Meet The CEOs & Founders Who Transformed Their Companies Into Industry-Leading Powerhouses

1. Rahul & Shilpa Agarwal, Founders, Kaftanize

In a fast-paced fashion world, Rahul and Shilpa Agarwal didn't just launch a clothing line; they ignited a cultural shift. The journey of Kaftanize is a powerful testament to entrepreneurial vision, transforming a simple idea into an industry-leading powerhouse in Indo-Western wear. Their story began not with chasing fleeting trends, but with a foundational belief: fashion should blend comfort with undeniable style. Recognizing a gap in the market for elegant yet effortless clothing, the Agarwals meticulously crafted the Kaftanize identity. They focused on premium fabrics, unique designs, and an ethical production model, setting the brand apart from its competitors.

This dedication to quality and distinctive style quickly resonated. Customers weren't just buying clothes; they were investing in a versatile wardrobe that seamlessly transitioned from day to evening, redefining the modern woman's dressing experience. The founders’ unwavering commitment to this customer-centric approach is the true secret behind Kaftanize’s incredible journey and explosive success. They proved that authenticity and innovation can, indeed, rewrite the rules of the fashion game. Don't miss out on the brand that’s making global waves.

2. Ajay Gupta, Founder & CEO, Bachpan Play School & Academic Heights Public School

Ajay Gupta has fundamentally reshaped India's education sector, not through privilege, but through purpose and perseverance. Diagnosed with 80% locomotor disability from polio at just nine months old, Gupta refused to let physical limitations define his trajectory. Instead, he channelled his experience into building one of the country's most impactful education enterprises. As Founder and CEO of Bachpan Play School and Academic Heights Public School (AHPS), Gupta has established networks spanning over 1,200 and 120 branches respectively. His pioneering FOFO (Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated) model democratised quality education access across India's diverse geographies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide. Gupta's vision extends well beyond traditional schooling. As Co-Founder of Rishihood University, India's first social-impact university and Chairman of Ramanujan College, he champions education that serves the greater good. He was among the first to introduce educational technology like Speak-O-Pen and robotics into Indian classrooms, setting new standards for digital learning.

Through the Hum Honge Kamyab Foundation and his talk show Saksham Yatra, Gupta advocates passionately for disability rights. A TEDx speaker and author of bestselling Decoding Business Minds, his journey demonstrates that true leadership lies in transforming systemic challenges into scalable solutions, reshaping not just schools, but India's educational future itself.

3. Nishir Gordhandas, Founder & CEO, NWDCo

In an era where digital transformation has become imperative, Nishir has spent nearly 25 years building NWDCo into one of India and the Middle East's most trusted technology partners. What began as a services-led organisation has evolved into a product-first technology powerhouse. Nishir, a Rotarian, published author and passionate scuba diver, leads with a clear vision: technology must be meaningful, scalable and built for the long term. Alongside co-founder Maulik, whose operational acumen has been instrumental in global expansion, the leadership has cultivated a culture rooted in integrity and innovation.

NWDCo's product suite reflects this transformation. Shrevit offers AI-driven procurement and vendor management. nVEvents Cloud delivers secure digital signage solutions. Kveso automates passport and Form C compliance for hospitality and corporate clients. Each is engineered with cloud technology, data security and generative AI at its core.

Backed by ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and partnerships with Amazon Web Services, Oracle, Microsoft and Google, NWDCo serves marquee clients including Vivo Mobiles, IHCL (Taj Hotels) and Glatt Pharma. Under Nishir’s stewardship, the company continues setting benchmarks in enterprise technology, delivering solutions that fundamentally elevate business outcomes.

4. Lalith Kiran Pedapudi, Founder, Avee Kids

Meet Lalith Kiran Pedapudi, Founder of Avee Kids, a brand born from one simple, nagging question: “Why is there nothing truly right for my kids' age?” As a dad of a school-going daughter, Lalith saw a clear gap on the shelves—baby products that felt too mild for active, outdoor kids and adult products that were too harsh for their young skin and hair. Kids aged 5–12 years, who deal with dust, sun, sweat, pollution and chlorine every day, were an overlooked category.

