Ardeshir Godrej failed in his first few businesses, but tasted success when he ventured into locks. The Godrej group, which he established in 1897 rooted in the swadeshi movement, is today a global player with products in 90 countries. It has a play from consumer products to aerospace to real estate, among several others, accounting for USD 4.1 billion in revenues.
Godrej is among the large companies in which a significant part (23pc) of promoter holding is held in trusts that invest in causes like environment, education and health.
In the arena of consumer brands, Godrej No.1, Good Night, Cinthol, Hit and Aer, to name a few, are consumer favourites. Godrej hair colour and shaving cream have been iconic in their spaces.
In end-2020, the company introduced a product innovation that broke new ground – Magic powder hand wash in a sachet. In two years, it launched Magic body wash. These products reduce the plastic used in packaging drastically, aligned with the group’s environmental goals. This was another demonstration of the focus on innovation that drives the company.
The Godrej group has earned a name for itself with its people policies and has remained an employer of choice over time. It has a leadership team that is second to none and has also managed a smooth transition to the next generation of promoters.
With its fingers on the right buttons of people, innovation and sustainability, India’s Godrej continues to inspire.
