Pillai

Rank #984

INDIA•Construction & Engineering•Construction

Ravi Pillai

Net Worth

$4.104B

0% (24h)

Ravi Pillai is an Indian billionaire businessman, the founder and chairman of the RP Group, a multinational conglomerate. Born in Kerala, India, on September 2, 1953, Pillai's career began with a small construction business. After facing setbacks, he moved to Saudi Arabia in 1978 and established Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation (NSH), which became the cornerstone of his global empire. His source of wealth is construction, and he has achieved a net worth of $4.1 billion. Known for his strategic vision, Pillai has expanded his business interests across various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and retail. He has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, recognizing his contributions to business and society.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Ravi Pillai was born on September 2, 1953, in Chavara, Kollam, Kerala, India, to a farming family. He earned a degree in Commerce from the University of Cochin. During his university years, he started a chit fund business in Kollam.

Rise to Success

Pillai's career took a significant turn when he moved to Saudi Arabia in 1978 after a labor strike forced him to shut down his contracting business in Kerala. In Saudi Arabia, he established Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation (NSH) in 1980. This construction firm became the flagship company of the RP Group, and it played a crucial role in his success. The company expanded significantly, securing major construction contracts and growing its workforce to employ over 70,000 people.

Key Business Strategies

Pillai's business acumen allowed him to diversify into several sectors, including construction, hospitality, steel, cement, and oil and gas. His strategic approach led to the expansion of the RP Group across the Middle East (UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain) and back in Kerala. He owns RP Mall in Kollam and has stakes in hotels and hospitals in Kerala.

Philanthropy

Ravi Pillai is known for his philanthropic activities through the RP Foundation. The foundation supports education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives in India and the Gulf region. Upasana Hospital in Kollam provides free medical facilities to the underprivileged. He has also contributed to various disaster relief efforts.

Career Timeline

2024

Awarded Medal of Efficiency

Received Bahrain's prestigious national honor, the Medal of Efficiency, by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

2015

Ranked 4th Most Powerful Indian in the Middle East

Recognized by Arabian Business.

2010

Padma Shri

Received the civilian honor from the Government of India.

2008

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

Awarded by the Government of India.

1978

Founded Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation (NSH)

Established in Saudi Arabia, this construction firm became the cornerstone of the RP Group.

Philanthropic Impact

Healthcare, Education, CultureUndisclosed

RP Foundation

Funds various programs for education, healthcare, and culture, primarily in India and the Gulf area. Upasana Hospital provides free medical facilities.

Education$66.6M

Scholarships

Earmarked Rs. 525 crore to provide long-term scholarships for 1,500 financially disadvantaged students until the year 2075—20% of whom come from expatriate families.