Change of guard: Pirojsha to take over from Nadir Godrej

MUMBAI: Nadir Godrej will step down as chair of Godrej Industries Group (GIG) on Aug 13 upon turning 75, moving to chairman emeritus. His nephew, Pirojsha Godrej (46), will take over as GIG chair in a planned generational transition. Valued at $20 billion, GIG spans FMCG, real estate, financial services, agriculture, and chemicals. It is the carved-out arm of the wider Godrej Group, while the other branch, Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), is under Jamshyd Godrej and his sister Smita Crishna who are Nadir’s cousins. Pirojsha will also become chair of Godrej Industries, the GIG holding company, effective Aug 14, while continuing to chair Godrej Properties, Godrej Capital, and Godrej Ventures. He has led Godrej Properties through a phase of rapid growth, culminating in its emergence as India’s largest real estate developer by sales in FY21-a position it continues to hold. He also founded Godrej Capital and Godrej Ventures. His sister, Nisaba Godrej, chairs Godrej Consumer Products. Nadir’s son, Burjis (34), will take over as chair of Godrej Agrovet, where he has been an executive director since 2022. In this role, he has focused on evaluating new products, technologies, business models, geographies, and capital allocation opportunities. He will also join the board of Godrej Industries on Aug 14. Following the 2024 split of the Godrej Group, GIG came under Nadir and his elder brother Adi Godrej. Pirojsha, Adi’s son, said leading GIG is “both a responsibility and a privilege.” He added, “We inherit a remarkable legacy built over generations, and our task now is to build on it with ambition while staying true to the values that define us.” On Monday, Nadir and Burjis stepped down as chairman and MD of Astec LifeSciences, a Godrej Agrovet subsidiary, respectively. Vishal Sharma, CEO of Godrej Chemicals, succeeded Nadir as chairman of Astec LifeSciences, while Arijit Mukherjee, chief operating officer of Astec, will be appointed executive director. Burjis said the focus will mainly be on “building a stronger, more resilient Godrej Agrovet-driving sustainable growth while sharpening execution across our businesses.” GEG comprises Godrej & Boyce and its affiliates, with interests spanning aerospace, engines and motors, security, construction, durables, furniture, and interior design. Jamshyd Godrej is chairman and MD of Godrej & Boyce, while Smita Crishna’s daughter, Nyrika Holkar, is an executive director.