Anand Mahindra
The Visionary Leader of the Mahindra Group
Anand Gopal Mahindra, a name synonymous with innovation, philanthropy, and leadership, has left an indelible mark on India's business landscape.
Born on May 1, 1955, Anand Mahindra has been at the helm of the Mahindra Group, steering it to greater heights and making it a global powerhouse.
Anand Mahindra was born into a family with a legacy of entrepreneurship. His grandfather, Jagdish Chandra Mahindra, was the co-founder of Mahindra & Mahindra, setting the stage for the family's enduring commitment to business. Anand's upbringing was rooted in excellence and determination.
He completed his early schooling at Lawrence School, Lovedale, before embarking on an academic journey that would shape his future. His passion for filmmaking and architecture led him to Harvard University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1977. In 1981, he further honed his skills by earning an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
Anand's professional journey began in 1981 when he joined Mahindra Ugine Steel Company Ltd (MUSCO) as an Executive Assistant to the Finance Director. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder, showcasing his leadership prowess.
In 1989, Anand was appointed President and Deputy Managing Director of MUSCO. His vision and forward-thinking approach initiated the Mahindra Group's diversification into new business areas, including real estate development and hospitality management.
Anand's journey within Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, a renowned producer of off-road vehicles and agricultural tractors in India, was marked by rapid progression. On April 4, 1991, he assumed the role of Deputy Managing Director. He was subsequently appointed Managing Director in April 1997 and Vice Chairman in 2001.
The year 2012 marked a significant milestone when Anand Mahindra took on the role of Chairman of the board and Managing Director of the Mahindra Group, succeeding his uncle, Keshub Mahindra. His leadership redefined the group's direction and propelled it to new heights.
In November 2016, Anand was re-designated as Executive Chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd while continuing to serve as the Chairman of Mahindra Group. His strategic acumen played a pivotal role in the company's growth.
Anand's contributions expanded beyond the Mahindra Group. He was a co-promoter of Kotak Mahindra Bank, later transitioning to a non-executive director role in 2013.
Today, under his guidance, the Mahindra Group stands as a US$19 billion organisation and ranks among India's top 10 industrial houses.
Anand Mahindra's influence transcends the corporate world. He has actively contributed to several organisations and initiatives:
In 2014, Anand joined the board of the U.S.–India Business Council (USIBC), promoting policy advocacy priorities and advising members and staff.
He was invited to join the International Advisory Council of Singapore's Economic Development Board in 2011.
Anand serves as the Chairman of the India Advisory Council at the Lincoln Center, New York.
In 2015, he was appointed as a Trustee of the Natural History Museum of London.
An advocate of 'design for human happiness,' Anand chairs the Governing Council of the National Institute of Design and is President of the India Design Council.
He co-founded the Pro Kabaddi League in 2014, elevating the status of kabaddi in India.
Anand took ownership of EPIC, an Indian television channel, in 2016, showcasing Hindi content.
He was featured in Fortune Magazine's list of The World's 50 Greatest Leaders in 2014 and was among the top 25 most powerful business people in Asia in 2011.
Anand Mahindra was the World Economic Forum co-chairman in 2009 and contributed to the book 'Reimagining India' published by McKinsey & Company.
In 2003, he was elected as the president of the Confederation of Indian Industry.
Anand Mahindra's accomplishments have been celebrated with numerous honours and awards over the years:
Rajiv Gandhi Award for outstanding contribution in the business field (2004)
Knight of the Order of Merit by the President of the French Republic (2004)
Leadership Award by the American India Foundation (2005)
Business Leader Award by CNBC Asia (2006)
Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award (2008)
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year India Award (2009)
Business India Businessman of the Year Award (2007)
Business Leader of the Year at The Asian Awards (2011)
Global Leadership Award by the US-India Business Council (2012)
Best Transformational Leader Award by the Asian Centre For Corporate Governance & Sustainability (2012)
Entrepreneur for the Year at Forbes India Leadership Awards (2013)
Sustainable Development Leadership Award by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) (2014)
Business Today CEO of the Year (2014)
Social Media Person of the Year by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (2016)
Disruptor Personality of the Year Award by Bloomberg TV India (2016)
Harvard Medal by the Harvard Alumni Association (2014)
Chevalier de l’Ordre national la Légion d’Honneur by the French Republic (2016)
Top 30 CEOs worldwide on Barron's List (2016)
Padma Bhushan Award (2020)
USISPF Leadership Award (2020)
Anand Mahindra's personal life reflects a rich tapestry of interests and commitments that extend far beyond the world of business. His family, composed of his wife Anuradha and their two daughters, Divya and Aalika, exemplifies a blend of diverse cultures and passions.
Anuradha, a former journalist, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by launching the magazine Verve. Today, she continues to shape the editorial direction as the editor of both Verve and Man's World magazines. Her dedication to the world of media has been a source of inspiration.
The Mahindra family's global connections are further highlighted by the marriages of their daughters. Divya, armed with a Bachelor's degree in Design and Visual Communication from the New School, New York, embarked on a creative journey.
Her career began as a freelancer and part-time collaborator with various organisations. In February 2016, she assumed the role of Art Director at Verve Magazine, where she currently holds a pivotal position.
Divya's marriage to Jorge Zapata, an architect of Mexican descent based in New York, epitomises the union of diverse cultures.
Aalika, the second daughter of this illustrious family, entered a union of her own, marrying a French national. Their unique intercultural marriage has garnered attention, symbolising the family's embrace of global diversity.
Beyond family, Anand Mahindra's interests encompass various creative pursuits. His passion for filmmaking, which he explored during his undergraduate years at Harvard, remains a constant source of inspiration. He is an avid photographer with a profound affinity for the world of cinema.
Anand Mahindra's love for music finds expression in the Mahindra Blues Festival, an annual Mumbai event celebrating the blues genre.
His dedication to the arts continues with the Mahindra Excellence in Theater Awards, honouring the theatre community and the Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival, promoting cultural appreciation through crafts exhibitions and performing arts.
Anand Mahindra's philanthropic endeavours resonate with his commitment to addressing global challenges arising from interdependency.
His $10 million donation to the Harvard Humanities Center, resulting in its renaming as the Mahindra Humanities Center at Harvard, underscores his dedication to advancing humanities studies.
Through Project Nanhi Kali, he champions education for underprivileged girls in India, already making a profound impact on the lives of 130,000 young girls.
Anand's role as chairman-for-life and board member of the Naandi Foundation exemplifies his dedication to India's socio-economic development.
In both his personal and philanthropic pursuits, Anand Mahindra embodies values of diversity, creativity, and positive change, shaping a remarkable legacy of giving back.
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