Ashwin Dani
Ashwin Suryakant Dani | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1943/1944 Mumbai, India |
| Died | 28 September 2023 |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Years active | 1967–2023 |
| Known for | Non-executive chairman of Asian Paints Ltd |
Ashwin Suryakant Dani (1943/1944 – 28 September 2023) was a prominent Indian billionaire entrepreneur who held the position of non-executive chairman at Asian Paints Ltd, the largest paint manufacturer in India. He occupied the roles of vice chairman and managing director from December 1998 until March 2009 and was recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals in India.
Early life
Born into a Jain family in Mumbai, Dani was the son of Suryakant, a co-founder of Asian Paints. He completed his Bachelor of Science at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, focusing on Pigments, Paints, and Varnishes. Furthering his education, he obtained a Master's degree in Polymer Science from the University of Akron, Ohio, and earned a diploma in Color Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York.
Dani launched his professional journey in 1967 as a development chemist at Inmont Corp (currently BASF) based in Detroit. The following year, he joined Asian Paints, where he progressed through various leadership roles such as director of research and development, works director, whole-time director, and ultimately vice chairman.
He was instrumental in launching multiple innovative products within the Indian market and introduced computerized colour matching technology to the domestic paint sector. Additionally, Dani played a significant role in founding PPG Asian Paints, a joint venture equally owned by Asian Paints Limited and PPG Industries, contributing as a board member since its establishment in 1997.
Associations
Dani was a co-founder of the Colour Group of India, an organization dedicated to advancing computerized colour measurement and matching technologies. He provided guidance to the central board of trustees for the Employees Provident Fund and served as president for both the Indian Paint Association and the UDCT Alumni Association. His involvement extended to being part of the governing board at the Institute of Chemical Technology.
Between January 2004 and September 2018, Dani contributed as a board member and audit committee participant at Sun Pharmaceuticals. From December 2011 onward, he held a directorship at ACC Ltd, an Indian cement producer, where he chaired the nomination and remuneration committee and was active on the audit committee.
From 2008 to 2017, he led Kapadwanj Kelavani Mandal in Gujarat, managing an educational institution that catered to approximately 6,000 students across diverse academic fields.
Personal life and death
Dani was married to Ina Dani and fathered three children. His son Malav Dani is currently a non-executive director on Asian Paints' board.
Ashwin Dani passed away on 28 September 2023 at the age of 79.
Awards
- 2002: Cheminor Award recognizing excellence in Supply Chain by Indian Institute of Materials Management
- 2003: Chemical Industry Achiever of the Year awarded by Chemtech Foundation
- 2003: Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing category
- 2011: Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Indian Paint Association
- 2012: Lifetime Achievement Award from Colour Society
- 2015: Businessman of the Year accolade from Business India Magazine
- 2017: B. Krishnamurthy Award for Excellence given by Hyderabad Management Association and Centre for Organisational Development