Early Life
Puthan Naduvakkatt Chenthamaraksha Menon, known as P.N.C. Menon, was born on November 17, 1948, in Palakkad, Kerala, India. His early life was marked by humble beginnings and the early loss of his father at age 10. These circumstances instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for entrepreneurship. He had to drop out of college due to financial constraints.
Rise to Success
At the age of 26, Menon moved to Oman and started an interior decoration business in 1976. He recognized the potential in the real estate sector and established Sobha Ltd in Bangalore in 1995, naming it after his wife, Sobha. Under his leadership, Sobha Ltd has grown into a significant real estate conglomerate with a global presence, constructing iconic structures such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman and the Al Bustan Palace. In 2009, he received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
Key Business Strategies
Menon's key business strategy involved identifying opportunities in the real estate sector and setting high standards for quality. He focused on backward integration, ensuring quality control. He expanded Sobha's operations to include the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and other Gulf countries. His son, Ravi, took over as chairman of Sobha Group in 2024.
Philanthropy
P.N.C. Menon established the Sri Kurumba Educational & Charitable Trust in 1994. He has pledged to donate a majority of his wealth to philanthropy. He also contributed to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. In 2016, he and his wife signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half their wealth.