From CEAT to Conglomerate: Harsh Goenka's Journey to Building a Billion-Dollar Empire

In a world where business dynasties often play it safe, Harsh Goenka stands apart, a maverick industrialist, art connoisseur, and now, a viral social media sage. As chairman of RPG Enterprises, a USD 4.8 billion (approximately Rs 40,000 crore) conglomerate spanning IT, infrastructure, and FMCG, Goenka has long been a force in India Inc. 

But 2025 has been his year of reinvention: from launching India’s first AI-driven wellness resorts to sparring with Gen-Z on LinkedIn, he’s blending old-school clout with new-age flair.

Harsh Goenka : Career and Business Ventures
Harsh Goenka : Recent Developments in 2025
Viral Moment : “CEO vs. AI” Takes LinkedIn by Storm
Harsh Goenka : Awards & Recognition
Harsh Goenka : Philanthropy Activities
Harsh Goenka : Interesting Facts

Harsh Goenka : Biography

Harsh Goenka : Career and Business Ventures

Harsh Goenka commenced his professional journey by taking the helm of CEAT Ltd. as Managing Director at 24 in 1983. He became the chairman of RPG Group in 1988, succeeding his father, R. P. Goenka. Over the years, he has been instrumental in transforming RPG Enterprises into a diversified conglomerate with a global footprint. The group's portfolio includes companies like KEC International, Zensar Technologies, CEAT Tyres, RPG Life Sciences, Raychem RPG, and Harrisons Malayalam, among others. 

Under his leadership, RPG Group has established joint ventures with several Fortune 500 companies, including Goodyear, DuPont, and Vodafone. The group has also expanded its global presence, with over 42% of revenues coming from international operations.

Harsh Goenka : Recent Developments in 2025

Applauding the 'Champions' Budget

In February 2025, Harsh Goenka lauded Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget, dubbing it the "Champions Budget." He praised its structural reforms and measures to boost consumption, drawing parallels between the budget's impact and India's transformative journey.​

Commentary on India's Wealth Migration

Expressing concern over the emigration of Indian millionaires, Goenka highlighted the need for policies that retain and attract wealth within the country. He emphasized the importance of creating an environment conducive to wealth creation and retention.​

Critique of Next : Gen Business Heirs

Goenka has been vocal about the changing dynamics of India's business landscape, particularly criticizing the emerging trend among billionaire heirs who prioritize luxury and passive income over active business involvement. He advocates for a return to hands-on leadership and operational engagement.

Harsh Goenka: The LinkedIn Icon

Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, is indeed popular on LinkedIn. He has a fan following of over 59,000 users on the platform. His posts often engage a wide audience, sparking discussions on topics ranging from work-life balance to leadership and workplace culture.​

For instance:

• In a post discussing the importance of work-life balance, he stated, "You work 8 hours to live 4 hours... Life’s too short to wait for retirement. Live fully today." This post garnered over 6,500 likes and 318 comments.
• Another post addressing the pitfalls of overworking humorously questioned the idea of 90-hour workweeks, emphasizing the necessity of balance. This resonated with many, leading to substantial engagement.

Harsh Goenka : Awards & Recognition

In recognition of his bold initiatives and transformation-centric leadership, Harsh Goenka was honored with the Business Transformation Icon Award 2025 by FICCI. The award celebrates his efforts in revitalizing legacy industrial sectors through AI, sustainability technology, and digital innovation.

• Influencer Status: Among the World’s Top 100 Business Voices - Goenka’s unique blend of humor, insight, and strategy has earned him a massive following on social platforms. In 2025, Forbes India named him one of the Top 100 Global Business Influencers, highlighting his ability to connect with both CXOs and startup founders alike.

Whether it’s a sharp tweet about corporate culture or a LinkedIn post dissecting geopolitics and business, Harsh Goenka’s digital presence now rivals that of global tech icons.

• EV Push: CEAT’s Breakthrough in Sustainable Tyres - Under Goenka’s leadership, the RPG Group company CEAT partnered with IIT Madras to develop graphene-based tyres tailored for electric vehicles. Launched in January 2025, the new range of EV tyres promises:
• 30% higher efficiency
• Better heat resistance
• Lower carbon footprint

This marks a strategic move into deep tech materials and clean mobility, backed by India’s top research minds.

Zensar’s AI Pivot : GenAI for the Mid-Market

Zensar Technologies, another RPG Group company, is turning heads in the U.S. IT landscape. In 2025, it became one of the first Indian IT firms to launch a GenAI-as-a-Service suite focused on mid-cap businesses in the U.S., a massively underserved market.

The offering includes:

• AI-powered document processing
• Natural language-based analytics
• Workflow automation tools are designed for cost-efficiency

This move is not just a pivot; it's a playbook for how Indian IT firms can climb the AI value chain beyond traditional outsourcing.

Harsh Goenka : Philanthropy Activities

Beyond boardrooms and business strategy, Harsh Goenka has always believed in creating meaningful social impact. Under his leadership, the RPG Foundation has expanded its reach and focus across several critical areas:

Education Access

• Project Pehlay Akshar: A flagship literacy initiative that has impacted over 300,000 children in government schools across India.
• Digital Learning Kits were distributed to 25,000+ underprivileged students during school closures, ensuring learning continuity during tough times.

Healthcare Support

• RPG Foundation partnered with municipal bodies to launch mobile medical vans providing free check-ups and medicines in underserved rural pockets.
• Significant funding toward cancer care and women’s health programs, including cervical cancer screenings in collaboration with NGOs.

Women Empowerment

• Vocational training programs for young women from low-income families, enabling employment in sectors like digital marketing, logistics, and sustainable fashion.
• Scholarships for first-generation female graduates in STEM fields.

“Philanthropy is not about charity—it's about creating structures of dignity, opportunity, and lasting change.” — Harsh Goenka

Harsh Goenka : Interesting Facts

• Passionate Art Collector

Harsh Goenka is an avid collector of contemporary art, selecting pieces based on emotional resonance rather than investment value. His interest in art was nurtured during his upbringing in Kolkata, a city known for its rich cultural heritage. ​

Advocate of Behavioural Economics

Goenka has expressed a strong interest in behavioural economics, drawing inspiration from works like Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman and Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. He has mentioned that, had he not pursued a business career, he might have become a behavioural economist.

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FAQs

Who is Harsh Goenka?

Harsh Goenka is an Indian industrialist and the Chairman of RPG Enterprises, a diversified conglomerate with interests in infrastructure, tyre manufacturing, IT, and pharmaceuticals.  

What is Harsh Goenka's educational background?

Harsh Goenka holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Calcutta and an MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland.