Madhur Bajaj, Former Vice-Chairman of Bajaj Auto, Passes Away at 73

Madhur Bajaj, former vice-chairman of Bajaj Auto and a veteran of the Indian automotive industry, passed away on Friday at the age of 73. The cause of death is believed to be age-related.

Bajaj was a key figure in India’s two- and three-wheeler revolution and played a vital role in the growth and modernization of Bajaj Auto, one of the country’s leading automobile manufacturers. He had stepped down from his role as non-executive director and vice-chairman of Bajaj Auto in January 2024 due to health reasons, bringing to a close a 23-year tenure on the company’s board.

Born on August 19, 1952, Madhur Bajaj was part of the illustrious Bajaj industrial family, grandson of industrialist and politician Jamnalal Bajaj, and the first cousin of Rahul Bajaj, the former chairman and patriarch of the Bajaj Group, who passed away in 2022. Madhur Bajaj was an alumnus of The Doon School and Sydenham College, Mumbai. He later pursued an MBA at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland.

Known for his strategic insight and leadership, Bajaj helped shape the direction of Bajaj Auto. He was also widely respected for his contributions to business and industry associations. He served as the president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA).

Beyond the automotive sector, Bajaj held several key leadership positions across the Bajaj Group. He served as chairman of Maharashtra Scooters Ltd and held board memberships at Bajaj Electricals, Bajaj Finance, and other group companies. Most recently, he chaired the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Western Region and was a National Council Member of CII.

In recognition of his contributions, Bajaj was conferred the ‘Vikas Rattan’ Award by the International Friendship Society of India, which honours individuals for outstanding achievements and efforts to enrich human life.