Billionaire Profile
Radhe Shyam Agarwal
Global Rank
#3121

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Radhe Shyam Agarwal

CEO, Consumer goods
INDIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.016B
Estimated based on Consumer goods stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.47% (24h)
Age
78
Source
consumer goods
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
INDIA

Biography

Radhe Shyam Agarwal is an Indian entrepreneur and co-founder of Emami Group, a global conglomerate with interests in FMCG, real estate, and healthcare. Born in Kolkata on February 18, 1946, Agarwal co-founded Emami in 1974, transforming it from a small cosmetics venture into a multinational company. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is $1.2 billion, a testament to his business acumen and strategic decisions. Throughout his career, Agarwal has received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri Award in 2010, recognizing his significant contributions to trade and industry. He is known for his philanthropy and is involved in supporting education, healthcare, and rural development. Agarwal's career also faced a setback in 2011, when he was arrested in relation to a hospital fire, but overall, his entrepreneurial spirit and vision have left a lasting mark on the Indian business landscape.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Radhe Shyam Agarwal was born on February 18, 1946, in Kolkata, India, into a Marwari family. He completed his education at St. Xavier's College in Kolkata. He earned an LLB and an M.Com from Calcutta University. He is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a Company Secretary from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

Rise to Success

Agarwal's entrepreneurial journey began in 1974 when he co-founded Emami with his school friend Radhe Shyam Goenka. Starting with a modest loan of $2,600, they built Emami into a multinational conglomerate with over $1.3 billion in revenue. Agarwal joined Aditya Birla Group in 1970 as vice president.

Key Business Strategies

Agarwal's key strategies included product diversification and a strong distribution network. Emami expanded its product portfolio to over 300 items, including well-known brands like Zandu Balm and Boroplus. He also focused on ethical business practices, instilling a culture of transparency and integrity. Agarwal and Goenka sold their privately held cement business for $730 million in 2019. In 2023, he sold the majority of his stake in AMRI Hospitals.

Philanthropy

Radhe Shyam Agarwal is known for his philanthropic activities. He supports various social causes, including education, healthcare, and rural development initiatives.

Career Milestones

1970

Vice President

Joined Aditya Birla Group as vice president.

1974

Co-founded Emami

Co-founded Emami with Radhe Shyam Goenka.

2010

Padma Shri Award

Received the Padma Shri Award from the Government of India.

2019

Sold Cement Business

Sold privately held cement business for $730 million.

2023

Sold AMRI Hospitals Stake

Sold the majority of his stake in AMRI Hospitals.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Education Support

Not Specified

Supports various educational initiatives.

Healthcare

Healthcare Support

Not Specified

Contributes to healthcare initiatives.

Rural Development

Rural Development

Not Specified

Supports rural development projects.

Controversies & Challenges

2011

AMRI Hospital Fire

Arrested in connection with the AMRI Hospital fire tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 92 people.