Ayyagiri Rao carries a rich experience of 43 years in the industry. The first 16 years of his career were in Human Resources, and the next 27 years as SBU Head/CEO of diverse businesses in manufacturing and engineering services. Until early 2017, he was President of Hofincons Infotech & Industrial Services, a subsidiary of Quess Corp Ltd. Previously, he worked with TVS Srichakra Tyres Ltd as President and Advisor. He was also associated with the diversified Murugappa Group for 27 years in different Companies/roles, the last with Tube Investments of India Ltd as President of the Engineering SBU.

He holds an M A degree in Personnel Management and Labour Welfare from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and is a qualified Executive Coach. He is currently heading Rao Associates, his Management and Business Consultancy, and is on the Board of two private limited companies as an Independent Director.