CHARGE OF THE YOUNG BRIGADE

THE NEXT GENERATION OF BUSINESS LEADERS IS HERE, AND DOING JUSTICE TO THE FAITH REPOSED IN THEM BY BUILDING ON EXISTING BUSINESSES AND LOOKING AT NEW ONES WITH A WELL-CRAFTED RISK-RETURN EQUATION

ORGANISATIONS MUST GO through transitions to stay relevant in a world characterised by disruption and the inevitable uncertainty that comes with it. Indian business history is unlikely to have seen as much change as what the past three decades have brought forth. It has compelled even the largest of companies to take a good, hard look at its core business and, at the same time, look for newer avenues. That makes the task on hand not just difficult but also leaves very little room for error. Fast decision-making with high levels of accuracy and, now, looking at the world as the oyster are only some of the ingredients to get it right.

Driving this incredible story of transformation are the inheritors, who are a lot more confident, full of zest and, in many ways, very audacious. Our list profiles a set of individuals who have made their businesses much stronger over time and are moving swiftly in areas as diverse as retail, digital services, port management, IT, cement, paints and healthcare, to name just a few. They represent the new India Inc., one where access to capital is much easier, technology is far more reliable and the merit of an idea often is the unique selling proposition. It makes for a heady combination with no limit on how much can be achieved.

As we move into the most intriguing phase of Indian business, it will be this current young generation that draws the contours of what we, as an economic powerhouse, will look like. It is hard to imagine that most of them were still in their twenties when they were taking decisions on multi-billion dollar investments. That is something that makes this group different. Let's take a look at some select young trailblazers from leading business groups who will define India Inc. in the coming decades.

ISHA AMBANI

Age 30

► DESIGNATION

Director, Reliance Retail Ventures