Rajiv Poddar is the Executive Director of Balkrishna Industries, a conglomerate known for its flagship brand BKT, one of the leaders in off-highway tyres. Rajiv completed his Graduation in Business Management from the Kingston University, London. He then joined his father, a noted industrialist Arvind Poddar at BKT. He trained extensively at the company?s factories and travelled across all its markets, thereby developing a deep understanding of all aspects of business.

Poddar focused on the 3M?s-Man, Machine and Method-to lead BKT?s ambitious charge. An effervescent personality, he is known for his approachability and team building skills. He ensured that people across levels were empowered to add value across all levels. R&D and new product development received increased focus and attention, with the adoption of the most state-of-the-art technology.

Poddar brought in radical changes, developed business strategies and professionalised and evolved internal systems. His customer-centric focus and innovative approach has ensured that BKT is rated as the company with the most responsive industry standards. It was under his dynamic leadership that BKT initiated its new greenfield plant at Gujarat, which is considered among the most state-of-the-art and modern factories in the world. It was built with investment of over $360 million. It is through his efforts that the factory is poised to increase the overall production capacity by more than 75 per cent.

An avid sports enthusiast, Poddar actively participates in marathons and plays cricket in his free time. He is also active in various CSR activities.