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Billionaire Profile
Gautam Adani
Global Rank
#27

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Gautam Adani

CEO, Adani Enterprises
IN
Real-Time Net Worth
$67.8B
As of December 2025
Age
63
Source
Infrastructure, commodities
Industry
diversified
Citizenship
IN

Biography

Gautam Adani, born on June 24, 1962, is an Indian billionaire businessman and the founder and chairman of the Adani Group. His wealth source is infrastructure and commodities. Adani's career began in Mumbai in 1978 and expanded into global trading and various sectors. He is the chairman of the Ahmedabad-based Adani Group, with interests in ports, airports, power generation, and green energy. He has achieved significant milestones, including developing Mundra Port, becoming a major player in renewable energy, and acquiring a significant stake in Mumbai International Airport. His net worth is estimated at $67.8 billion, ranking him as one of the wealthiest individuals globally. He has faced controversies, including allegations of stock manipulation and fraud.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Gautam Shantilal Adani was born on June 24, 1962, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. He was born to a Gujarati Jain family. His parents, Shantilal and Shantaben Adani, were from Tharad in northern Gujarat. His father was a small textile merchant. Adani attended Sheth Chimanlal Nagindas Vidyalaya school in Ahmedabad but dropped out at 16.

Rise to Success

Adani moved to Mumbai in 1978 and worked as a diamond sorter. In 1981, he began managing his brother's plastics unit in Ahmedabad, which led to global trading through polyvinyl chloride (PVC) imports. In 1988, he founded Adani Exports, now Adani Enterprises. After India's economic liberalization in 1991, Adani expanded into metals, textiles, and agro-products. In 1995, he secured the contract for the Mundra Port, becoming India's largest private multi-port operator. In 1996, Adani Power was founded. In February 2022, he became Asia's richest person, surpassing Mukesh Ambani.

Key Business Strategies

Adani's key business strategies include expanding through acquisitions and cultivating close ties to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Adani Group expanded into various sectors, including ports, power, renewable energy, mining, and airports. The Group made strategic acquisitions, such as Mumbai International Airport and Ambuja Cements.

Philanthropy

Gautam Adani's wife, Priti Adani, is the chairperson of the Adani Foundation, which focuses on various philanthropic initiatives. The Adani Foundation played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Career Milestones

1978

Diamond Sorter

Began his career working as a diamond sorter in Mumbai.

1981

Plastics Unit Manager

Managed his brother's plastics unit in Ahmedabad, leading to global trading.

1988

Founded Adani Exports

Established Adani Exports, now Adani Enterprises.

1995

Mundra Port Contract

Secured the contract for Mundra Port, becoming India's largest private multi-port operator.

1996

Founded Adani Power

Founded Adani Power.

2020

Won World's Largest Solar Bid

Won the world's largest solar bid worth $6 billion.

2022

Acquired Ambuja Cements and ACC

Acquired Ambuja Cements and ACC from Holcim Group.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Development

Adani Foundation

Undisclosed

The Adani Foundation focuses on various philanthropic initiatives, including providing aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Being an entrepreneur is my dream job as it tests ones tenacity. I could never take orders from anyone."

Leadership Principles

Growth with Goodness

Infusing 'Growth with Goodness' via his vision of nation-building.

Controversies & Challenges

2023

Hindenburg Research Allegations

Accused of stock manipulation and fraud by Hindenburg Research.

2024

US Bribery and Fraud Charges

Charged with bribery and fraud by U.S. prosecutors.

2021

Controversies around the Carmichael coal mine

The Carmichael coal mine in Australia, faced a seven-year campaign by climate activists.