Keshub Mahindra, Former Chairman Of Mahindra Dies At 99

Keshub Mahindra, one of India's most prominent business leaders and a pioneer of the country's automotive industry, passed away on April 8, 2023, at the age of 99. His death was confirmed by Pawan Goenka on his social media platform, as well as by Mahindra Group, the conglomerate he helped build and lead for more than four decades

Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, said, “Mr. Keshub Mahindra was and will always remain a source of inspiration for me and the entire Mahindra Group. He was a man of principles and led from the front to preserve the legacy of our founders which has ensured that the organisation has remained rooted in ethics, values, and good corporate governance. Mr. Keshub Mahindra was known for his astute business acumen that helped in transforming Mahindra into a diversified federation of companies. His compassion, and people-centric approach made him a global business icon, who was much loved and respected."

Pawan Goenka, Chairman of INSPACe said, "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 meetings with him and was inspired by how he connected business, economics, and social matters."

Vinod Aggarwal, President, SIAM and MD & CEO, VECV said, “The Indian Automobile Industry today lost one of its pioneers Shri Keshub Mahindra, at the age of 99. His leadership in the early years of the journey of the Indian Auto Industry led to India being recognised as an important player globally and also helped India become a manufacturing hub for the Automobile sector. He was the President of SIAM during the year 1964. SIAM and the Indian Automobile Industry condoles the passing away of a true visionary and pray for the departed soul to rest in peace”

Keshub Mahindra was born on October 9, 1923, in Shimla. He was the son of J.C. Mahindra, a prominent businessman and one of the founders of the Mahindra Group. Keshub Mahindra graduated from Wharton, University of Pennsylvania, and returned to India in 1947.

In 1948, Keshub joined Mahindra & Mahindra, the flagship company of the Mahindra Group, which was then a small steel trading company. Over the next few decades, he played a key role in the company's transformation into a leading industrial conglomerate, with interests in sectors ranging from automobiles and aerospace to technology and finance.

Keshub served as the company's managing director from 1963 to 1991 and as its chairman from 1991 to 2012. Under his leadership, the Mahindra Group grew from a turnover of Rs. 50 crore in 1963 to more than Rs. 100,000 crores in 2012. Today, the Mahindra Group is one of India's largest and most diversified business conglomerates, with a presence in more than 100 countries.

Keshub was also a respected figure in India's business community and served on the boards of several other companies, including the Indian Hotels Company, Larsen & Toubro, and HDFC Bank. He was a founding member of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and served as its president from 1986 to 1987.

In addition to his business achievements, Mahindra was also known for his philanthropic work. He supported several charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. He was the chairman of the Mahindra Foundation, which supports education and livelihood initiatives for underprivileged communities in India.

Mahindra's contributions to India's automotive industry were particularly noteworthy. He played a key role in the development of the Mahindra Jeep, which became an iconic vehicle in India and helped establish Mahindra & Mahindra as a leader in the SUV segment. He was also instrumental in the company's foray into the aerospace sector, with the establishment of Mahindra Aerospace in 2009.

Mahindra's death is a great loss for India's business community and the country as a whole. His legacy as a visionary leader and a champion of innovation and social responsibility will continue to inspire future generations.