Keshub Mahindra: Former Mahindra Head passed away at 99

Keshub Mahindra, former head of the Mahindra Group, has passed away at the age of 99.

Keshub Mahindra was listed on Forbes’ 2023 list of India’s Richest Billionaires, and his death came few days after that. He owned $1.2 billion and held the title of oldest billionaire in India.

Keshub Mahindra, the former chairman of the Mahindra Group and an industrialist, died on Wednesday at the age of 99, as verified by Pawan Goenka, the head of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (INSPACe).

One of the most prominent figures in the industrial world has passed away. There was no one nicer than Shri Keshub Mahindra, whom I had the honour of knowing.

His ability to draw connections between business, economics, and social issues was inspiring, and I always looked forward to our meetings. “Om Shanti,” Goenka wrote on Twitter.

Former Infosys board member Mohandas Pai and Raymond chairman and managing director Gautam Singhania were among those who paid their respects to the legendary businessman.

“Keshubji had a magnificent life, leading the Mahindra group to success for nearly half a century. His charming nature made it easy for him to deal with a wide variety of difficulties. My sincerest condolences to the Mahindra Group family, friends, and colleagues. Singhania tweeted, “Rest in peace, Keshub Mahindra.

Keshub Mahindra started working for his father’s company, which produced and sold utility vehicles, in 1947. From 1963 to 2012, he led the multinational corporation as its chairman. Next, he anointed Anand Mahindra, his nephew, as his successor.

He was instrumental in expanding the Mahindra Group’s operations beyond their core competency of Willys Jeep assembly. In spite of its previous prominence in software services, hospitality, and real estate, the $19 billion corporation is today best recognised for its tractors and sports utility vehicles.

Mahindra’s passing occurred just a few short weeks after he had been included once again in Forbes’ 2023 list of India’s Richest Billionaires. He owned $1.2 billion and held the title of oldest billionaire in India.

Mahindra was a member of the Central Advisory Council of Industries and the Sachar Committee on Company Law and Monopolistic and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTO) Legislation during his lifetime. From 2004 to 2010, he served on the Prime Minister’s Council of Trade and Industry.

In 1987, the French government honoured Mahindra with the title of Chevalier of the National Order of the Legion of Honor.