New Delhi : Business leader and former Apollo Tyres executive Udayan Dravid has announced the release of his book, Rise of the Phoenix, which offers a rare, first-hand account of one of India’s most notable corporate turnaround stories. The book traces the revival of Apollo Tyres during a period marked by operational challenges, financial pressure, and declining market confidence.
Drawing on his leadership experience, Dravid details how the organisation rebuilt itself through strategic clarity, decentralised decision-making, and strong execution at the ground level. The narrative focuses on the role played by a young leadership team that was given significant responsibility during the turnaround phase, enabling faster decision-making and organisational agility.
The book documents a rapid expansion phase in what is traditionally considered an old-economy manufacturing sector. Within 18 months, Apollo Tyres established nearly 100 offices and seven redistribution centres across the country. This expansion contributed to a fourfold increase in revenue, with sales growing from approximately ₹180 crore to ₹1,000 crore within a few years.
Rise of the Phoenix also highlights several strategic decisions that were ahead of their time, including the introduction of a uniform national pricing structure nearly three decades before the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The move helped address price inconsistencies across regions and brought greater transparency to a fragmented distribution network.
Commenting on the book, Dravid said that organisational turnarounds are often misunderstood as the result of individual leadership alone. He emphasised the importance of empowered teams, trust-driven culture, and execution-focused management in driving sustainable change.
The book carries a foreword by Dr Vijay Kelkar, former Finance Secretary to the Government of India. Combining narrative storytelling with managerial insight, Rise of the Phoenix is aimed at business leaders, entrepreneurs, and management students seeking practical lessons from real-world corporate restructuring. Priced at ₹499, Rise of the Phoenix is available on Amazon, Flipkart, and at select bookstores across India.