Early Life
P.N.C. Menon was born in Palakkad, Kerala, India, on November 17, 1948. His father died when he was ten, and financial difficulties forced him to drop out of college. At the age of 26, he moved to Oman, where he started an interior decoration business.
Rise to Success
Menon's entrepreneurial journey began in Oman in 1976, with an interior decoration firm. Recognizing opportunities in the real estate sector, he founded Sobha Ltd. in Bangalore in 1995, named after his wife, Sobha. Under his leadership, Sobha Ltd. grew into a renowned real estate conglomerate. In the Middle East, Menon's Sobha Realty has operations in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and other Gulf countries. His business expanded over the years, handling prestigious projects and working with the royalty of Oman, Bahrain, Brunei, Qatar, and the president of Tajikistan. He was granted Omani citizenship in 1995.
Key Business Strategies
Sobha Ltd. implemented a backward integration model, manufacturing key components in-house to ensure complete quality control. This approach set it apart from competitors. Menon focused on quality, craftsmanship, and timely delivery, which contributed to the company's success. Sobha Ltd. has delivered over 140 million square feet of residential, contractual, and commercial projects since its inception.
Philanthropy
Menon established the Sri Kurumba Educational & Charitable Trust in 1994, supporting families with low incomes and providing education. In 2016, Menon and his wife joined The Giving Pledge, committing to donate a majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes. In 2024, he contributed $1.3 million to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
