Interface with
Maj. Manjit Rajain
Founder & Global Chairman of
Tenon Group of Companies
Maj. Manjit Rajain, the Founder and Global Chairman of Tenon Group of Companies, is a pioneering leader in the fields of Integrated Security, Facility Management, and Aviation Training. Over the past three decades, he has built Tenon Group into a global powerhouse operating across India, the UK, Singapore, and Germany. Today, the Group serves 3100+ customers, employs over 95,000 professionals, operates through 78+ offices, and records an annual turnover of ₹3000+ crores. Its three global brands – Peregrine Guarding, Tenon FM, and Soteria – have earned a reputation for excellence, innovation, and trust worldwide.
Starting in 1995 with the incorporation of Peregrine Guarding, Maj. Rajain’s relentless pursuit of growth and operational excellence led Tenon Group to expand into international markets, diversify its services, and establish itself as a leader in the industry. His strategic acumen was notably demonstrated with the acquisition of Singapore-based Frontline Security, later rebranded as Peregrine Security Pte, achieving record profitability and strengthening the Group’s foothold in Southeast Asia.
In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the industry, Maj. Rajain has been honoured with several prestigious awards:
- CAPSI Security Entrepreneur Award (2008).
- Security Leadership Award (2012).
- International Award for Excellence by the Institute of Economic Studies (2015, Bangkok).
- Global Achiever’s Award (2016, Dubai).
- 100 Greatest Leaders of Asia Award (2018).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, his exceptional leadership was acknowledged by CAPSI with the title of ‘Commander of the Frontline Warriors’ and the Badge of Honour, celebrating his unwavering commitment to national service and humanitarian leadership.
Expanding his entrepreneurial vision beyond security and facilities management, Maj. Rajain founded Redbird Aviation (Redbird Flight Training Academy) – India’s first aviation academy recognized and approved by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Redbird is transforming pilot training and aviation education in India, offering world-class training facilities and fostering a new generation of aviation professionals. His foray into aviation reflects his broader commitment to national capacity building and skills development.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Maj. Rajain serves as the Chairman of the Homeland Security Forum under the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), contributing to critical dialogues around national security and policy. A Paul Harris Fellow and a three-time Assistant Governor at Rotary International, he has been instrumental in leading initiatives such as the Polio Eradication Program and Literacy Mission in India.
As a philanthropist, he drives Tenon Group’s CSR initiatives, including the adoption of a government school for underprivileged children, transforming it into a model institution aimed at providing high-quality education and opportunities for growth. Today, 500+ underprivileged girls and boys receive quality education in a productive environment and improved infrastructure.
Maj. Rajain is also an active member of several global industry forums:
- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
- ASIS International.
- Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI).
- Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).
- International Security League.
In 2016, he was nominated as a Global Advisor to the Yale School of Management, recognizing his thought leadership and global business perspective.
From building global businesses to strengthening communities and industries, Maj. Manjit Rajain’s journey is a story of visionary leadership, transformative impact, and an enduring commitment to excellence.
Recently SecurityLinkIndia has had the opportunity to have a one-to-one interaction with Maj Manjit Rajain; here are the excerpts:
From the armed forces to the corporate boardroom – how did your journey from the Indian Army to founding the Tenon Group unfold?
My journey from the Indian Army to founding Tenon Group was one of the transformations. The Army instilled in me values of discipline, leadership, and resilience, which became the foundation of everything I did afterward. When I left the Army, I felt a strong desire to serve my country in a different way – by ensuring the safety and security of businesses, people and communities.
Founding Tenon wasn’t easy. It was a leap into the unknown, with a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, and learning on the go. But the drive to create something that could make a real difference kept me going. From the beginning, my focus was clear – to build a company that was dependable, innovative, and people-centric. Today, seeing Tenon Group as a global leader, I feel a sense of pride in how far we’ve come.
What core values from your military background have most influenced your leadership style in business?
My military background has shaped my leadership style in many ways. The core values that I carry forward into my business are discipline, integrity, and a focus on teamwork. In the Army, every decision was based on the bigger picture, and I’ve applied that same strategic thinking in business – always keeping the longterm vision in mind. Integrity is non-negotiable, and that’s been the foundation of building trust, both internally with my team and externally with clients. Teamwork is another key value. Just like in the Army, a mission can’t be accomplished alone; success relies on the collective effort of a team. These values have become the pillars of Tenon Group and guide how we operate every day.
Tenon Group has achieved several key milestones in its 30-year journey. What were some of the most defining moments that shaped its evolution into a global integrated services provider?”
Tenon Group has achieved significant milestones throughout its 30-year journey. Here are some of the key highlights:
1995: Peregrine Guarding Founded: This marks the very beginning. I, with my military background, recognized a gap in the market for professional security services. Peregrine Guarding was my answer, focusing initially on manned guarding. This was a crucial first step, laying the foundation for Tenon’s future diversification.
