Bharat Doshi joined the Mahindra Group in 1973. His is a unique association with the Group, stretching back almost 50 years. It is therefore appropriate that he should end his very successful business innings as Chairman of the Mahindra Group’s oldest business – Steel.

Our co-founder, JC Mahindra, dreamed, breathed and lived steel. His dream was to make steel the backbone of India’s industrial progress. So it is not surprising that the first venture that he and his brother KC Mahindra started – even before off-road vehicles - was steel trading. Bharat, steeped as he is in the ideals and values of the Group, has taken JC’s vision forward admirably and led the steel business to the pinnacle where it is today. He has played a pivotal role in the business’ transformation from a steel trading company to a mobility and energy component manufacturing powerhouse.

In all the years we have worked together, Bharat’s passion for steel has shone through. During his tenure as CFO of the Group, Bharat was usually an advocate of fiscal prudence and financial conservatism. Yet so strong was his belief in the future of steel, that he was the one who convinced the then MD to invest a sum of 12 crore, in setting up a steel service centre. Similarly, in 1993, it was his passionate championship that influenced the decision to invest in setting up India’s first steel processing facility in Kanhe in collaboration with the Japanese company––Metal One. Both were visionary and ‘first-in-India’ moves. However, as always, Bharat’s arguments were compelling not only for their vision but also for their practical and accurate assessment of the business potential.

As a business and financial professional, Bharat has served the Mahindra Group long and well. But even more importantly, he has been a role model of what it means to represent the best of the Group. His integrity is unimpeachable. His ability to network and communicate is outstanding. He creates trust and attracts trust from others. Business partners end up becoming his personal friends. On the work front, he is a demanding but fair leader, who is thoughtful and meticulous in all that he does, and trains others to do the same. He has fostered a workplace culture where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued. And his loyalty and dedication are unparalleled. I remember the time when he lost his elder brother, to whom he was very close, suddenly and unexpectedly. This was very shortly before the inauguration of the Kanhe plant. Even at a time of such great bereavement, he completed the 13th-day rituals and managed to reach Kanhe on the evening of the inauguration.

Bharat’s association with the Group and Accelo sets the gold standard for devotion, loyalty, and valuable contribution. For that, and much more, I owe him my grateful thanks. On behalf of us all, I wish him a beautiful new chapter and a long lifetime of good health and happiness.

With best wishes,

Anand Mahindra

Chairman,
Mahindra Group

Bharat Doshi is one of the key architects of the Mahindra Group, whose acumen and efforts have played a major role in enabling our success over many decades.

The first time I met Bharat was in 2013, just before I joined the organisation, He had completed almost four decades with the Group. I was amazed by the warmth of our interaction. His insights were very valuable for me. The caring approach, along with a keen eye on value creation, gave me a very positive view of the Mahindra Group.

Over the years, my interactions with Bharat have always been full of warmth and amiability. He has always been available to meet, even at short notice. He was a true custodian of our values and governance, and ensured there were no compromises on this front. His compassionate leadership style, coupled with his commitment to ethical governance has left a lasting impact on all fortunate enough to work with him.

In addition to various roles across the Group, Bharat has also played a key role in building Mahindra Accelo. As the Chairman, he provided the vision and direction for Accelo’s journey, from the inception of Mahindra’s first steel plant in Kanhe, Pune in 1993 to the groundbreaking incubation of India’s 1st organized automotive vehicle recycler, CERO in 2016. It has blossomed into a thriving enterprise with a revenue of 4,565 crore. This transformation is particularly striking when you think about how it humbly began with just ₹ 2 crore in 1993.

His legacy still lives on. Mr. Doshi epitomises the essence of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” As we reflect on his remarkable journey, may we continue to draw inspiration from his life, paving the way for even greater achievements.

With deep gratitude,

Dr. Anish Shah

Group CEO & MD,
Mahindra Group