India boasts numerous accomplished women who have steered billion-dollar businesses, passing the torch to the next generation after successful tenures. Anu Aga, a prominent social worker and billionaire businesswoman, falls into this category, having previously overseen Thermax, a leading energy and environmental engineering company.
Aga served as the chairperson of Thermax from 1996 to 2004, during which she played a pivotal role in the company’s growth. In October 2004, she stepped down as chairperson, eventually handing over full control to her daughter, Meher Pudumjee, in October 2018. As of December 4, 2023, Thermax’s market capitalization reached an impressive Rs 30,408 crore, with a share price on NSE standing at Rs 2700.
Post her retirement from the corporate world, Anu Aga dedicated her time to social work, earning recognition from the Indian government with the prestigious Padma Shri award. Forbes estimates her real-time net worth to be around Rs 20,000 crore as of December 4, 2023, making her the wealthiest woman in the engineering sector in India, according to Forbes’ list of the richest Indians.
Anu Aga’s journey with Thermax began in 1985 when she joined the company, which was then owned by her late husband. Following her husband’s demise in 1996, she assumed leadership and played a key role in shaping the company’s trajectory. In 2012, she received a nomination for the Rajya Sabha.
Educationally, Aga holds a B.A. in Economics from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. She furthered her academic pursuits with a post-graduation in medical and psychiatric social work from the esteemed Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Beyond her business acumen, Anu Aga’s contributions to both the corporate and social spheres continue to leave a lasting impact.
