Early Life and Education
Anu Aga was born on August 3, 1942, into a Parsi Zoroastrian family in Bombay (now Mumbai). She completed her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, and later pursued a postgraduate degree in medical and psychiatric social work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. She was also a Fulbright Scholar, spending four months studying in the United States.
Rise to Success
Anu Aga's journey with Thermax began in 1985 when she joined the company. She headed the human resources division from 1991 to 1996. After the death of her husband, Rohinton Aga, in 1996, she took over as Chairperson of Thermax. Under her leadership, the company experienced substantial growth and transformed into a leader in sustainable solutions. She stepped down as chairman in 2004, and her daughter, Meher Pudumjee, succeeded her.
Key Business Strategies
During her tenure, Anu Aga implemented several key strategies that contributed to Thermax's success. One notable decision was divesting into non-core businesses. She emphasized corporate responsibility and advocated for transparency in corporate governance. She hired Boston Consulting Group to implement a turnaround plan, and made tough decisions.
Philanthropy
After retiring from Thermax, Anu Aga dedicated herself to social work. In 2010, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her contributions to society. She is actively involved in Teach For India, an organization focused on bridging the educational gap. She has also been involved in promoting communal harmony and education.
