Ashwin Suryakant Dani (1943/1944 – 28 September 2023) was an Indian billionaire and a key figure in the Indian paint industry. He is best known for his transformative leadership at Asian Paints, India’s largest and one of the world’s leading paint companies.
Early Life and Education
- Birthplace: Mumbai, India.
- Family: Born into a Jain family, his father, Suryakant Dani, was one of the co-founders of Asian Paints.
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Science (specializing in Pigments, Paints, and Varnishes) from the Institute of Chemical Technology, University of Mumbai.
- Master’s degree in Polymer Science from the University of Akron, Ohio, USA.
- Diploma in Color Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, USA.
Career Highlights
Early Career
- Began his career in 1967 as a development chemist at Inmont Corp (now BASF) in Detroit, USA.
Asian Paints
- Joined Asian Paints in 1968 as a senior executive.
- Over the years, he held key positions:
- Director of Research & Development.
- Works Director.
- Whole-time Director.
- Vice Chairman and Managing Director (1998–2009).
- Non-Executive Chairman until his passing in 2023.
Achievements
- Introduced computerized color matching to the Indian paint industry.
- Played a pivotal role in expanding Asian Paints into a global powerhouse with a presence in over 15 countries.
- Co-founded PPG Asian Paints, a joint venture with PPG Industries to bring cutting-edge technology to India.
Industry Contributions
- Co-founded the Colour Group of India, promoting innovations in color matching and measurement.
- Served as an adviser to the central board of trustees for India’s Employees’ Provident Fund.
- Actively supported academic institutions, including the Institute of Chemical Technology (his alma mater).
Personal Life
- Married to Ina Dani.
- The couple had three children. Their youngest son, Malav Dani, serves as a non-executive director at Asian Paints.
Legacy
Ashwin Dani passed away on 28 September 2023, at the age of 79. He is remembered as a visionary leader who revolutionized the Indian paint industry and set benchmarks in innovation, business ethics, and global expansion.
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