Ravi Ruia, Vice Chairman and Co-founder, Essar

Ravi Ruia belongs to the generation of industrialists who have played a significant role in leading India's industrial renaissance. An engineer by training, his entrepreneurial abilities have enabled the Essar portfolio of companies to become one of the leading names in global industry.

Mr. Ruia began his career in the family business and has worked with his elder brother, Shashi Ruia, toward steering the company to its current position of eminence, helping in the consolidation of its businesses and through setting up overseas ventures.

Today, Essar is a US$ 35-billion multinational corporation with investments in Steel, Energy (Oil & Gas and Power), Infrastructure (Ports & Projects) and Services (Shipping, Telecom, Realty and Outsourcing and Technology Solutions). With operations in more than 29 countries, it employs over 60,000 people.

Mr Ruia has overseen the Essar's globalization plans, including new ventures in Africa, South East Asia, and the Middle East, and has led several acquisitions for Essar globally.

Mr Ruia was a recipient of the Business India's Businessman of the Year Award 2010.