Keshub Mahindra (9 October 1923 – 12 April 2023) was an Indian businessman and chairman emeritus of the Mahindra Group. He stepped down as chairman in August 2012 after leading the group for nearly five decades, handing over the post to his nephew Anand Mahindra. Mahindra was known for its philanthropy. He joined Mahindra and Mahindra in 1947 and became chairman in 1963.
Keshub Mahindra Personal Life
He was the chairman of the Mahindra & Mahindra group from 1963 to 2012. During the 48 years of his chairmanship, the Mahindra Group expanded from being an automobile manufacturer to other businesses like IT, real estate, financial services and hospitality. He named nephew Anand Mahindra as successor after his retirement.
Education
Mahindra graduated from Wharton, University of Pennsylvania, USA. Born on October 9, 1923, in Shimla, he joined the Mahindra & Mahindra Group in 1947 and became the Chairman in 1963.
Keshub Mahindra Career & Organizations
The Government of India appointed keshub Mahindra to several committees, including the Sachar Company Law Committee and the MRTP, the Central Advisory Council for Industries. In 1987, the French government awarded him the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur. From 2004 to 2010, he was a member of the Prime Minister’s Council of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi.
Keshub Mahindra was a member of the Apex Advisory Council of ASSOCHAM and was the president emeritus of the Employers’ Federation of India. He was an honorary fellow of the All-India Management Association, New Delhi and a member of the Council of the United World Colleges (International) in the United Kingdom.
He was an advocate of good management and ethics and expressed his views in various publications and forums, including an interview with Harvard Business School’s Emerging Markets Project, in which he talks about Mahindra Group’s development into a global business group. And his determination to never compromise on high ethical values.
Mahindra was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 by Ernst & Young. He was awarded the Frost and Sullivan Award for Leadership, Innovation and Growth in 2015.
Keshub Mahindra Net Worth
Mahindra had a net worth of $1.2 billion, according to Forbes. After retiring from his position as Chairman, Mahindra Group, on August 9, 2012, he handed over the reins to his nephew, Anand Mahindra.
Keshub Mahindra Family
Keshub Mahindra was born into a prominent Indian family on October 9, 1923. His father, Kailash Chandra Mahindra, was one of the founders of the Mahindra Group, a conglomerate with interests in automobiles, aerospace, and defense, among other sectors. Keshub Mahindra’s mother, Indira Mahindra, was also an accomplished philanthropist and social worker.
Wife & Sons
Keshub Mahindra was married to Gita Mahindra, and they had two sons, Anand and Ajay. Anand Mahindra succeeded Keshub Mahindra as the chairman of the Mahindra Group. Keshub Mahindra was a beloved patriarch of his family and was known for his generosity, leadership, and integrity. He will be deeply missed.
Keshub Mahindra’s family has been an integral part of the Mahindra Group’s success story. His father, Kailash Chandra Mahindra, along with his cousin, Ghulam Mohammed, founded the Mahindra & Mohammed company in 1945, which later became the Mahindra Group. Keshub Mahindra continued his father’s legacy by joining the company in 1947 and played a key role in its growth and diversification. Under his leadership, the Mahindra Group became a leading player in various industries, including automotive, farm equipment, and information technology.
Keshub Mahindra’s sons, Anand and Ajay, also followed in his footsteps and have played crucial roles in the Mahindra Group’s success. Anand Mahindra, in particular, has been instrumental in transforming the company into a global powerhouse with a presence in over 100 countries. The Mahindra family’s commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility has also been a defining characteristic of their legacy, with initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and rural development.
Cause of Death
India’s oldest billionaire Keshub Mahindra passes away at 99
Keshub Mahindra, India’s oldest billionaire and chairman emeritus of Mahindra & Mahindra, passed away on Wednesday aged 99.
During his 48 years at the helm, the Mahindra Group expanded from an automobile manufacturer to other business segments such as IT, real estate, finance, and hospitality. He played a key role in establishing corporate alliances with major global companies such as Willys Corporation, Mitsubishi, International Harvester, United Technologies, British Telecom and many others.
“The industrial world has lost one of the tallest personalities today. Shri Keshub Mahindra had no match; the nicest person I had the privilege of knowing. I always looked forward to mtgs with him and inspired by how he connected business, economics and social matters. Om Shanti,” Pawan Goenka tweeted.
Controversy
Mahindra had served as the non-executive chairman of Union Carbide India Limited at the time the Bhopal gas tragedy took place in 1984, in which 3,787 people died.
Know Some Intersting Facts About Keshub Mahindra
- He completed his graduation from Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania, USA.
- Co-founded by Keshub’s father K C Mahindra in 1945, he joined the Mahindra Group in 1947 and assumed the chairman role in 1963.
- He transformed the company from an assembler of Willys jeeps in India to a versatile multinational.
- Keshub retired in 2012 after 48 years at the helm of the Mahindra Group. He passed the presidency to his nephew Anand Mahindra.
- Between 2004 and 2010, he also served as a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade & Industry.
- He has also served on various Boards and Councils in both the private and public domain, including SAIL, Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals, Indian Hotels, IFC and ICICI.
Bio/Wiki
| Name | Keshub Mahindra |
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| Birthdate | October 9, 1923 |
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| Occupation | Businessman |
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| Education | Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, US |
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| Company | Mahindra Group |
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| Position | Chairman Emeritus (former Chairman) |
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| Philanthropy | Known for his charitable work and social responsibility initiatives |
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| Family | Father: Kailash Chandra Mahindra |
| Mother: Indira Mahindra | |
| Spouse: Gita Mahindra |
| Children: Anand Mahindra and Ajay Mahindra |
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| Death date | April 12, 2023 |
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| Age | 99 years old |
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