Chairman Emeritus of the Mahindra Group Keshub Mahindra passes away

Keshub Mahindra, the Chairman Emeritus of Mahindra and Mahindra has passed away at the age of 99, today on 12 April, 2023.

The late Keshub Mahindra’s successful foray into business happened after he joined his father Kailash Chandra Mahindra’s company back in 1947, the year of India’s independence. He was the Chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra from 1963 to 2012 and was succeeded by Anand Mahindra.

A graduate of Wharton, University of Pennsylvania, Keshub Mahindra was responsible for transforming the company from a simple assembler of Willys Jeeps in India to a highly diversified business entity. The US$ 19 billion Mahindra Group is now well-known for its tractors and sports utility vehicles, software services, hospitality, and real estate the world over.

Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group said, “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.” He further added that 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.

 From 2004 to 2010, Kesub Mahindra 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.

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