Vivek Chaand Sehgal is an Indian-Australian billionaire entrepreneur and the co-founder and chairman of the Samvardhana Motherson Group (SMG), a globally renowned automotive components manufacturer. His innovative leadership and strategic vision have transformed SMG into one of the largest and most respected suppliers in the global automotive industry.
Early Life and Education
- Born: February 1, 1957, in Delhi, India.
- Sehgal completed his early education at Birla Public School in Pilani, Rajasthan.
- He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delhi.
- From an early age, he demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen interest in business.
Founding of Samvardhana Motherson Group
- In 1975, Sehgal co-founded SMG with his mother, Mrs. Indira Sehgal, with an initial equity investment of approximately $17.
- The group initially engaged in the silver trading business, later pivoting to manufacturing automotive components in 1977.
- In 1983, SMG forged a key partnership with Sumitomo Wiring Systems of Japan to produce wiring harnesses, marking its entry into the automotive sector.
Expansion and Growth
- The company established Motherson Sumi Systems Limited (MSSL) in 1986, which became the flagship entity of the group.
- MSSL was listed on the Indian stock exchanges in 1993.
- Under Sehgal’s leadership, SMG expanded its presence to 25+ countries, operating over 270 manufacturing facilities and employing 170,000+ people globally.
- The group’s revenue has consistently grown, exceeding $11 billion USD in recent years, driven by partnerships with global automotive giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota.
Recognition and Achievements
- Sehgal’s leadership and business acumen have been widely recognized:
- Man of the Year (2010) by Autocar Professional.
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Manufacturing (2012).
- Best CEO for Auto Ancillaries (2013) by Business Today.
- Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame (2024) for his contributions to the automotive sector.
Net Worth
- As of 2024, Sehgal’s estimated net worth is over $8.9 billion, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in India, according to Forbes.
Philosophy and Leadership Style
- Vivek Chaand Sehgal attributes SMG’s success to its people-first culture and commitment to long-term partnerships with clients.
- He emphasizes innovation, customer focus, and maintaining a zero-debt philosophy, ensuring sustainable growth.
Personal Life
- He resides in Delhi, India, but maintains a global presence due to his business commitments.
- He is known for his modest and down-to-earth lifestyle, despite his wealth and accomplishments.
Legacy
Vivek Chaand Sehgal’s journey from a small family business to building a global empire serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs worldwide. His vision, dedication, and resilience have positioned SMG as a leader in the competitive global automotive components industry.
