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Billionaire Profile
Lalit Khaitan
Global Rank
#1994

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Lalit Khaitan

CEO, Radico Khaitan
IN
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.9B
As of December 2025
Age
82
Source
alcohol
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
IN

Biography

Lalit Khaitan, at 82, is an Indian billionaire and the chairman of Radico Khaitan, a prominent player in the food and beverage industry, specifically the alcohol sector. His estimated net worth is $1.9 billion. Khaitan's journey began when his father acquired Rampur Distillery & Chemical Company Limited in 1972. He took over the liquor division in 1995, transforming the company into a leading manufacturer of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Khaitan's leadership has been instrumental in the company's success, with brands like 8 PM whisky and Magic Moments vodka becoming household names and exporting to over 85 countries. He holds a degree in Managerial Finance and Accounting from Harvard.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lalit Khaitan was born in Kolkata and educated at Mayo College, Ajmer, St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore. He also pursued a degree in Managerial Finance & Accounting from Harvard University. Khaitan's early interest in the liquor trade was sparked in his youth.

Rise to Success

Khaitan's career in the liquor industry began when he took over the family business from his father, G.N. Khaitan, in 1995. The company was initially known as Rampur Distillery & Chemical Company Limited. Under Lalit's leadership, the company was rebranded as Radico Khaitan and expanded into branded beverages. A significant turning point came with the launch of 8 PM whisky in 1998, which achieved remarkable success.

Key Business Strategies

Lalit Khaitan's strategic vision transformed Radico Khaitan from a bottler to a major player in the IMFL market. Key strategies included expanding the portfolio with premium brands and focusing on quality and customer satisfaction. The company's success is also attributed to the launch of new drinks and the expansion of its market presence to over 85 countries.

Philanthropy

Information on Lalit Khaitan's specific philanthropy amounts is unavailable in the search results. However, the sources mention his involvement in social and educational activities.

Career Milestones

1972

Rampur Distillery Acquisition

Lalit's father, G.N. Khaitan, acquired Rampur Distillery & Chemical Company Limited, marking the family's entry into the liquor business.

1995

Took over the Liquor Division

Lalit Khaitan took over the liquor division from his father.

1998

8 PM Whisky Launch

Launch of the 8 PM whisky brand, which achieved remarkable success.

2017

Lifetime Achievement Award

Awarded the prestigious 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by the Uttar Pradesh Distillers Association.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social

Developmental Projects

Undisclosed

Involvement in various developmental projects across India.

Education

Social and Educational Activities

Undisclosed

Engagement in social and educational initiatives.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Ethical Practices and Transparency

Guided Radico Khaitan towards ethical practices and transparency.

Focus on Quality and Customer Satisfaction

Focused on improving quality standards and customer satisfaction.