G. S. Sareen

2021-06-09T18:38:26Z

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{{Orphan|date=July 2014}}

'''Gajendra Singh Sareen''' (born 7 Nov 1966) is a businessman of Indian origin and the founder, CEO and president of [[Singapore]] headquartered [[tire]] manufacturer and distributor [[Omni United]] Pte. Ltd. He founded Omni United in 2003 and has since received numerous entrepreneurship awards including "Distinguished Business Leader Award",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://omni-united.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/psme2013_Omni_s1.pdf |title=Distinguished Business Leader |website= Enterprise 50 |accessdate=11 February 2014}}</ref> "DBS Insignia Spirit of Vision Prestige Award" <ref>{{cite web|url=http://prestige-singapore.com.sg/2013/11/interviews-fastidious-men#.Uvp-jZa-mUo |title=DBS Insignia Spirit of Vision Prestige Award |website= Prestige Singapore |accessdate=11 February 2014}}</ref> and in 2012 was named to [[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune magazine's]] list of "Asia's Hottest People in Business".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/news/international/1204/gallery.asia-hottest-businesspeople.fortune/6.html |title=Asia's 25 Hottest People in Business |website= CNN Money |accessdate=22 October 2013}}</ref> In 2014, he was featured in "The Peak" magazine's anniversary publication as one of 30 men and women documenting their success stories - the "30/30 – The Game Changers".<ref name="The Peak">{{cite web|url=http://m.sphmagazines.com.sg/news/2014/07/11/the-peak-magazine-launches-book-3030-the-game-changers |title=The Peak magazine launches book: "30/30 – The Game Changers"|website= SPH Magazines |accessdate=15 July 2014}}</ref>

== Early life ==

Sareen was born in [[Madhya Pradesh]] in [[India]]. He was four, and the youngest of three siblings, when his mother (Amrit Kaur Sareen, born 17 Feb 1938) was paralyzed after being involved in an accident while visiting Africa. His father (Dr Surender Singh Sareen, born 15 March 1933), a civil servant, encouraged him to always be independent, push his limits and chase his dreams. His sister (Jayendra Kaur, born 26 August 1960) currently lives in Dubai, while his brother (Paremendra Singh Sareen, born 29 Nov 1961) died in a road accident in 1989 at the age of 27.<ref name="prestige-singapore">{{cite web|url=http://www.prestige-singapore.com.sg/2013/06/how-he-rolls |title=This is How He Rolls |website= Prestige Singapore |accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref>

== Education ==

Sareen is an alumnus of [[Daly College|Daly College Indore, Madhya Pradesh]], India and holds a degree in Statistics from [[Bhopal University]]. He is also a decorated and distinguished member of the Indian Army. He joined the [[Indian Military Academy]] in 1986 and resigned his commission in 1992 to support his family. He was awarded a [[Sena medal|SENA MEDAL]], a gallantry award for action, by the President of India during his tenure in the Army.<ref name="prestige-singapore" />

== Personal life ==

In 1994, four years after their marriage, Sareen and his wife Rewa Manmohan Singh Sareen (born 4 Feb 1968) made the decision to relocate to [[Singapore]]. In 2009, Sareen took up citizenship in Singapore before launching two [[tire]] businesses, including Mindtrac.com, and establishing [[Omni United]] in 2003. The couple now lives with their two sons, Hanut (born 22 Nov 1993) who will finish studying at Northeastern University in Boston in the Spring, and Sumer (born 22 Oct 1998) and Sareen's mother in their Bukit Timah home. His father died in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.np.edu.sg/library/resources/subjectguides/wci/Documents/22.04.12mm.pdf |title=High Flier Enjoys the Good Life |website=NP Singapore |accessdate=18 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315052719/http://www.np.edu.sg/library/resources/subjectguides/wci/Documents/22.04.12mm.pdf |archive-date=15 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Prior to Omni United Career Info/Details ==

[[Omni United]] is Sareen's third business venture. Prior to its founding, he was an early entrepreneur in the online [[e-commerce]] industry. He launched, managed and subsequently sold mindtrac.com, one of the first B2B online market exchanges in the tire industry, backed by [[JPMorgan Chase|JP Morgan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2000/03/28/stories/152839pa.htm |title=Planetasia forms B2B alliance with Ariba |website=Hindu |accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref> Sareen launched mindtrac.com having gained previous knowledge of the market through various trading ventures throughout Asia and the USA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ki-lipton.com/ariba/archive_feats_21/QA.pdf |title=A Conversation with Gajju Sareen |website= KI Lipton|accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref>

