Kumar Muthalagappan OBE is a British entrepreneur and philanthropist whose remarkable career bridges business innovation with heartfelt social impact. From steering major ventures in hospitality and running a global clinical research powerhouse to launching the KM Foundation, Kumar is known for his ability to connect diverse worlds and inspire change across the UK, India, and beyond.
Q1: Could you share a bit about your early life and your roots?
I'm originally from South India, from a region called Chettinad near Trichy in Tamil Nadu. But I spent my childhood in Malaysia, where I grew up immersed in a blend of South Indian and Malaysian cultures. When I was 18, I left Malaysia to come to the UK for further studies. After arriving in the UK, I attended university and, upon finishing, joined KPMG. Over the course of 17 years, I rose through the ranks to become a partner.
After that, I transitioned into running businesses with my family. This business involvement allowed me to maintain strong ties to both the UK and India.
I had the opportunity to get involved with a number of significant public and cultural organisations. For example, I worked with Visit Britain, the national tourism authority, and did a lot of work connecting the UK and India. Eventually, I was honoured with an OBE by the Queen in 2009, both for my contributions to the hospitality industry and for my broader work with India.
Later, I was invited to serve on prestigious boards such as the Olympic Delivery Authority for the 2012 London Olympics, government inward investment and regeneration boards like Advantage West Midlands and Alexandra Palace in London, and I even chaired the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. All these experiences, coming from my South Indian and Malaysian background, helped me develop a very diverse outlook and enabled me to connect across different sectors and cultures.
Q2: How did you make the transition from business to philanthropy, and what motivated you?
After building my clinical trials business, which grew from one site in North London in 2010 to 106 sites in eight countries and was eventually acquired for $112 million, I finally had the resources to start meaningful philanthropic work. I set up the KM Foundation (KMF) using funds from the business sale. Philanthropy had always been an interest in our family, but it requires resources to be impactful. Now, with the ability and network, I could initiate projects that could demonstrate tangible change and encourage participation from others.
Q3: What is KMF for you and what are its primary focus areas?
The KM Foundation, was created once I had the funds and ability to do something meaningful. Our main focus is on healthcare, education, and community development. We kick start projects, demonstrate success, and then try to bring others, be it governments, charities, or private funders. Currently, we've launched five main projects: two in India, one with Orbis in Tamil Nadu offering eye screenings and cataract surgeries, and another in Punjab providing airway services for tracheostomy patients, and three in the UK supporting musicians through the London Music Fund, creating an educational history portal for the Chalk Festival, and funding a community project with the Murugan temple in East Ham.
Q4: How did your exposure to different cultures impact your personal and professional journey?
Growing up in Malaysia with South Indian cultural roots and then moving to the UK gave me a diverse outlook. I had the opportunity to work in various capacities with government bodies, the Olympic Delivery Authority, inward investment boards, and even as chairman of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Interacting with different cultures allowed me to build networks and experiences that shaped both my business and philanthropic ventures.
Q5: You said one of your projects is working with Murugan temple. In your view, does religion have to be intertwined with charity, or are they separate pursuits?
I think they are separate. Religion, to me, is a very personal thing, it's about how you want to run your life, not just following prescribed rituals. Charity, on the other hand, stands above religion, government, and everything else. It's not about giving alms or begging; it's about making a change in the world. While religion and charity can work together harmoniously, as in my community where religious institutions have been a means for charity. I believe they are fundamentally different, though they can complement each other effectively.
