Venu Vasudevan was an officer of the Indian Administrative Service, and served as Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala. In the tourism sector, he was instrumental in establishing a new tourism destination (Bekal) and served as Director and Secretary, Kerala Tourism. He led the surge of the tourism sector in Kerala and built up a strong private-public partnership, including Kerala Travel Mart. He played a pivotal role in rolling out the Incredible India campaign. He pioneered the Responsible Tourism movement in Kerala. He has worked extensively in the museum sector and served as Director General of National Museum.