== Omni United Pte. Ltd ==

Under Sareen's direction, [[Omni United]] currently sells in excess of 6.5 million units of passenger and light truck tires in 80 countries. <ref name="tyre-asia">{{cite web|url=http://www.tyre-asia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=306%3Aexpanding-horizon&Itemid=2|title=Expanding Horizons |website= Tyre Asia |accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref> Omni United's manufacturing partners are located in the [[Indonesia]], [[China]], [[India]] and [[Thailand]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalconnections.hsbc.com/united-kingdom/en/articles/ceo-insights-g-s-sareen-omni-united |title=CEO Insights: G.S. Sareen |website=HSBC |accessdate=18 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512224419/https://globalconnections.hsbc.com/united-kingdom/en/articles/ceo-insights-g-s-sareen-omni-united |archive-date=12 May 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The company currently sells more than two million units of passenger and light truck tires a year in the [[United States]]. Sareen purchased Interstate Tire Distributor (ITD), a California-based wholesaler with six locations in four Western states, in October, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aftermarketnews.com/omni-united-acquires-interstate-tire-distributor/|title= Omni United Acquires Interstate Tire |website= Aftermarket News|accessdate=11 November 2015}}</ref> In June 2016, Sareen made his second acquisition in 9 months with the purchase of Texas-based A to Z Tire & Battery, Inc. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tirebusiness.com/article/20160630/NEWS/160639998/omni-united-buys-a-to-z-tire|title= Omni United Buys A to Z Tire |website= Tire Business |accessdate=30 June 2016}}</ref> That part of the business has since been renamed Omnisource.

=== Timberland Tires ===

Introduced in November, 2014, Timberland Tires were born out of an idea between Sareen and global lifestyle brand [[The Timberland Company|Timberland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thepeakmagazine.com.sg/2015/02/omni-united-teams-up-with-timberland-2//|title=OMNI UNITED TEAMS UP WITH TIMBERLAND G.S. Sareen shows his maverick instincts with Omni United’s trailblazing partnership with Timberland.|website= The Peak |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> Timberland Tires is the first brand purposely designed and created with sustainability in mind.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/11/05/timberland-tires/18532367/|title=Timberland Takes its Rugged Image to Tires|website= USA Today |accessdate=8 November 2014}}</ref> The tires feature a rubber formulation that is appropriate for the recycling of the tires at the end of their useful life into outsoles for Timberland shoes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/francisvorhies/2014/11/06/reducing-our-ecological-footprint-with-recycled-footprints/|title=Reducing Our Ecological Footprint With Recycled Footprints |website= Forbes |accessdate=8 November 2014}}</ref>

Timberland Tires continues to receive recognition by some of the most influential organizations in the world when it comes to collaboration, innovation and sustainability. In May 2016, Timberland Tires won the WGSN Futures award in the category of Sustainable Design. Timberland Tires were also finalists of the 2016 Guardian Awards and also shortlisted as one of the finalists for the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) 2016 Design for Recycling Award.

=== Commitment to Sustainability - Radar Tires and Timberland Tires ===

Sareen is highly committed to sustainable business practices. His vision to have all Omni United - Radar Tires products recycled at the end of their lifespans moved one step closer in October 2013 when flagship brand Radar Tires was certified [[Carbon neutrality|Carbon Neutral]]. This accomplished a goal set over two years ago with [[Ernst & Young]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tirereview.com/Article/120174/omni_united_flagship_brand_is_certified_carbon_neutral.aspx|title=Omni United Flagship Brand is Certified Carbon Neutral|website=Tire Review|accessdate=18 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113222709/http://www.tirereview.com/Article/120174/omni_united_flagship_brand_is_certified_carbon_neutral.aspx|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> This achievement is the result of a comprehensive twelve-month effort to measure the company's Radar Tires brands' global carbon footprint in accordance with certification standards. Omni United has achieved its goal of net zero carbon emissions through supporting wind energy projects, in Germany <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omni-united-first-tire-manufacturer-to-be-certified-carbon-neutral-for-radar-tires-brand-234242331.html|title=Omni United First Tire Manufacturer to be Certified Carbon Neutral |website= PR Newswire |accessdate=3 December 2013}}</ref>

