The Visionary
Business Today India|March 31, 2024
In a career spanning nearly four decades, Uday Kotak, a firstgeneration entrepreneur, has not only created a bank of size but also built an institution, which offers a wide range of financial services, from asset management and insurance to securities
ANAND ADHIKARI
The Visionary

HALFWAY UP THE Godrej BKC tower in Mumbai's financial capital, on the 10th floor, you can find Uday Suresh Kotak, 64, seeking new challenges instead of planning a holiday. Over nearly four decades, Kotak, as the Founder, MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, built a financial services empire with assets worth ₹6.20 lakh crore. Today, Kotak is enjoying his new-found freedom at the helm of USK Capital, a family office, free from the highly regulated space of banking.

"I'm not over-engineering life," he says with a grin. He appears to be the sole occupant of the sprawling office, complete with paintings and a boardroom, though there are support staff around. The peaceful surroundings give him ample time to reflect.

Reflect, not on which investment offers the best returns for his family office, but on how he can do his bit to save the planet. "I believe planet earth is facing serious existential risks," he says. A business model is needed to save the planet, suggests Kotak, adding, "Sustainability could be a very interesting area."

Kotak, who stepped down as MD & CEO in September 2023, cites companies such as Amazon, Apple, Meta, Tesla, and Nvidia - which have all become global powerhouses within a few decades or just years of being created. "How did these companies come about? What is the secret sauce that India can learn from US corporations to achieve scale and size?" Kotak, who maintains a modest lifestyle, has several questions as he pads up for his second innings (He was a promising cricketer too).

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TODAY INDIAView all
The EV Craze
Business Today India

The EV Craze

The country’s growing luxury car market is seeing a shift with environmentally-conscious consumers betting on electric vehicles as a sustainable travel option. Though just 6%, the share of EVs in the luxury segment is rising rapidly

time-read
5 mins  |
November 10, 2024
The Storage Boom
Business Today India

The Storage Boom

Data centres are being built at a frenetic pace in india as companies scramble to meet the ballooning demand from mobile phone users and firms adopting al. Can the country’s energy infrastructure keep up?

time-read
8 mins  |
November 10, 2024
India Beckons
Business Today India

India Beckons

Owing to rising incomes in India and overall wealth expansion, luxury brands are wooing the country like never before

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
The Pearls of The Sea
Business Today India

The Pearls of The Sea

Caviar, that rare food, is considered the epitome of fine dining. Here is everything that you need to know about it

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
66.Brand persona should define the core"
Business Today India

66.Brand persona should define the core"

I’d say this was a strategic pivot. We had an iconic brand, but had, over time, evolved into diversified lines of businesses that could no longer be represented within the confines of our ‘name’.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Unwind in Style
Business Today India

Unwind in Style

Here is acomprehensive list of top tech picks that help you unwind by blending perfection in performance with luxury

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
A Lifelong Affair with Inspiration
Business Today India

A Lifelong Affair with Inspiration

In my art journey, the diversity of my acquisitions mirrored the expanding horizons of my understanding of art

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Make it Bubbly
Business Today India

Make it Bubbly

Champagne is much more than just a symbol of celebration and success. Know about its nuances beyond the bubbles

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Palatial Splendour
Business Today India

Palatial Splendour

Buoyed by renewed demand, sales of the glitzy mansions of the ultra-rich are surging like never before. Real estate majors are looking to capitalise on this by launching luxury offerings in record numbers

time-read
7 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Of Beaches and Cream
Business Today India

Of Beaches and Cream

GianChand Single Malt Whisky

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024