Nimesh Kampani
Nimesh Kampani | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 30, 1946 India |
| Occupation(s) | Investment banker, financier |
| Known for | Chairman of JM Financial; co-founder of JM Financial; key figure in major Indian IPOs and corporate transactions |
Nimesh Kampani (born 30 September 1946) is a prominent Indian billionaire in the fields of investment banking and finance, holding the position of chairman at the JM Financial group. As of June 2025, his net worth was valued at approximately US$1.1 billion, placing him as the 83rd wealthiest person in India. The Kampani family retains ownership of about 60% to 65% of JM Financial Ltd's shares. Livemint has identified him, along with Hemendra Kothari and Uday Kotak, as the "Three K's" who dominate India's investment banking industry.
In 2014, Kampani was chosen to mediate the inheritance conflict between Shardul and Cyril Shroff concerning Amarchand Mangaldas, which was then the largest law firm in India.
Early life and education
Kampani earned a commerce degree from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics and holds a Chartered Accountant qualification accredited by ICAI.
Career
As a co-founder of JM Financial, established in 1973 with his cousin Mahendra Kampani, he developed the firm into one of India's leading investment banks. Throughout his professional journey, Kampani was instrumental in the initial public offerings of Tata Consultancy Services and Bharti Airtel. He also supported the Indian government in generating $2.4 billion through the partial divestment of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. Furthermore, he provided counsel to Mukesh Ambani during the demerger process of Reliance Industries following its split from brother Anil Ambani, and played a key role in brokering the transaction between Diageo and Vijay Mallya. Kampani also orchestrated significant business collaborations, such as a telecom alliance involving Ratan Tata, Kumar Mangalam Birla, and AT&T.
In 2016, Kampani relinquished his role as managing director (MD) of JM Financial, with his son Vishal taking over as MD while Kampani continued serving as non-executive chairman.
Controversy
Reports from 2009 indicated that Nimesh Kampani had been residing in Dubai since December 2008 to evade arrest in India linked to a payment default by Nagarjuna Finance—a company where he had been an independent director until 1999—concerning an amount near 100 crores. In April 2009, the Supreme Court of India issued a stay on his arrest amid accusations of defrauding depositors of Nagarjuna Finance. He returned to India later that year in October.
Personal life
Kampani is a father to two children.