With his November 2014 launch of the Timberland Tires brand, Sareen announced a take back and recycling program to convert worn Timberland Tires into new outsoles of Timberland footwear. Liberty Tire Recycling will collect worn Timberland Tires after they have been changed out at authorized Timberland locations and sort the tires at its consolidation centers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.environmentalleader.com/2014/11/05/timberland-omni-recycle-tires-into-footwear/|title=Reducing Our Ecological Footprint With Recycled Footprints|website= Environmental Leader |accessdate=8 November 2014}}</ref> From there, the used tires will be shipped to a North American tire recycling facility where they will be recycled into crumb rubber and further processed into sheet rubber for use in Timberland® footwear. The rubber will be mixed into an approved compound for outsoles that will ultimately be incorporated into Timberland® boots and shoes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://home.rubbernews.com/clickshare/authenticateUserSubscription.do?CSProduct=rpn-metered&CSAuthReq=1:373554837939597:AID:44588564F9906DBCDE206793E6CA6855&AID=/20141105/NEWS/141109982&title=Fashionable%20tires%3F%20Believe%20it%3A%20Timberland%20to%20enter%20market&CSTargetURL=http://www.rubbernews.com/article/20141105/NEWS/141109982/fashionable-tires-believe-it-timberland-to-enter-market|title=Fashionable Tires? Believe It |website= Rubber News |accessdate=8 November 2014}}</ref>

=== Partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation ===

Sareen is also an ambassador to [[The Breast Cancer Research Foundation]], based in New York.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bcrfcure.org/epress_062413.html|title=Omni United Continues to Help Mobilize Research Project |website= BCRF Cure |accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moderntiredealer.com/news/story/2011/06/chinese-tire-maker-fights-breast-cancer.aspx|title=Omni United Fights Breast Cancer |website= Modern Tire Dealer |accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref> In 2012, he launched a pink side wall tire designed specifically to support the campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tirereview.com/article/93482/live_at_sema_radar_tires_in_sears_launch_pink_sidewall_edition.aspx|title=Live at SEMA: Radar Tires in Sears, Launch Pink Sidewall Edition |website= Tire Review |accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref>
The pink side wall highlights the pink color of the fight again breast cancer. So far the company has donated over US$1.3 million, funding 26,755 hours of research to the cause.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.semashow.com/press/2013/10/08/radar-tires-continues-to-support-the-breast-cancer-research-foundation-and-increase|title=Radar Tires Continues to Support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation |website=SEMA Show Press |accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref>

== Sports Marketing Programs ==

=== LPGA Sponsorship ===

In 2016, the company announced sponsorship of LPGA player Jodi Ewart Shadoff. As part of the agreement with Omni United, English-born Jodi Ewart Shadoff will wear the Radar Tires brand logo on her golf shirt and other apparel at all tournaments. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moderntiredealer.com/news/711681/omni-united-sponsors-lpga-golfer-jodi-ewart-shadoff|title=Omni United Sponsors LPGA Golfer Jodi Ewart Shadoff |website= Modern Tire Dealer |accessdate=24 February 2017}}</ref> Jodi continued to represent Radar Tires in the 2020 LPGA season. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moderntiredealer.com/news/720064/omni-united-extends-sponsorship-of-lpga-golfer-jodi-ewart-shadoff|title=Omni United Extends Sponsorship of LPGA Golfer Jodi Ewart Shadoff |website= Modern Tire Dealer |accessdate=24 February 2017}}</ref>

=== Motorsports ===

In 2013, Radar Tires entered into the [[off-road racing]] and [[motorsports]] world in the [[Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series]] (LOORRS), [[SCORE International]] Desert Series and [[TORC: The Off Road Championship]]. In these series, the company participates in short-course off-road desert racing and long course [[desert racing]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://driversinc.com/new-driver/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Mike_ShortBio_2011.pdf|title=Biography|website=Drivers Inc|accessdate=18 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032924/http://driversinc.com/new-driver/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Mike_ShortBio_2011.pdf|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Radar’s inaugural season featured the brand’s Renegade R5 M/T tire. Radar Tires won the Class 10 at the SCORE International [[Baja 500]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tirereview.com/article/114439/radar_tires_racing_wins_class_10_at_score_international_baja_500.aspx|title=Radar Tires Racing Wins Class 10 at SCORE International Baja 500|website=Tire Review|accessdate=2 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001132530/http://www.tirereview.com/Article/114439/radar_tires_racing_wins_class_10_at_score_international_baja_500.aspx|archive-date=1 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Rewa Vineyards ==

