'DO LESS, BUT DO IT WELL'

Anish Shah, MD & CEO of the Mahindra Group, decodes the group's growth strategy, his management philosophy and more

- PRERNA LIDHOO

ANISH SHAH, the 53-year-old Managing Director and CEO of the Mahindra Group, is known for his razor-sharp focus and decision-making skills. Shah, who joined the group in 2014, is already making a big difference to Mahindra and Mahindra's (M&M) auto business (that contributes the biggest chunk to the group's top line). He has been instrumental in driving the overall strategic pathway for the Anand Mahindra-controlled conglomerate since being elevated to the post in April 2021.

The IIM Ahmedabad alumnus-who had two stints with GE Capital for a total of 14 years across countries-started his professional career with Citibank, before working with Bain & Company. Shah, who has a PhD in Management from Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business, also had a stint with Bank of America.

Shah's rich experience has helped him demonstrate an uncanny ability to guide the organisation towards long-term growth. In FY23, the group posted revenues of ₹1.75 lakh crore, while M&M had revenues of ₹1.21 lakh crore. In an interaction with Business Today, Shah talks about his plans to grow core and non-core businesses, his management philosophy and a broader growth strategy. Edited excerpts:

After you took over as MD & CEO, what was your thinking on how you wanted to drive change at the group?