Presenting the lineup of India’s top 10 business leaders in 2023, who have triumphed over various obstacles to establish thriving enterprises and have become beacons of innovation and inspiration for others. These accomplished entrepreneurs are expected to maintain their influential positions in their respective industries.
1. Dr Mariazeena Johnson
Dr Mariazeena Johnson As the Chancellor of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Dr Mariazeena Johnson has dedicated her efforts to promoting human excellence through education. Her initiatives, including the Anbu Foundation, have provided numerous students with full scholarships. She has also adopted 21 Panchayat schools and seven villages, working towards their all-round development. Dr Johnson’s project ‘Madugai – The Strength’ provides health and hygiene kits to female students in Chennai suburbs. Her transformative work has earned her recognition as one of the top 12 women transforming India and being honored by the Honourable President as one of the 100 impactful women of India.
2. Manish Lalwani
Manish Lalwani With a Master’s degree in Commerce from Gujarat University and a Chartered Accountant background, Manish Lalwani possesses over 15 years of experience in distressed assets and financial services. As the Managing Director and CEO of Omkara ARC, he has played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding its operations. Lalwani’s expertise spans across various sectors, including iron and steel, real estate, hospitality, education, health, textile, and automotive, where he has led corporate restructurings and handled special situations.
3. Abhishek Agarwal
Abhishek Agarwal holds the position of President at Judge India & Global Delivery, The Judge Group, and boasts extensive cross-functional experience with distinguished global brands like L&T Infotech, Capgemini Invent, Birlasoft, and Genpact. He has successfully launched and overseen Judge India Solutions, a critical component of The Judge Group’s global delivery strategy. Agarwal’s innovative efforts in implementing an effective hybrid work model have significantly increased the productivity of Judge India Solutions’ workforce.
4. Brijesh Sehrawat
Brijesh Sehrawat Founder and CEO of Universal Media, Brijesh Sehrawat is also the publisher of CEO Review Magazine, India’s premier magazine dedicated to CEOs and top executives. With a relentless drive for success, Sehrawat plays a pivotal role in the success of the magazine and maintains close ties with his team to ensure timely delivery and strategic marketing initiatives.
5. Nimit Aggarwal
Nimit Aggarwal As the Founder and Director of EcoEx, Nimit Aggarwal brings over a decade of experience in the plastic waste management industry. Under his leadership, EcoEx has become a leading digital platform for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) credit certificate trade, enabling producers, importers, and brand-owners to acquire EPR certificates from Central Pollution Control Board-approved plastic waste processors. EcoEx’s blockchain-based enterprise, EPR Solution, has been recognized for its disruptive approach to sustainability.
6. Sai Kumar Medi
Sai Kumar Medi CEO of VISA9, Sai Kumar Medi leads an internationally specialized overseas educational consultancy with offices in Florida, USA, and Hyderabad, India. The company’s exceptional service has won the hearts of students, parents, and university officials across the USA, Canada, and the UK. Recognized as one of the ‘Top 10 Influential Entrepreneurs’ and among the top 25 most trusted consultants in India, Medi’s vision and knowledge have driven VISA9’s growth.
7. Shilpi Dhingra
Shilpi Dhingra As the CEO and Head Interior Designer of Sd Inc, Shilpi Dhingra leads a comprehensive single-window design and build service catering to luxury residential, corporate, and hospitality projects. Her holistic approach to design emphasizes environmental conservation for a sustainable future, and she excels as a collaborative and natural leader, ensuring stress-free project completion.
8. Dr Vinod Surana
Dr. Vinod Surana Leading Surana and Surana International Attorneys, Dr Vinod Surana is a distinguished lawyer known for the firm’s competence, quick response, and ethical practices. As Asia’s first ISO 9000-certified law firm, it holds ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications. Dr Surana’s contributions to Indian diplomacy and economic interests through industry delegations and advisory roles have established the firm’s strong global presence.
9. Chandan Varshney
Chandan Varshney Founded in October 2020, OnlyHydroponics (Varshney Hydrofarms Pvt Ltd) focuses on providing chemical-free, high-quality food to consumers. With a mission for clean and healthy food, the company sources seeds from renowned European and US companies, ensuring exceptional produce. Through strategic partnerships, OnlyHydroponics has made hydroponics accessible and aims to meet the preferences of health-conscious consumers across cities like NCR and Bangalore.
10. Darshan Ghodawat
Darshan Ghodawat serves as the Managing Director (MD) and CEO of AVA Global Logistics LLP & Star Oxochem Pvt Ltd. His commitment to ethical practices and strategic planning has led to the success of his logistics and specialty chemical businesses in over 70 countries. With a focus on technology, research, and development, Ghodawat aims to achieve a remarkable 40% year-on-year growth for both ventures.
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