Leaders Behind the Legacy

Driving the Vision Forward

From the royal visionaries who planted the seed to the leaders steering KSDL towards unprecedented growth.

Where It All Began

The Founding Visionaries

Three extraordinary individuals whose vision in 1916 created the world's only soap from 100% pure sandalwood oil.

Nalwadi Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV

1884 - 1940

The visionary Maharaja of Mysore who founded the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory and Soap Factory in 1916, transforming a wartime surplus of sandalwood into a national treasure.

Sir M. Visvesvaraya

1861 - 1962 · Diwan of Mysore (1912-1918)

The legendary engineer-statesman who, as Diwan of Mysore, partnered with the Maharaja to set up the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory in May 1916. He drove the strategic vision to convert wartime sandalwood reserves into a value-added industry, paving the way for the launch of Mysore Sandal Soap. Bharat Ratna (1955); his birthday (15 September) is celebrated as Engineer’s Day in India.

Sosale Garalapuri Shastry

1899 - 1955 · “Soap Shastry”

Industrial chemist at IISc Bengaluru, sent to England to master soap making. Created the original formulation blending 100% pure sandalwood oil with Vetivert, Patchouli, Geranium, and other botanicals. Appointed Industrial Chemist in 1918. Fellow of the Indian Academy of Science (1934). Later served as Director of Industries and Commerce for Mysore State.

Government Leadership

State Patronage

As a Government of Karnataka enterprise, KSDL operates under the guidance of the state's highest office.

Shri Siddaramaiah

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka

Senior Congress leader serving his second term as Chief Minister since May 2023. The longest-serving CM of Karnataka. Championing industrial growth, welfare policies, and the state’s vision for public sector enterprises including KSDL’s ambitious growth vision.

Shri D.K. Shivakumar

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka

KPCC President and senior Congress leader. Multiple-term MLA from Kanakapura. Holds portfolios of Water Resources, Bengaluru Development and Town Planning. Completed six years as Karnataka Congress President in March 2026.

Dr. M.B. Patil

Hon’ble Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development

Five-time MLA from Babaleshwar. Cabinet Minister overseeing KSDL. Record turnover & profit under his leadership. Led Karnataka’s delegation at WEF 2026. Driving Industrial Policy 2025-30, Invest Karnataka, and the ₹5,000 Cr vision. President, BLDEA University.

Shri Appaji C.S. Nadagouda

Chairman, KSDL

Six-time MLA representing Muddebihal. Former Special Representative of the Karnataka Government at Delhi (2014-2018). As Chairman, steering KSDL’s Vijayapura expansion, three-shift production, and entry into Europe and West Asia markets.

Board of Directors

Executive Leadership

The Board of Directors guiding KSDL's strategy, operations, and path to continued record-breaking growth.

Dr. Prashanth P.K.M., IFS

Managing Director, KSDL

Indian Forest Service

Under his leadership, KSDL achieved its highest-ever turnover of ₹1,787 Cr and profit of ₹451 Cr. Led diversification, counterfeit crackdowns, e-commerce expansion, and the ₹135 Cr dividend payout to Government. Driving KSDL’s ambitious growth strategy.

mysoresandalmd@gmail.com

Shri Manoj Kumar, IFS

Director, KSDL Board

Managing Director, Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL)

IFS officer serving as Managing Director of MSIL. Represents MSIL’s interests on the KSDL board, strengthening coordination between the two state enterprises.

Shri Mohammed Ikramulla Shariff, IAS

Nominee Director, KSDL Board

Deputy Secretary (Budget & Resources), Finance Department

IAS officer (2016 batch, Karnataka cadre) serving as Nominee Director representing the Finance Department on the KSDL board. Overseeing fiscal governance at Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru.

Shri Shivakumar N.

Nominee Director, KSDL Board

Joint Secretary to Government (I-C), Dept. of Commerce & Industry

Nominee Director representing the Department of Commerce & Industry on the KSDL board. Facilitating industry policy alignment and government coordination.

Independent Directors

Shri Aravind Murageppa Galagali

Director, KSDL Board

Appointed September 2025

Appointed to the KSDL Board of Directors in September 2025, contributing to the company’s strategic direction and governance.

Shri Syamaraju Kosur

Director, KSDL Board

Appointed September 2025

Appointed to the KSDL Board of Directors in September 2025, contributing to the company’s strategic governance and growth initiatives.

Smt. Prathima Vankadaru

Director, KSDL Board

Appointed September 2025

Appointed to the KSDL Board of Directors in September 2025, bringing diverse perspectives to the company’s leadership.

View on Official KSDL Website

Experience the Legacy of Pure Sandalwood

From a royal vision in 1916 to homes across the world.

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