Early Life
Kushal Desai was born in January 1960 and hails from Mumbai, India. His mother is from the Mafatlal family, a well-known textile clan. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Moore School of Electrical Engineering and a business degree from the Wharton School, both part of the University of Pennsylvania.
Rise to Success
Desai is the Chairman and Managing Director of Apar Industries, a Mumbai-based company with revenues of $1.9 Billion. Apar Industries, founded in 1958 as Power Cables by his father, has grown into a global leader in the manufacturing of conductors, electrical cables, specialty oils, polymers, and lubricants. Desai joined the family business in 1989 and has been instrumental in its growth, capitalizing on the global energy transition themes of solar, wind power, and electric mobility. Under his leadership, Apar Industries has expanded significantly. The company has a 25.7% CAGR in net sales over the past three financial years.
Key Business Strategies
Desai emphasizes innovation and global standards as key success factors. He has been quoted stating, "We believe that we have to lead the innovation curve." The company focuses on its core businesses: conductors, specialty oils and lubricants, and automotive solutions.
Philanthropy
Kushal Desai is on the Board of Governors of both Dharmsinh Desai University and DDMM Heart Hospital, Nadiad (Gujarat), which are charitable institutions in the field of Education and Healthcare. He is also on the Board of Trustees of The Lady Northcote Orphanage and is an Advisor to Midday Meal Program “Annamrita”.
