Known for understanding opportunities ahead of the curve, Ajay Piramal (AMP 110, 1992) led his family’s business away from textiles to pharmaceuticals in the 1980s. “Our guiding principle has been to build businesses that deliver long-term value for our stakeholders,” says Piramal, who has built the Piramal Group into one of India’s largest conglomerates and the country’s third-largest pharmaceutical company.

“We have transformed ourselves from an India-centric business to a global business,” says Piramal. “Today, the majority of our employees are stationed outside the country.” Operating in more than 30 countries, Mumbai-based Piramal Group comprises companies focused on health care, life sciences, drug discovery, health care information management, financial services, specialty-glass packaging, and real estate. Recently, the Piramal Group invested in Vodafone India.

In addition to delivering long-term value for shareholders, Piramal is concerned about social issues. “The disparities in Indian society are increasing, and we cannot call ourselves developed until we provide access to basic amenities like health care and primary education for all Indians,” he says. Piramal is chairman of Pratham, the largest non-governmental organization in India, which provides education for underprivileged children with programs such as its “Read India” campaign.

(Published April 2014)

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