Born in Mumbai on May 1, 1955, Anand Gopal Mahindra is a millionaire businessman from India who serves as the chairman of the Mahindra Group, a conglomerate of businesses. The co-founder of Mahindra & Mahindra, Jagdish Chandra Mahindra, is the grandson of Mahindra.
According to Forbes, he had an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion as of 2023. He attended Harvard Business School and Harvard University. He founded Nanhi Kali, a non-governmental group that promotes education for impoverished Indian girls, in 1996.
In addition to being listed in Fortune Magazine’s 2011 list of Asia’s 25 most influential CEOs, he is one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.” Anand was recognised as the 2013 ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by Forbes India. In January 2020, he received the Padma Bhushan Award, which is the third highest civilian honour in India.
Anand Mahindra highlights the global significance of Indian culture while heaping praise on it. He honours India’s rich cultural legacy with everything from riveting Bollywood tunes to lively Bhangra beats. He recognises with appreciation how Indian dance and music have captured the attention of people all over the world and become essential components of entertainment on a global scale. Mahindra’s remarks capture the enormous influence of Indian culture, striking a chord that transcends national boundaries and unites disparate audiences in admiration.
Anand began working with Mahindra Ugine Steel Company Ltd. (MUSCO) in 1981 as the finance director’s executive assistant.
He was named MUSCO’s President and Deputy Managing Director in 1989. He was the driving force behind the Mahindra Group’s expansion into the real estate development and hospitality management industries.
He began serving as the deputy managing director of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., an Indian manufacturer of agricultural tractors and off-road vehicles, on April 4, 1991. Anand joined Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. in April 1997 as the Managing Director and was promoted to Vice Chairman in 2001.
He succeeded his uncle Keshub Mahindra as Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of the Mahindra Group in August 2012.
Anand remained the Chairman of the Mahindra Group after being reappointed as Executive Chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. in November 2016.
Kotak Mahindra Bank, formerly known as Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd., has Anand as a co-promoter. He was a non-executive director after quitting as a promoter in 2013.
Currently valued at US$19 billion, the Mahindra Group is among India’s top ten industrial conglomerates.
The Economist has named Anand Mahindra the face of Indian capitalism. He has been named the 2013 “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Forbes India Magazine.
Anand has been recognised with multiple awards over the years, including:
1. Knight of the French Legion of Honour in 2016;
2. Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy, January 16, 2013;
3. Knight of the National Order of Merit of France,
4. Padma Bhushan, 2020