Harsh Goenka
Harsh Vardhan Goenka | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 10, 1957 |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Known for | Chairman of RPG Enterprises |
Harsh Vardhan Goenka (born 10 December 1957) serves as the chairman of RPG Enterprises, a Mumbai-based conglomerate managing over fifteen companies spanning critical industries, with a total revenue surpassing US$4.7 billion. Prominent entities within the RPG portfolio include KEC International, CEAT, Zensar Technologies, RPG Lifesciences, Harrisons Malayalam, Raychem RPG, and Spencer International Hotels Ltd.
As the eldest son of R. P. Goenka, Harsh Goenka has been at the helm of RPG Group since 1988. He is ranked 1045th on the Forbes global billionaire list. Alongside his younger brother Sanjiv Goenka, he amicably divided their inherited business interests following their father's directives.
In the October 2024 edition of Forbes India's list of the 100 wealthiest business magnates, Harsh Goenka is positioned at number 76, with an estimated net worth of $4.1 billion.
Education and early life
Harsh Goenka holds a degree in Economics from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata and completed his MBA at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. He is currently a board member at IMD Lausanne. He is married to Mala Goenka.
Career
Beginning his professional journey post-education in Mumbai, Harsh Goenka was appointed Managing Director of CEAT at the age of 24 in 1983. He ascended to chairmanship of RPG Group in 1988, succeeding his father. Throughout the late 20th century, he orchestrated multiple mergers and acquisitions and played a key role in forming strategic alliances with international firms. Under his stewardship, RPG Group embraced contemporary management methodologies and emphasized operational excellence and quality, establishing itself as a trusted collaborator for Fortune 500 companies including Goodyear, Dupont, Columbian Chemicals, Sulzer, Vodafone, Fujitsu, Phelps Dodge, Yokohama, and Rolls-Royce.
Harsh Goenka has previously held the position of President at the Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC) and currently participates on the Executive Committee of FICCI, India’s leading industry association.
Interests
A passionate supporter of contemporary art, Harsh Goenka has curated numerous exhibitions in Mumbai over more than twenty years and actively nurtures emerging artists. Additionally, he champions the CEAT Cricket Ratings system which honors exceptional performances by international and domestic cricketers.
Philanthropy
As a trustee for both the RPG Foundation and RPG Art Foundation, Goenka spearheads projects focused on primary education, women’s empowerment, healthcare initiatives, and urban beautification efforts.
Board memberships
- Past president of the Indian Merchants' Chamber
- Chairman of boards: KEC International Ltd, CEAT Limited, Zensar Technologies Ltd, RPG Life Sciences Ltd, Spencer International Hotels Ltd
- Member of the Executive Committee at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry
- Former board member at National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE)
- Board member at his alma mater International Institute for Management Development, Switzerland
- Trustee at Breach Candy Hospital Trust