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
"Focus on the challenge of each customer"
Business Today India

"Focus on the challenge of each customer"

SHASHANK KUMAR MD & CO-FOUNDER I RAZORPAY Razorpay is India's first full-stack financial solutions company

time-read
1 min  |
December 08, 2024
PEDAL ON THE FUTURE
Business Today India

PEDAL ON THE FUTURE

THE MG WINDSOR EV, WITH ITS FUTURISTIC AND MINIMALIST DESIGN, COMBINES THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS-COMFORT AND TECHNOLOGY

time-read
1 min  |
December 08, 2024
BREATHE EASY
Business Today India

BREATHE EASY

Whether you're battling allergies, looking to remove pollutants, or simply want to breathe easier, the right air purifier can make a difference

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
The Taste of India in a Glass
Business Today India

The Taste of India in a Glass

FROM ROYAL LIQUEURS TO DISTILLED MAHUA, INDIAN HERITAGE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE HAVING THEIR DAY IN THE SUN

time-read
4 mins  |
December 08, 2024
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
Business Today India

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

IN 2025, INVESTORS WILL NEED TO FACTOR IN VOLATILITY ACROSS ASSET CLASSES

time-read
5 mins  |
December 08, 2024
MISSING ADVISORS
Business Today India

MISSING ADVISORS

INDIA HAS JUST ONE INVESTMENT ADVISOR FOR NEARLY EVERY 200,000 INVESTORS. AT A TIME WHEN RETAIL PARTICIPATION IN THE STOCK MARKETS IS BOOMING, THIS ASSUMES SIGNIFICANCE

time-read
7 mins  |
December 08, 2024
TURNING A CORNER
Business Today India

TURNING A CORNER

SHARED ELECTRIC MOBILITY START-UP YULU'S SHIFT TO SERVICING THE QUICK COMMERCE SECTOR IS HELPING IT GROW FAST. IT IS NOW FOCUSSING ON IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY FEATURES AS IT TURNS EBITDA POSITIVE

time-read
5 mins  |
December 08, 2024
REALITY CHECK
Business Today India

REALITY CHECK

INDIAN STOCK MARKETS PLUNGED BEGINNING OCTOBER FOR A HOST OF REASONS, INCLUDING A FALL IN FII OWNERSHIP. HOW DEEP WILL THE CORRECTION BE?

time-read
6 mins  |
December 08, 2024
TRUMP'S TRADE TANGO
Business Today India

TRUMP'S TRADE TANGO

The return of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the US has put the global economy on edge. India, too, is unlikely to remain unaffected. How will policymakers meet this latest challenge?

time-read
9 mins  |
December 08, 2024
"The essence of the Trump administration will be transactional”
Business Today India

"The essence of the Trump administration will be transactional”

Global investor, analyst, and best-selling author Ruchir Sharma decodes why Donald Trump won the elections, what India should do, the risks, and more

time-read
10 mins  |
December 08, 2024