Chandru Raheja
Chandru Lachmandas Raheja | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1941 India |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Businessman |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Known for | Chairman of K Raheja Corp, Founder of Shoppers Stop |
| Spouse | Jyoti C. Raheja |
| Children | Ravi Raheja, Neel Raheja |
Chandru Lachmandas Raheja (born 1941) is a prominent Indian billionaire entrepreneur and the chairman of K Raheja Corp, a multifaceted conglomerate engaged in the development of IT parks, hotels, shopping malls, and the management of department store chains including Shoppers Stop.
Following the division of the family enterprise in 1996, Raheja has been at the forefront of the company’s growth across various industries. As of October 9, 2024, Forbes places him 59th on the list of India’s wealthiest individuals, with an estimated fortune of $5.4 billion.
Early life
Chandru Raheja was born in 1941 to Lachmandas Raheja and has four siblings. He earned a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Mumbai. His cousin, Rajan Raheja, is also recognized as a billionaire businessman.
Career
In 1996, after the family business divided into three separate entities—Gopal Raheja managing K Raheja Constructions, Suresh Raheja overseeing K Raheja Universal, and Chandru Raheja leading K Raheja Corp along with Shoppers Stop—Raheja established his real estate company. According to Harish Damodaran, K Raheja Corp became the largest group following this split.
Under Chandru Raheja’s guidance, K Raheja Corp made significant strides in both residential and commercial property development. The company also diversified into retail by launching the department store chain Shoppers Stop in 1991. The group expanded further into mall development with the introduction of InOrbit malls in 2004. Additionally, he pioneered the Mindspace brand, which focuses on acquiring land for IT park projects.
Raheja has placed strong emphasis on sustainability by advocating for green building practices through the Mindspace initiative, establishing K Raheja Corp as a frontrunner in environmentally responsible commercial real estate.
Personal life
Raheja is married to Jyoti C. Raheja and lives in Mumbai with their two children, Ravi and Neel, both of whom hold positions as group presidents within K Raheja Corp.