In a world often fascinated by overnight success, the story of Shailesh Jejurikar and Rajesh Jejurikar stands as a beacon of perseverance, grounded leadership, and values rooted in the Indian middle class. Born into a modest family and raised across different Indian cities—Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ranchi, and Mumbai—the Jejurikar brothers did not inherit empires. Instead, they built their legacies brick by brick, through discipline, education, humility, and hard work.
Two Paths, One Ethos
Shailesh Jejurikar: From Mumbai to CEO of Procter & Gamble
In July 2025, Procter & Gamble (P&G), the 187-year-old American consumer goods titan, announced Shailesh Jejurikar as its next global CEO—making him the first India-born leader to hold the role.
Shailesh's journey began in the classrooms of Hyderabad Public School, followed by Elphinstone College in Mumbai and an MBA from IIM Lucknow (1989). He joined P&G in the same year as an assistant brand manager. Over three decades, he moved through geographies and roles—from managing brands like Ariel and Tide to overseeing global sustainability initiatives and operations as Chief Operating Officer.
His ascension to the CEO’s chair wasn’t meteoric—it was methodical.
His leadership is known for quiet determination, cross-cultural sensitivity, and a strong belief in empowering teams. Behind the corporate titles is a man who values family, fitness, and learning—a globalist with deeply Indian values.
Rajesh Jejurikar: Driving India’s Auto & Farm Revolution at Mahindra
On the other side of the leadership spectrum is Rajesh Jejurikar, the Executive Director and CEO (Auto & Farm Sector) at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., one of India's most influential conglomerates. Rajesh is a key architect behind Mahindra’s automotive success stories—like the Scorpio, XUV500, and the recent electric and SUV innovations that earned Mahindra global recognition.
An alumnus of SP Jain Institute of Management & Research and Wharton, Rajesh's journey also includes prior roles at Marico Limited, FCB Ulka, and Voltas Limited - A TATA Enterprise. Known for his strategic acumen and people-first approach, he was recently honored as Forbes India’s CEO of the Year 2025.
While Shailesh mastered the global supply chain of daily household brands, Rajesh built India’s mobility backbone for farmers and families alike. Both chose very different industries but embodied the same leadership DNA—resilience, humility, and long-term thinking.
Growing Through Vulnerability
Their rise wasn’t insulated from struggle. The Jejurikar brothers grew up in company quarters, frequently moving cities as their father served with ICI Paints (now part of AkzoNobel). Life was comfortable but never luxurious. Their father's early demise in 2021 was a deeply emotional moment, and their mother remains a constant inspiration, proudly witnessing her sons lead with integrity and impact.
They have openly spoken about navigating failure, relocation shocks, career stagnation, and even self-doubt. But it was their ability to embrace vulnerability, coupled with relentless learning, that helped them shape their futures. As Rajesh once remarked, “Experience is not just what you gain in success—but what you endure in ambiguity.”
Leadership With Indian Roots
In a time when global corporations are seeking leaders with authenticity, adaptability, and empathy, the Jejurikars offer exactly that. They have shown that it’s possible to lead Fortune 500 companies and Indian conglomerates without losing one’s essence.
Their journeys inspire not just because of the heights they’ve reached, but because of how they reached them—quietly, consistently, and by lifting others along the way.
Lessons for Future Leaders
Stay grounded in values: Both brothers credit their upbringing for keeping them anchored.
Be a lifelong learner: Whether it’s SP Jain, IIM, or Wharton, they never stopped learning.
Resilience matters: From city changes to corporate setbacks, they kept moving forward.
Leadership is not about titles: It’s about impact—on teams, markets, and communities.
The story of Shailesh and Rajesh Jejurikar is not just about two Indian men leading global giants. It is about how vulnerability, if embraced with grace, can become the forge where true leadership is shaped. In their quiet rise lies a loud message: Integrity and intent matter more than inheritance.
As India takes centre stage in the global leadership narrative, the Jejurikar brothers stand as glowing symbols of what’s possible—when competence meets character.
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