Anand Mahindra

Anand Mahindra

Anand Gopal Mahindra, born on May 1, 1955, is an Indian billionaire and chairman of Mumbai's Mahindra Group. With a $2.1 billion net worth as of 2023, he leads diverse industries like aerospace and agribusiness. A Harvard alumnus, Mahindra is recognized globally, listed in Fortune Magazine's 'World's 50 Greatest Leaders' and named Forbes (India) 'Entrepreneur of the Year' in 2013. In 2020, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan Award for his contributions to business and philanthropy. Let know more about him in this article.

Early Life and Schooling

On May 1, 1955, Anand Mahindra was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a prosperous family of business owners. Harish and Indira Mahindra, his parents, were very influential in his upbringing. His father, Harish Mahindra, was an industrialist and his mother, Indira Mahindra, was a housewife.

The 66-year-old billionaire has two siblings - Anuja Sharma and Radhika Nath. He is the grandson of Mahindra & Mahindra co-founder Jagdish Chandra Mahindra. His early education was completed at Lawrence School in Lovedale. He then went on to Harvard University to study filmmaking and architecture, graduating magna cum laude in 1977. He graduated with his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1981.

Private Life

Anand Mahindra is married to Anuradha, and the pair has two children, Alika Mahindra and Divya Mahindra. Anuradha Mahindra, Anand Mahindra's wife, is a journalist who has previously worked as an editor at two magazines, where she was Editor of 'Men's World' and Editor-in-Chief of 'Rolling Stone India'.

Anand Mahindra reportedly met his wife Anuradha in Indore, after which the two of them fell in love. In Boston, they both attended the same universities. Anand Mahindra wed Anuradha upon his return to India after his academic career.

Career

In 1981, after completing his MBA, Anand Mahindra returned to India and began working as the Finance Director's executive assistant at Mahindra Engineered Steel Company (MUSCO). He rose to the position of Chairman of the "Real Estate Development and Hospitality" section in 1989 as the Mahindra & Mahindra Group grew.

He was appointed the group's Deputy Managing Director in 1991, and in 1997 he was made Managing Director. His promotion to Vice Chairman happened in 2003. Kotak Mahindra Finance Limited was transformed into Kotak Mahindra Bank in large part because of Anand Mahindra's assistance.

Under his leadership, the Mahindra Group came into the car business and built its first car model the 'Scorpio' SUV in 2002 due to which Mahindra Group gained worldwide recognition. Reva Electric Vehicles, Samsung Motor firm, and Satyam Computer Services were among the investments that helped the firm grow in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

By forming "Mahindra System and Automotive Technology," Anand Mahindra expanded the company's offerings by offering additional engineering services and modules. Additionally, the firm went worldwide by establishing joint ventures with multinational corporations like Nissan, Renault, and International Truck and Engine Corporation, USA, as well as by purchasing industrial facilities in China and Britain and establishing assembly lines in the US.

Industry-Related Contribution

In a number of trade associations, Anand Mahindra has taken an active role. In addition to being President of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), he presided over the Confederation of Indian Industry from 2003 to 2004. Anand assisted in the founding of the Harvard Business School Association in India with the goal of expanding expertise in management.

Along with his roles as a director at the National Stock Exchange of India Limited in the 'People's Representative Category,' he is also co-chairman of the World Economic Forum in Davos. He also participates in the Mahindra Education Trust by serving as a trustee and offering scholarships, and he is on the board of governors of Mahindra United World College in India.

Regarding generosity and education, Anand Mahindra gave Harvard University $100 million to assist the Humanities Center's development in memory of his mother, Indira Mahindra. Mumbai Mahotsav was founded in 2005, and he is also its founding president. Anand also serves as co-chair of the Asia Society's International Council in New York.

Charity

Especially in the field of education, Anand Mahindra is renowned for his commitment to social service. He founded the 'Nanhi Kali Programme' to provide impoverished girls access to high-quality education since he firmly believes in the value of education. Numerous young girls have benefited from education, livelihood training, and scholarships for further education and vocational training via this program, which is administered by the 'KC Mahindra Education Trust."

Beyond schooling, Anand Mahindra is a philanthropist. His dedication to wider social reforms was shown when he gave a significant donation of $100 million to the Harvard Humanity Centre at Harvard University.

Anand Mahindra introduced the "Oxygen on Wheels" program during the difficult Covid-19 epidemic years. To carry medical oxygen cylinders across Maharashtra, including cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, Thane, and Nashik, this project used 50 to 70 Bolero vehicles from Mahindra Logistics. By guaranteeing a more convenient and effective provision of vital oxygen supplies, this prompt action considerably reduced the suffering of several individuals.

Honours and Awards

Awards and honours received by Anand Mahindra

  • 2001: 'Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year India' award.
  • 2004: Honored with the "Knight of the Merit" award by France
  • 2004: Awarded with 'Rajiv Gandhi Award' for his excellent contribution in business field.
  • 2005: 'Leadership Award' by American India Foundation.
  • 2006: Received 'Business Leader Award of the Year' by CNBC Asia.
  • 2007: Businessman of the Year Award by Business India.
  • 2008: Honored with 'Alumni Achievement Award' by Harvard Business School.
  • 2011: Business Leader of the Year Award.
  • 2012: Best Transformational Leader Award
  • 2012: Honored with the Global Leadership Award by the US-India Business Council.
  • 2013: Honored with Forbes India Leadership Award.
  • 2014: Awarded Harvard Medal by Harvard Alumni Association.
  • 2016: Name included in the list of world's top 30 CEOs.
  • 2016: 'Distractor Personality of the Year Award' given by Bloomberg TV India.
  • 2016: 'Social Media Person of the Year' award by Internet and Mobile Association of India.
  • 2020: Honored with India's second civilian honor 'Padma Bhushan' by the Government of India.