Mahindra Group Chairman Emeritus Keshub Mahindra passes away at 99

By India Today Auto DeskMahindra Group Chairman Emeritus Keshub Mahindra passed away today morning. He was 99. It was under his leadership that Mahindra & Mahindra was transformed from its beginnings as a steel trading firm to a diversified federation of companies.

Born on October 9, 1923, in Shimla, Keshub Mahindra was an alumnus of Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA. He joined Mahindra & Mahindra in 1947 and took on the role of Chairman in 1963.

“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,” said Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group.

“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,” he added.

Keshub Mahindra was part of many committees, including the Sachar Commission on Company Law and MRTP, and the Central Advisory Council of Industries. From 2004 to 2010, he was a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade and 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.

Keshub Mahindra also served on several boards and councils in both private and public domain, 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; Chairman of Mahindra Ugine Steel; Director of Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing and Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation.