Early Life and Education
Sanjiv Bajaj was born on November 2, 1969, into the Bajaj family, a prominent Indian business family. He is the great-grandson of Jamnalal Bajaj, the founder of the Bajaj Group, and the younger son of Rahul Bajaj, the former chairman of the Bajaj Group. He received his education at a Swiss missionaries-run Catholic convent school. He later pursued a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Pune, a master's degree in manufacturing systems engineering from the University of Warwick, and a management degree from Harvard Business School.
Rise to Success
Bajaj began his career in 1994 at Bajaj Auto, where he held various leadership roles in finance, legal, and international business functions. He is credited with introducing American-style supply chain management, using General Motors as a model. In 2007, after the demerger of Bajaj Auto, he became the Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv. He was reappointed as managing director for five years in May 2022. Under his leadership, Bajaj Finserv has become a leading diversified financial services company.
Key Business Strategies
Bajaj's leadership has emphasized diversification and digital innovation. He has overseen the expansion of Bajaj Finserv into consumer finance, SME lending, insurance (through subsidiaries like Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance), and wealth management. He has also been instrumental in the launch of Bajaj Finserv Mutual Fund.
Philanthropy
Sanjiv Bajaj plays a key role in advancing the Bajaj Group's philanthropic efforts, particularly through initiatives like the Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Trust, supporting rural development and community welfare. The Bajaj family was ranked third among India's top philanthropists in the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, donating ₹446 crore (approximately $53.3 million) in FY25. Bajaj has also personally driven initiatives in financial literacy and inclusion.