Early Life
Ashwin Desai was born in India in 1950. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. Desai's early life involved growing up in Indore, in a large house, with his parents and four sisters. His father, who started from nothing, had an umbrella manufacturing business. However, Desai's interest wasn't in that world; instead, he was drawn to chemical engineering.
Rise to Success
Desai's entrepreneurial journey began in 1976 when he co-founded a specialty chemicals business with his brother-in-law. In 2013, he founded Aether Industries, a specialty chemical company. The company manufactures active ingredients for sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and oil and gas. Aether went public in June 2022, which helped cement his billionaire status. Desai's sons, Rohan and Aman, manage the company's business operations and technical side, respectively, while his wife, Purnima, holds a board seat. In 2024, Desai was named the wealthiest man in Surat.
Key Business Strategies
Aether Industries' success is built on several key strategies. They focus on providing high-quality chemicals to diverse sectors. The company's ability to adapt to the market needs, develop new products, and provide contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS) to multinationals have driven its growth. Desai and his family own 87% stake in Aether.
Philanthropy
There is no publicly available information regarding specific philanthropy amounts or initiatives undertaken by Ashwin Desai.
