Henning Holck-Larsen

Henning Holck-Larsen (July 4, 1907 Denmark — July 27, 2003 Mumbai) was a Dane who co-founded the Indian engineering firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

Henning Holck-Larsen was educated at the Technical University of Denmark. He came to India in 1937. In 1938, he set up Larsen & Toubro in partnership with his former schoolmate Søren Kristian Toubro. L&T went on to become one of the most successful Indian companies. After retirement, he served as the chairman emeritus of the company. He used to call India his "adopted homeland" and divided his time between Denmark and India.

He passed away in 2003 at the Breach Candy hospital, Mumbai after a prolonged illness, having spent time in intensive care. He is survived by a daughter, Jeannette Arnold.

Awards and recognitions

*Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding (1976)
*Knighthood from Queen Margarethe II of Denmark (1977)
*Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Industrial Peace (1980)
*Chemtech Foundation's Chemical Industry Stalwart Award (2000)
*Bombay Management Association's Lifetime Achievement Award (2001)
*Citation from the Indo-European Union Business Summit for promoting business beyond boundaries (2002)
*Padma Bhushan (2002) for contribution to Indian industry.

Quotes

* "It is our ability to anticipate the future and react accordingly that will determine our success".
* "India, my adopted homeland, has a special place in my heart. With the Padma Bhushan, I am happy to realise that I have a place in her heart too".

References

* [http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/07/28/stories/2003072802791300.htm The Hindu news article]