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Billionaire Profile
Onkar Kanwar
Global Rank
#2575

Image: Government of India | GODL-India | via Wikimedia Commons

Onkar Kanwar

CEO, Tires
INDIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.439B
Estimated based on Tires stock value as of March 6, 2026
+1.44% (24h)
Age
83
Source
Tires
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
INDIA

Biography

Onkar Kanwar, the Chairman of Apollo Tyres, is a prominent Indian businessman with a net worth of $1.6 billion as of 2024. His wealth stems from his leadership in the tire industry. Born in Pakistan in 1942, Kanwar's career is marked by his pivotal role in transforming Apollo Tyres into a global player. He took control of the company in 1979, steering it away from bankruptcy and focusing on tire manufacturing. His strategic vision and management skills have been instrumental in the company's growth, expanding its presence across India, Europe, and Asia. Kanwar's leadership has been recognized with several awards, including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for India in 2012. He has also served as the president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry. Kanwar has three children and resides in Delhi.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Onkar Singh Kanwar was born in Sialkot, Pakistan, in March 1942, just before the partition of India. His family moved to India and settled there, where his father, Raunaq Singh, co-founded Apollo Tyres in 1976.

Rise to Success

Kanwar took control of Apollo Tyres in 1979, a time when the company was facing financial difficulties. He focused the company's strategy on tire manufacturing and steered the company towards profitability. Under his leadership, Apollo Tyres expanded from a single-plant Indian company to a multinational with seven plants worldwide. Kanwar's focus on the tire business was a defining moment, setting the company apart from his father's vision of a diversified conglomerate.

Key Business Strategies

Kanwar's key strategies included a focus on innovation, quality, and expanding into new markets. Apollo Tyres acquired Dunlop's South African operations in 2006 and Vredestein in the Netherlands in 2009. The company has also made a major impact in the sports arena by becoming the new jersey sponsor for the Indian cricket team. Kanwar appointed his younger son, Neeraj, as Vice Chairman to ensure a smooth succession.

Philanthropy

Onkar Kanwar's company, Apollo Tyres, has HIV-AIDS awareness programs for India's trucking community, underlining its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Career Milestones

1979

Took Control of Apollo Tyres

Assumed leadership of Apollo Tyres, steering the company away from bankruptcy.

2002

Handed over daily operations to his younger son

Neeraj Kanwar, a US-educated engineer, took over the daily operations as vice chairman.

2012

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for India

Awarded for his contributions in manufacturing.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Corporate Social Responsibility

HIV-AIDS Awareness Programs

Undisclosed

Apollo Tyres runs programs for India's trucking community.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I was a novice in the business and that was to be my biggest advantage"

Leadership Principles

Focus on core business

Kanwar's decision to concentrate on tire manufacturing, rather than diversifying into other areas.

Strong leadership

Kanwar's ability to steer the company and steer the company to new heights.

Succession Planning

Successfully handed over the daily operations of the company to his son.

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