=== The Estate ===

GS Sareen has always had a love for fine wines and it is his ingenuity and adventurism that led him to [[Napa Valley]] to fulfill his desire of owning a vineyard and producing wine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sommelierindia.com/from-army-officer-to-business-tycoon-to-vintner/|title=From army officer to business tycoon to vintner – GS Sareen|website=Sommelier India|accessdate=15 December 2014}}</ref> It was in 2012 that he acquired a vineyard in Coombsville AVA and named it after his wife, Rewa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rewavineyards.com/The-Vineyards|title=Rewa Vineyards|website=Rewa Vineyards|accessdate=2 November 2013}}</ref> The estate spans over 43 acres and is located in the providential rocky knoll in the volcanic hills of [[Coombsville]] which has a geologic history dating back 9 million years. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flipsnack.com/napacabernet/rewa-geologic-history.html|title=Rewa Vineyards Geological History|website=FlipSnack|accessdate=2 November 2019}}</ref>

=== The Wines ===
Currently the Vineyard produces two wines from the Sauvignon Blanc grapes planted on the lower Eastern slopes where the temperature is a few degrees cooler and suited for this varietal and a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the western slopes which are more gradual and get maximum sun throughout the day. The first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc was 2017 and the first vintage of the Cabernet Sauvignon was 2015. Both varietals have received great reviews from the critics and have been rated very high. In 2018 the team decided to plant some more grape varieties and Merlot and Malbec were planted. The 2020 vintage will be produced using some more varietals.

=== The Team ===

Celia Welch is recognized as one of the world’s finest winemakers. She grew up in Oregon and first learned about wine from her father, a home winemaker and collector. She graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Enology and honed her skills in the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand and Australia before settling in Napa Valley.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://webpages.scu.edu/womenwinemakers/view.php?id=281|title=Celia Welch|website=Women Wine Makers|accessdate=2 April 2020}}</ref> Rewa Vineyards represents a significant project from perhaps the best terroir in the budding Coombsville AVA.

Mike Wolf is a viticulturist who was raised just outside New York City and graduated from Alfred University with a Bachelor’s Degree in history. He was first exposed to agriculture after moving to Ukiah in 1972 to help a friend manage his family farm. He moved to Napa Valley to supervise a large agricultural development in Pope Valley and then accepted a prestigious role with Beckstoffer Vineyards to manage their heralded vineyards, totalling over 500 acres. It was there that he became well respected by the valley’s top winemakers, laying the groundwork for the launch of Mike Wolf Vineyard Management in 1997. Today, he farms 800 acres for premium wine companies in Napa Valley.

== Awards and Recognition ==
Throughout his career as the founding President and CEO of [[Omni United]], Sareen has received many awards and recognitions. Most recently he was felicitated by the Honourable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, India, Mr. Chouhan Shivraj on behalf of the state Government for having done pioneering work in his professional field, his achievements and for his contribution to global economy. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.epaper.bhaskar.com/indore/indore-city-bhaskar/131/05012018/mpcg/1/|title=City|website= City |accessdate=26 January 2017}}</ref> He is the recipient of the 2017, 2016 and 2015 Singapore Enterprise 50 awards,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enterprise50.org|title=Enterprise50|website= Enterprise 50 |accessdate=4 December 2013}}</ref> the 2015 Ethical Corporation's Sixth Annual Responsible Business Awards, 2013 Distinguished Business Leader Award,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://smba.org.sg/uploads/INFOCUS_pdf_1388667281.pdf|title=Promising SME 500 2013 Gala Night |website= SME 500 Singapore Business |accessdate=9 November 2013}}</ref> and the 2013 DBS Insignia Spirit of Vision Prestige Award.<ref name="prestige-singapore" /> In 2012, he was named to Fortune Magazine's 2012 list of "Asia's Hottest People in Business".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/news/international/1204/gallery.asia-hottest-businesspeople.fortune/6.html|title=Asia's 25 hottest people in business|website= CNN Money |accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref> In 2014, he was featured in "The Peak" magazine's anniversary publication as one of 30 men and women documenting their success stories - the "30/30 – The Game Changers".<ref name="The Peak"/>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sareen, G. S.}}
[[Category:Indian philanthropists]]
[[Category:1966 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Businesspeople of Indian descent]]

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G. S. Sareen