Today, the former chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra, Keshub Mahindra passed away at the age of 99. Initially specialising in the production and sale of utility cars, Mahindra joined his father's business in 1947.
He held the position of chairman of the Mumbai-listed conglomerate from 1963 to 2012, an incredible amount of time. He named his nephew Anand Mahindra as his replacement after he retired.
Speaking about Keshub Mahindra, 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. 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”.
On demise of Keshub Mahindra, Vinod Aggarwal, President, SIAM and MD & CEO, VECV said, “The Indian Automobile Industry today lost one of it’s pioneers Shri 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 in India becoming 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”
Mahindra, a Wharton University of Pennsylvania alumnus, was instrumental in transforming Mahindra & Mahindra from a small firm that merely assembled Willys Jeeps in India to a diverse conglomerate.
Under his leadership, the $19 billion-valued Mahindra Group expanded its product line to include software services, hospitality, and real estate, in addition to tractors and sports utility vehicles.
In addition to its core automotive roots, the Mahindra Group is now renowned for its broad range of business operations.