Early Life
Smita Crishna Godrej was born in 1951 in Mumbai, India, into the prominent Godrej family. Her father, Naval Pirojsha Godrej, was an industrialist and managing director of Godrej & Boyce. She attended J. B. Petit High School for Girls and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. She also holds a diploma in Communication Arts (Television Production) from Loyola College in Montreal (now Concordia University).
Rise to Success
Smita Crishna Godrej holds approximately a one-fifth stake in the Godrej family assets. Her brother, Jamshyd Godrej, runs consumer goods firm Godrej & Boyce. In April 2024, the Godrej family business was divided into two separate groups. Smita and her brother Jamshyd inherited control of Godrej & Boyce along with its affiliates, real estate holdings, and other non-listed entities, forming the Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), while their cousins Adi and Nadir Godrej retained the listed companies.
Key Business Strategies
Smita Crishna Godrej has been instrumental in the strategic direction of the Godrej Group, particularly in real estate development and corporate governance. In May 2024, a family settlement granted her and her brother exclusive construction rights over approximately 3,000 acres of land in Mumbai's eastern suburbs. This strategic move positioned Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company as the largest private landowner in Mumbai.
Philanthropy
Smita Crishna Godrej is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, focusing on education, healthcare, and community development. She is a trustee of the Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Foundation, which oversees the conservation and preservation of mangroves in Mumbai. She also supports various charitable initiatives, reflecting the Godrej family's long-standing tradition of contributing to societal well-being.