2008: Tenon FM Incorporated: This was a strategic move to broaden the company’s offerings beyond security. Facility management (FM) is a natural complement, often involving similar client relationships & operational needs. Incorporating Tenon FM allowed the company to provide integrated solutions, a key differentiator.
2008: London Alternative Investment Market Listing: Going public on the AIM was a significant step in Tenon’s growth. It provided access to capital, increased visibility & added credibility. This fuelled further expansion & acquisitions.
2009: Acquisition of Roto Power Projects: This acquisition demonstrated Tenon’s intent to diversify beyond its core services. Roto Power Projects, specializing in mechanical & engineering services, brought new expertise & broadened Tenon’s capabilities in the facility management space.
2015: Acquisitions of Office & General Group & Stake in Frontline Security: These acquisitions were pivotal for Tenon’s international expansion. The Office & General Group provided a strong foothold in the UK, while the stake in Frontline Security marked Tenon’s entry into the Singaporean market. This demonstrated Tenon’s ambition to become a global player. Tenon Group is also pioneering outcome-based service contracts, moving away from traditional input-based models. Its contract with Bukit Canberra Integrated Hub under the Singapore Sports Council exemplifies this approach, utilizing a lean manpower model supplemented by technologies like virtual patrolling, video analytics & license plate recognition systems.
2015: Soteria Incorporated: Founded in 2015, Soteria is a leading provider of remote surveillance & comprehensive security solutions, delivering measurable RoI to clients across India & Singapore. Leveraging our insights into evolving security needs, Soteria has achieved remarkable year-on-year growth. Today, it remotely monitors over 3,000 facilities across India & Singapore, through command centres having successfully deterred more than 1,000 incidents.
2017: Acquisition of Elite Cleaning & Environmental Services: This acquisition further strengthened Tenon’s FM portfolio in the UK. Elite Cleaning & Environmental Services brought specialized expertise in cleaning & environmental services, enhancing Tenon’s integrated FM offerings.
The journey from Peregrine Guarding to Tenon Group has been defined by a few core principles:
● Self-performance over outsourcing – We take ownership of every service we deliver.
● Technology-first mindset – We don’t just adapt to trends, we shape them.
● People at the core – Our 95,000+ professionals are the heartbeat of our business.
● Client-centric approach – Every solution is built around their needs, not ours.
Today, Tenon Group stands tall as one of the largest Integrated Facility and Security Management companies with a presence in India, UK, Singapore, and Germany, serving over 3100 clients and operating from more than 78 offices globally.
But to me, success isn’t just measured in numbers. It’s in the stories of the people we’ve empowered, the clients we’ve served with pride, and the communities we’ve helped protect and uplift. From a single service line to a global group, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary – and it’s only just begun.
Launch of soteria
Kindly explain the technology offerings and support imparted by Tenon Group?
At Tenon Group, we are at the forefront of integrating advanced technology to enhance our services across security, facilities management, and other operational functions. Our technology offerings include AI-driven surveillance systems, real-time monitoring through IoT sensors, and advanced data analytics to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
One of our flagship solutions is M-neo (Merlin), an advanced platform that integrates security and facilities management into one unified solution. It empowers our clients with real-time insights, predictive analytics, and centralized control over all aspects of their facilities. M-neo streamlines operations, enhances security protocols, and ensures better resource management, making it a game-changer in the industry.
Additionally, Tenon Connect is our comprehensive digital platform designed to enhance communication, service delivery, and performance monitoring across all our operations. It enables seamless interaction between our teams and clients, providing real-time updates, tracking, and performance reports, ensuring that everything is on track and that clients have complete visibility.
We’ve also developed proprietary platforms for alarm management and ticketing systems, which enable us to handle service requests with precision and speed. Our virtual patrolling solutions and machine learning models ensure that security operations are streamlined and scalable.
In terms of support, we provide continuous training and technical assistance to our teams, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the latest innovations and deliver exceptional results. Our tech-driven approach helps reduce human dependency, increase efficiency, and deliver more value to our clients, all while ensuring that our solutions are scalable for the future.
Acquisition of O&G- UK in 2015
Since you are involved in CCTV and surveillance as well, what is your take on the recent STQC mandate by MeitY?
In the ever-evolving world of electronic surveillance, staying ahead of regulatory expectations is not just a matter of compliance – it’s a matter of trust. As a leading player in the IFM, we welcome the recent STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) mandate issued by MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology). This regulation is more than a set of requirements – it’s a pivotal step in shaping a future where surveillance is secure, smart, and responsible.
At the core of our company’s philosophy are three core enduring values – Trust, Integrity and Quality. The STQC framework aligns seamlessly with these values. By standardizing data security, hardware reliability, and system interoperability, it fosters a surveillance ecosystem built on integrity and resilience. For us, compliance with STQC is not a checkbox – it’s a commitment to excellence.
