Early Life and Education
Harsh Goenka was born on December 10, 1957, in Kolkata, India, to industrialist R. P. Goenka, the founder of RPG Enterprises. He completed his schooling in Kolkata and earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. He furthered his education with a Master of Business Administration from the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Rise to Success
Goenka's career began in 1983 when he became the Managing Director of CEAT Ltd. at the age of 24. In 1988, he succeeded his father as the Chairman of RPG Enterprises. Under his leadership, the group expanded through mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. He transformed RPG into a technology-driven and governance-focused group with a strong, people-first culture. Key companies under the RPG umbrella include CEAT, KEC International, and Zensar Technologies.
Key Business Strategies
Goenka has been instrumental in diversifying the RPG Group's portfolio across various sectors, including power, IT, tires, and infrastructure. His strategic vision has led to establishing joint ventures with several Fortune 500 companies and expanding the group's global presence. Goenka emphasizes innovation, technology adoption, and corporate social responsibility within the group. His leadership style blends traditional business expertise with emotional intelligence.
Philanthropy
Beyond his business ventures, Harsh Goenka is actively involved in philanthropy. He serves as a trustee of the RPG Foundation and RPG Art Foundation, focusing on primary education, women's empowerment, healthcare, and urban beautification. He also supports young artists and promotes Indian art and heritage.