Rahul Bajaj

Rahul Bajaj was born on 10th June 1938 at Bengal. Rahul Bajaj went to The Cathedral and John Connon School. He graduated from St. Stephen's College in Delhi in 1958 with an honors degree in economics. He underwent on-the-job training for 4 years at two of the group companies. During that time, he also earned a law degree in Bombay. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School in USA.

In the 1970s, India was a socialist state barred by rules and regulations. As a result, there was no entrepreneurship and nothing could be done without government approval. At this difficult time Bajaj became the CEO of Bajaj Auto Ltd. (BAL) in 1968 at the age of 30 making him one of the youngest CEOs of that time.

In this environment, the company was limited to produce just 20,000 units a year. Supply and demand didn't match. Hence, after placing their order, customers had to wait for roughly ten years to receive it.

To lower costs while improving the price and quality of the products, he increased production to avail “Economies of Scale”. He ignored a government regulation and increased volume by more than the permitted 25 percent of his licensed capacity.

BAJAJ GROUPBajaj Group is an Indian conglomerate founded by Jamnalal Bajaj in 1926, Mumbai. Bajaj Group is one of the oldest & largest conglomerates based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The group comprises 36 companies & its flagship company Bajaj Auto is ranked as the world's fourth largest two- and three-wheeler manufacturer. Some of the notable companies are Bajaj Auto Ltd, Bajaj Finserv Ltd, Hercules Hoists Ltd, Bajaj Electricals, Mukand Ltd, Bajaj Hindusthan Ltd and Bajaj Holding & Investment Ltd. The group has involvement in various industries that include automobiles (2- and 3-wheelers), home appliances, lighting, iron and steel, insurance, travel and finance. The group is headed by Rahul Bajaj.

The Group manufactures and markets a range of products and services in India and abroad including 2 and 3-wheelers, home appliances, lamps, wind energy, special alloy and stainless steel, castings, cranes, forgings. Its businesses also cover the following sectors: infrastructure development, material handling equipment, travel, general and life insurance and investment & financial services. Market capitalization of the group at present is over US $ 8 billion.

AWARDS

• In 1975, Mr. Bajaj received the “Man of the Year” Award from the National Institution of Quality Assurance.

• Mr. Bajaj was selected as Business India's Businessman of the Year 1985.

• In 1988, Mr. Bajaj was felicitated for his achievements in a public function by the Pune Municipal Corporation

• Mr. Bajaj was Chairman of Indian Airlines between 1986-89.

• Mr. Bajaj received the Bombay Management Association Award for The Most Distinguished Services in the Field of Management – 1990.