovaltine, Horlicks and Waterman.
Today TTK Group operates in over 30 product categories, has 7 group companies and a turnover of over Rs 30 billion. The Group's products reach every continent in the world.
Launch of Prestige Brand: Revolution in Indian Kitchen
TTK Prestige Limited is the flagship company of the group. Keeping in mind the need of safety and convenience in the kitchen of Indian housewives, TTK Group introduced French scientist Denis Papin's pressure cooker in India. At that time this technology was new to Indian women, but innovations like pressure release valve were made keeping safety in mind. Prestige's famous advertising slogan “Jo Biwi Se Pyaar, Woh Prestige Se Kaise Kare Inkaar” proved to be a milestone in making the brand a household name.
Journey of Smart Kitchen and ‘Total Kitchen Solutions’
After 2001, Indian women started becoming active in workplaces and businesses, which increased the demand for time-saving kitchen products. Prestige launches “Are you ready for a smarter kitchen?” Launched a new range of smart kitchen products with the campaign. By 2008, Prestige had developed products to meet all the needs of the modern Indian kitchen and established itself as a 'total kitchen solutions' brand. The company also expanded its retail network through Prestige SmartKitchen stores.
Global expansion and brand strength
Responding to the global demand for microwave cookers in 2013, Prestige launched products in this category, which achieved great success in the export market. The company's gross turnover reached Rs 13.8 billion and recorded an annual growth rate of 28% over 10 years. In the same year, Bollywood stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were appointed brand ambassadors and the retail network expanded to more than 500 prestige exclusive outlets.
‘Kitchen Mogul’ T.T. How did Jagannathan set an example of leadership?
T.T. Jagannathan, former Union Finance Minister T.T. He was the grandson of Krishnamachari. He was a Gold Medalist from IIT Madras and a PhD holder in Operations Research from Cornell University, USA. In 1975, he took over the helm of TTK Prestige and made the company a market leader in the small home appliance industry. He was the Managing Director for 26 years and Executive Chairman for 19 years.
He played an important role in taking the company from the brink of bankruptcy to a company with a billion dollar market cap. Innovations such as the gasket release system revolutionized pressure cooker safety.
Jagannathan loved cooking and used to say, “If you don't know how to cook, you are not in the cooking business.” He has told the story of the company's struggle and success in his famous book 'Disrupt and Conquer: How TTK Prestige Became a Billion Dollar Company'.
T.T. Jagannathan died on 10 October 2025 in Bengaluru at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife Latha Jagannathan and sons T.T. Mukund and T.T. Left Laxman. He had a son T.T. Venkatesh died in September 2025.
Current leadership of TTK Prestige
At present T.T. Raghunathan is the chairman of TTK Prestige. He is a graduate in Commerce and has played an active role in the management of various companies of TTK Group. He has been part of the Board of TTK Prestige since 1995 and has wide experience in the industry.
Founder T.T. Krishnamachari's foresight and T.T. Jagannathan's innovation and leadership took the company from Indian kitchens to the global market. T.T. with Padma Shri honour. Jagannathan's legacy and his contribution to the Indian kitchen industry has once again been recognized at the national level. TTK Prestige is a stock exchange listed company. Its market cap is Rs 7,967 crore as per BSE data. Its share price is Rs 582.
Also read: From door-to-door cooker delivery person to defense tycoon, these are the 3 'Padma Shri' winners from the business world.
Chyawanprash is a part of every Indian's life, it reduces diseases and increases energy.