Refusing to settle, he set out to build Avee Kids, a dermatologist-tested, oat-based skincare and haircare brand crafted specifically for this “in-between” age. Every Avee formula is made to support kids’ growing independence (“I’ll bathe myself, mom!”) while reassuring parents that their child is still protected, nourished and cared for.

Guided by the mission “LET OUR KIDS SHINE,” Lalith is on a journey to make age-right, science-backed kids care ‘Made in India for Indian Kids’ a norm in Indian households, not an exception. Discover the full story and products at www.aveekids.in

5. Rohit Asthana, Founder, UltraTech Texture Paints Private Limited (UTTPL)

At Ultratech Texture Paints Pvt. Ltd. (UTTPL), They don't just make paint; they craft experiences. Established in 2007 by Rohit Asthana, they've spent over 17 years perfecting the art of transforming ordinary walls into extraordinary statements. They are pioneers in high-quality textured finishes and decorative emulsion paints, driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation and artistic excellence.

Their journey has taken us beyond India's borders and onto the global stage. They, as an organisation, are promoting only sustainable products using the most natural products: lime, ceramic, granite, sand and so on. Through strategic collaborations with international luminaries like MAS Paints and Suzuka, they've brought the world's finest wall finishing tools and materials right to your fingertips. This unique synergy empowers us to deliver trend-setting textures and breathtaking special effects, all meticulously crafted to meet rigorous international quality standards.

Whether you're an architect envisioning a grand design, a designer seeking unique expression, or a homeowner dreaming of a perfect space, their diverse range of special effect paints offers limitless possibilities. From the subtle elegance of interior textures to the robust resilience of exterior finishes, every UTTPL product is a testament to our dedication to unrivalled quality and captivating aesthetics. They're not just painting walls; they're inspiring creativity and leaving a lasting impression.

6. Hardi Oza Patel, Founder & Travelpreneur, Velvet Escapes

When Hardi Oza Patel saw her first aeroplane at age four, it sparked what would become a defining career in luxury travel. Today, having traversed 90+ countries and every Indian state, Patel has established Velvet Escapes as a leading name in experiential and bespoke travel curation. Unlike conventional travel agencies, Velvet Escapes operates on a distinct premise: travel should be an immersive cultural encounter, not merely a checklist of destinations. The company's portfolio includes uniquely crafted experiences, candlelit dinners in heritage stepwells, curated stays at boutique tea estates, and historically significant routes tracing ancient epics like the Mahabharata. Each itinerary is designed with meticulous attention to personalisation, blending luxury with authentic cultural immersion.

Patel's influence extends beyond her entrepreneurial ventures. She has addressed audiences as a TEDx speaker, contributed insights through columns, and engaged in radio discussions on travel and experiential living. Her expertise lies in understanding that modern luxury travellers seek meaningful connections with local traditions, cuisines and heritage.

Her contributions to the travel industry were recently recognised with the National Award for Women Entrepreneurs at Bhubaneshwar. Under Patel's leadership, Velvet Escapes continues to set industry standards for experiential travel—proving that the most memorable journeys are those steeped in authenticity, culture and purposeful exploration.

7. Anshuman Chaudhary, Founder, Touching Towns

Anshuman Chaudhary represents a new generation of entrepreneurs blending professional rigor with social purpose. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Anshuman identified a critical gap in India's hospitality sector, one every traveller encounters but few have systematically addressed: hygiene assurance and trust. This insight led him to establish Touching Towns, a transformative venture built on a simple question: "Where can we stop and eat safely?" The platform brings verified hygiene standards to restaurants, hotels and public spaces across India through standardised inspections and transparent audits. Each certified establishment undergoes rigorous evaluation, ensuring spaces meet consistent cleanliness and safety benchmarks.