The mandate’s focus on cybersecurity, data localization, and interoperability standards is a welcome move, especially as the demand for IP-based, AI-powered surveillance systems continues to rise. We have always believed that protecting privacy and securing digital infrastructure should go hand in hand with technological progress. By enforcing encryption, tamper-resistant hardware, secure firmware updates, and secure data hosting within India, STQC raises the bar for everyone.
Our customers – ranging from enterprises and critical infrastructure providers in banking, logistics, warehousing, hospitality and retail chains – depend on us not only for robust surveillance but also for peace of mind. With STQC compliance as a guiding light, they can be assured that the systems they deploy are tested, reliable, and secure against cyber threats. For end-users, this means enhanced safety, better incident response, and full alignment with industry regulations such as RBI, SEBI, and CERT-IN norms.
From a business perspective, STQC levels the playing field. It filters out non-compliant, low-cost imports and creates a healthy competitive environment that rewards innovation and quality. This resonates strongly with our approach. We’ve always believed in offering value – not just in terms of cost, but in longevity, service, and intelligence.
To stay ahead of the market, we’re investing heavily in edge AI analytics, cloud-based monitoring, and secure IoT integrations. Our systems undergo periodic VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) and support open standards to ensure seamless integration and scalability. These efforts qualify the STQC criteria – giving our clients future-ready solutions.
In conclusion, we see the STQC mandate not as a challenge but as an opportunity. It reinforces the direction we’ve always taken – toward higher quality, higher security, and higher customer trust. In a sector where the stakes are personal and national, we’re committed to being more than just a service provider. We aim to be a trusted security partner, delivering solutions that are compliant, intelligent, and built for the future.
Because when it comes to surveillance, trust isn’t optional – it’s everything.
Sustainability and ESG are hot topics today – how is Tenon aligning its services and operations with these values?
At Tenon Group, we recognize the importance of Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in shaping the future of businesses and industries. We are deeply committed to integrating these values into our core operations and services.
On the environmental front, we focus on reducing our carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient solutions, optimizing resource usage, and promoting eco-friendly practices across our facilities. We are continuously working towards sustainable building management practices and using technologies that minimize waste and reduce energy consumption.
From a social perspective, Tenon places a strong emphasis on the well-being of our employees and communities. We provide training and development opportunities for our workforce, promote diversity and inclusion, and ensure fair labor practices across all levels of the organization. We also engage in community-focused initiatives that create a positive socio-economic impact, which is central to our corporate philosophy.
On the governance side, we uphold the highest standards of ethical business practices. We maintain transparency in our operations, ensure accountability, and implement robust compliance systems to meet industry regulations. We also leverage technology to improve efficiency and monitor our ESG performance, ensuring that we continuously improve our impact.
In essence, sustainability and ESG are not just buzzwords for us – they are key drivers of our strategy, helping us deliver long-term value to our clients, employees, and the communities we serve
Technologies such as AI and ML are the new disruptors. How does Tenon Group align with these new advancements?
AI and ML are not just buzzwords at Tenon Group – they’re integral to how we future-proof our business and deliver smarter, more efficient solutions to our clients. We’ve embraced these technologies across our security and facilities management services to move from traditional manpower-intensive models to intelligence-led operations. For instance, we use AI-powered video analytics to detect anomalies in real-time, reduce human error, and improve response times. Our machine learning models help us predict maintenance needs, optimize energy consumption, and identify patterns that enhance safety and efficiency. Platforms like M-neo (Merlin) and Tenon Connect are infused with AI capabilities, enabling predictive insights, automated workflows, and real-time decision-making. This not only boosts operational productivity but also adds immense value to our clients by ensuring cost efficiency and better service quality.
Our goal is to lead the shift toward intelligent security and facility ecosystems – where technology augments human capability and transforms how services are delivered.
What’s your vision for Tenon Group for future globally?
My vision for Tenon Group is to become a truly global powerhouse in integrated facility management and security solutions – one that’s synonymous with trust, innovation, and service excellence across continents.
We’ve already established a strong presence in India, the UK, Singapore, and Germany, and I see us expanding further into key international markets, especially those that value outcome-based, tech-enabled solutions. The goal is not just to grow in numbers, but to lead the industry transformation through our self-performance model, AI-driven platforms, and a people-first approach.
Whether it’s making cities safer, businesses more efficient, or facilities more sustainable – Tenon will be at the forefront, delivering measurable impact and shaping the future of this industry globally.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to build a legacy business?
Building a legacy business is not about chasing quick success – it’s about creating something that lasts, something that serves a purpose beyond profits.
My advice to young entrepreneurs is simple – stay grounded, be resilient, and lead with integrity. Don’t be afraid to start small, but always think big. Surround yourself with people who challenge and uplift you. Most importantly, be obsessed with solving real problems – because businesses that serve a meaningful purpose are the ones that stand the test of time.
And remember, legacy is built not just in boardrooms, but in how you treat people, how you respond to challenges, and how consistently you stay true to your values.
