Mind On, Hands Off

IT’S BEEN THREE YEARS SINCE HARSH MARIWALA ENGINEERED A SEAMLESS TRANSFER OF EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES TO PROFESSIONALS AT FMCG GIANT MARICO. BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE, THE INQUISITIVE ENTREPRENEUR IS FAR FROM HANGING UP HIS BOOTS

- Salil Panchal & Samar Srivastava

One would think that in the constantly variable world of retail consumption, where products on demand can fly off shelves in the twinkling of an eye, the promoter of a fastmoving consumer goods (FMCG) company of considerable repute and size might also be constantly on the edge, surrounded by MIS reports and product presentations.

Yet, there is an air of calmness when one steps into the chamber of Harsh Mariwala, the founder of the ₹40,000-crore (by market capitalisation as on October 11) Marico, whose flagship Parachute hair oil and Saffola cooking oil brands touch the lives of one out of three Indians.

A few folders lie on a pristine long table, set against several wall shelves and a desktop computer, in his office at Mumbai’s bustling business district of Bandra-Kurla Complex. It’s been over three years since Mariwala, 66, decided to take his foot off the pedal (he pulled out of executive responsibilities, stepping down as managing director of Marico in 2014). But he has not lost his mojo despite battling rivals—Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), Dabur India and Emami Ltd—for over 20 years and expanding business operations to 25 countries across Africa and Asia.

Do not also be deceived into thinking that Mariwala— ranked 33rd on the 2017 Forbes India Rich List with a net worth of $4.2 billion (around ₹27,000 crore)—has hung up his boots. He serves as chairman on the board of Marico, is on the cusp of launching a new venture and has found time to pursue goals beyond professional work, particularly in giving back to society in a stronger way than in previous decades.