Anshuman's vision extends beyond individual certifications. He's building a nationwide hygiene movement rooted in the belief that Indian travellers deserve the same assurance experienced abroad, where every stop feels reliable, every meal feels safe, and every space respects visitor health and dignity. By combining financial acumen with operational excellence, Anshuman is transforming how India's hospitality industry approaches hygiene, not as an afterthought, but as foundational standard. Through Touching Towns, he's proving that trust isn't built on promises alone, but through systematic verification and accountability. His work is reshaping traveller confidence across the country, one certified space at a time.

8. Dillesh Kumar Cheluri, Founder, CareerGeek.in | IIT Madras Alumni

As the founder of CareerGeek.in Dillesh is building India’s biggest overseas test prep and admissions company — CareerGeek. Here he combines his passion for teaching and entrepreneurship. Having more than 13+ yrs of experience in education and consulting with leading orgs such as IRS, Govt of India, and IMS Learnings.

Have helped launch and grow several students in their career paths, by helping them in top MBA / MS / UG programs abroad. They are proud to have mentored 1000+ of students who have landed at world class universities such as Harvard, INSEAD, Wharton, IIM, ISB. He also mentored for IIT — where he contributed to the students ranking (IIT Madras, IIT Bombay and others). They don’t consider education as a business but as a service. Therefore, they work with like minded, organisation and growth seeking individuals. To excel in their corporate and academic skills & life.

9. Raj Shinde, CEO & MD, Siddhivinayak OOH Advertising Pvt Ltd

Raj Shinde, a graphic and creative design expert with 18 years of advertising experience, has masterfully transitioned into the role of a Visionary Leader and dynamic CEO+MD of Siddhivinayak OOH Advertising Pvt Ltd. His leadership is the driving force behind the company's recent, ambitious transformation into Siddhivinayak 2.0. This strategic upgrade is designed to elevate the renowned regional powerhouse into a platform capable of executing PAN India brand campaigns. Siddhivinayak 2.0 is shifting its focus beyond mere inventory, now offering sophisticated, strategic services. This includes providing deep market insights, customized site planning, and ensuring seamless, reliable execution across multiple metro markets.

Raj Shinde is playing a significant role in this evolution, leveraging his expertise to dramatically elevate the company's brand image and expand its customer network through creative and game-changer strategies. Simultaneously, he is building a strong, dedicated team fostered by his exceptional leadership skills. The result is a healthy work culture where team members thrive and consistently deliver their best performance. Raj Shinde's journey exemplifies a commitment to innovation, setting the stage for a progressive and prosperous future for Siddhivinayak OOH.

10. Anirban Chatterjee, Founder, Ansoim

In a business landscape where volatility is the new normal, few leaders have mastered the art of building operational resilience as precisely as Anirban Chatterjee. With two decades of experience across 26 industries, Chatterjee has emerged as a standout figure in India’s transformation space known for diagnosing inefficiencies with surgical accuracy and converting them into EBITDA gains that genuinely move the needle.

His firm, ansoim, is redefining the consulting value proposition. Headquartered in India and rapidly expanding its influence across India South-East Asia and the Middle East, ansoim operates on an uncommon principle: ROI-Committed Transformation. The firm doesn’t stop at recommendations, it stays inside factories, supply chains, and leadership rooms until results are achieved. And if impact doesn’t materialize? ansoim backs its work with money-back guarantees. This execution-first philosophy is powered by two proprietary frameworks now earning executive attention: OMEA (Operational Maturity & Excellence Assessment), a 900-level maturity diagnostic and PACA (People Alignment & Change Assessment), a scientific tool that maps strategic interpretation and behavioural readiness. Across sectors from cement and alumina to EVs, FMCG, and chemicals, ansoim’s work signals a larger shift: Indian enterprises are demanding not advice, but accountability. And Chatterjee is one of the few delivering exactly that.