Obituary: Chairman Emeritus, Mahindra Group Keshub Mahindra – 1923-2023

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Chairman Emeritus of Mahindra Group Keshub Mahindra, 99, passed away peacefully April 12, 2023 morning. The well-known philanthropist, with an exemplary reputation for integrity in Indian industry, was known for his business acumen, and his leadership by example, a press release from the company said.

Born on October 9, 1923, in Shimla, Keshub Mahindra was an alumnus of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA. He joined Mahindra & Mahindra in 1947 and took on the role of Chairman in 1963. Under his stewardship, the company was transformed from its beginnings as a steel trading company to a diversified federation of companies.

He was appointed by the Government of India to serve on many Committees including the Sachar Commission on Company Law & MRTP and the Central Advisory Council of Industries.

From 2004 to 2010, he was a Member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade & Industry, New Delhi. He was also a member of the Apex Advisory Council of ASSOCHAM and was serving as 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. In 1987, he was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Legion d’honneur by the French Government.

Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra, in a statement, said Keshub Mahindra “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.” He credited Keshub Mahindra with helping transform and diversify the company, adding, “His compassion, and people-centric approach made him a global business icon, who was much loved and respected”.

Keshub Mahindra served on several private and public Boards and Councils including SAIL, Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals, Indian Hotels, IFC and ICICI. He was also the Founder Chairman of HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited); Vice-Chairman of Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd; Chairman Mahindra Ugine Steel Co. Ltd; Director of Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Limited.

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest  multinational federation of companies with 260,000 employees in more than 100 countries in industries dealing with farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India, and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate.