On Wednesday, legendary businessman Keshub Mahindra, chairman emeritus of Mahindra & Mahindra, died at the age of 99.
He is a well-known philanthropist and business leader who is credited with redefining good corporate governance in India.
Mahindra was born on October 9, 1923 in Shimla and graduated from Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
In 1947, Mahindra joined his father's company which began by producing and selling utility vehicles. From 1963 until 2012, he was the chairman of the Mumbai-based company. Keshub has been credited for changing the company from a Willys Jeep manufacturer in India to a diverse conglomerate.
When he retired, he selected his nephew Anand Mahindra as his successor.
The Government of India assigned him to many committees, including the Sachar Commission on Company Law and MRTP and the Central Advisory Council of Industries.
The French government decorated him with the Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Legion d'honneur in 1987. Mahindra served on the Prime Minister's Council on Trade and Industry in New Delhi from 2004 until 2010.
Mahindra served on ASSOCHAM's Apex Advisory Council and was President Emeritus of the Employers' Federation of India. In addition, he was an Honorary Fellow of the All India Management Association in New Delhi and a member of the United World Colleges (International) Council in the United Kingdom.
He also served on various corporate and public sector boards and councils, including SAIL, Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals, Indian Hotels, IFC, and ICICI. He was also the Founder Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), the Vice-Chairman of the Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd, the Chairman of Mahindra Ugine Steel Co Ltd, and a Director of Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Co Ltd and Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Limited.
Raymond's Chairman and Managing Director Gautam Singhania stated that Keshub Mahindra, with his engaging demeanor, was capable of handling such a difficult circumstance.
Former Mahindra Auto MD and CEO Pawan Goenka stated that India has lost one of its tallest characters with Keshub's death.