1988/B.Tech/CE Former Partner, Goldman Sachs USA
Mr. Ram Sundaram completed his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from IIT Madras in 1988. He went on to attend the University of Rochester, where he obtained his MBA from the Simon Business School in 1991. His 30 year-long Wall Street career establishes him as a pioneer in the field of finance.
Soon after graduating with his M.B.A., he had a six year stint at Morgan Stanley, followed by two years at Merrill Lynch. He joined Goldman Sachs as a Vice-President in 2001. As the founder and Global Head of the Principal Funding & Investments (PFI) group, he executed many landmark financing transactions for around 10 years. Exemplifying his extraordinary contributions to the firm, his ten-person group was said to have effectively navigated risk during the 2008 financial crisis, generating billions of dollars of revenue for the firm. Mr. Ram became a Partner at Goldman Sachs in 2008.
Over the next decade, he occupied several senior positions at Goldman Sachs, including Head of Global Structured Credit, Global Currencies and Emerging Markets, and Global Commodities Trading.
Known for his creative financing solutions and front-footed risk management, he is the man behind some of the firm’s most innovative deals. Credited with moulding the firm’s future, Mr. Ram Sundaram has also mentored several leaders of Indian origin.
Beyond his accomplishments in the world of Finance, he has made a global impact through his philanthropic endeavours. He funded Polio extermination programmes through the Rotary Club in India and set up need-based scholarships at NYU and Rochester Universities as well as the Sacred Heart School, Eagle Hill School and the Forman School. He also sponsored travel grants for students and scholars at IIT Madras. His most important charitable contribution has been as the Chair of the Board of the Child Mind Institute in New York.
For his accomplishments and contributions to the field of finance, his philanthropy, and his global impact, IIT Madras and its alumni are proud to bestow this award upon Mr. Ram Sundaram.
