Saurabh Gadgil: The Billionaire Behind India’s Iconic Jewellery Brand Crafting Heritage Into Modern Luxury
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In the cultural capital of Maharashtra, where tradition and craftsmanship intertwine, Saurabh took the reins of a legacy that has been cherished since 1832. He is not just a jeweler but a visionary who transformed the Indian jewelry industry by taking it to global stature.
Saurabh, a name synonymous with legacy, opulence, and tradition, has inherited more than just a family business. He is the successor of an heirloom built on trust, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich heritage.
Born into a kingdom of gold, Saurabh inherited a passion for jewelry and revolutionized it into a billion-dollar fortune. With a keen eye for design, a modern perspective, a relentless pursuit of perfection, and a knack for business acumen, Saurabh has elevated the family jewelry business to unprecedented heights.
From the humble beginnings of PNG Jewellers through his Dajikaka in the lanes of Pune to making the company a global brand, Saurabh has steered the future of Indian jewelry with modern luxury, capturing the hearts of many customers worldwide.
As the sixth generation of the legendary PNG Jewellers family business, Saurabh's unique ability to fuse heritage with innovation sets him apart. Under his leadership, the company expanded globally, reaching international markets while retaining the soul of its traditional roots. Saurabh’s forward-thinking strategies, like embracing eCommerce and modern marketing, played a pivotal role in the company's remarkable growth, making it a billion-dollar empire.
In this exclusive StartupTalker story, we will discover the secrets behind Saurabh’s success and the challenges he overcame. Let’s uncover the innovative strategies that have propelled PNG Jewellers to the forefront of the Indian jewelry industry.
Saurabh Gadgil Biography
| Name | Saurabh V Gadgil |
|---|---|
| Born | 1976 or 1977 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Pune, Maharashtra |
| Education | Bachelor of Commerce PhD in Mechanical Engineering Master of Business Administration |
| Alma Mater | Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce University of Texas, Austin Symbiosis Institute of International Business |
| Profession | Managing Director and Chairman, PNG Jewellers |
| Net Worth | $1.1 billion |
| Spouse | Radhika Gadgil |
| Children | 2 (Sons) |
| Parents | Vidyadhar Gadgil Vaishali Gadgil |
Saurabh Gadgil - Early Life and Education
Saurabh Gadgil - Career
Saurabh Gadgil - Personal Life
Saurabh Gadgil - Awards And Recognition
Saurabh Gadgil - Famous Quote
Saurabh Gadgil - Early Life and Education
Saurabh was born in Pune to the legendary Gadgil family, deeply rooted in the traditional gold jewelry business. Raised in Pune, he has been deeply influenced by strong family values soaked in ethics and trust, which can be seen in his business stratagems. These strong cultural beliefs proved invaluable as he later undertook leadership roles within the family business, whose reign dates back to 192 years.
Being raised in a close-knit family of legendary jewelers, Saurabh was exposed to the world of fine craftsmanship and gold jewelry at a very young age. Over the years, he has naturally instilled his family’s meticulous approach to both business and customer relations, which played a crucial role in shaping his vision as a modern-age business leader.
For his education, Saurabh pursued a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce in Pune and flew abroad to the USA for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin. Later, due to his interest in business management, he pursued an MBA degree from the Symbiosis Institute of International Business.
Saurabh Gadgil - Career
Saurabh’s academic journey began with an internship at the Reserve Bank of India, where he was acquainted with the knowledge of the gold market.
In 1998, Saurabh joined his family’s jewelry business, PNG Jewellers, bringing in an unwavering dedication to the entrepreneurial spirit. When he took the reins of PNG, he revamped marketing strategies towards modernizing the structure by introducing eCommerce and making the business more consumer-centric.
Saurabh’s main contribution has been the brand’s retail expansion with the opening of new stores in Aurangabad, Baramati, Goa, Kolhapur, Latur, Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, and Solapur, UAE, and the United States. This expansion has allowed PNG Jewellers to reach a wider audience and establish itself as a global luxury brand.
In 2014, Saurabh collaborated with renowned Bollywood celebrities and launched a limited-edition jewelry line with his innovative approach to marketing and branding. Under his leadership, he teamed up with Salman Khan and featured a PNG-exclusive collection in the movies Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Dilwale. To attract the masses, Saurabh launched the PNG TIMELESS collection with Madhuri Dixit and opened a luxurious boutique store at JW Marriott, Pune.
In 2015, Saurabh partnered with actor Preity Zinta and opened the first PNG store in Fremont, California. The same year, Saurabh was appointed as the Vice President of West Zone for the Indian Bullion & Jewellers Association Limited, where he advocates for the interests of the jewelry industry and contributes to policy-making.
In September 2016, Salman Khan collaborated with PNG and introduced the Being Human Jewellery brand. The sister company of PNG, SQJPL, is the official distributor of Being Human Jewellery with a global license.
In September 2024, under Saurabh’s headship, PNG Jewellers launched their IPO, making him the newest member of India’s Billionaires’ Club after the company’s shares surged by 61%. Through his visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and passion for excellence, Saurabh has propelled PNG Jewellers to new and global heights. As of 2024, PNG Jewellers has 39 operating stores in Maharashtra, with 28 self-owned stores and 11 franchisee outlets.
PV Vyshnavi
Saurabh Gadgil - Personal Life
Saurabh hails from Pune and belongs to a family deeply rooted in Maharashtrian culture. Known to be a family-orientated person, Saurabh resides in Pune with his family.
In 2020, Saurabh married Radhika Gadgil, and the couple is blessed with two boys. Despite his prominent public figure, Saurabh maintains a private personal life.
Beyond business, Saurabh is a former national-level chess player and enjoys being involved in local cultural and social events, reflecting on his deep connection to his heritage and upbringing.
Saurabh Gadgil - Awards And Recognition
Saurabh Gadgil, MD & Chairman, of PNG Jewellers, has received several awards and accolades for his innovative business acumen, leadership, and contributions to family business.
- Maharashtrian Youth Entrepreneur Icon Award 2017.
- CITADEL Award for Excellence in Business 2017.
- Entrepreneur Excellence Award 2017 by deAsra Foundation.
- Times of India Award for Visionary in Jewellery Retain, India 2018.
- Influencer of Industry Award in GJTCI Excellence Award 7th Edition, 2019.
- Exemplary Leader (Consumer Goods) Awards 2023.
- Debut in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2024.
Saurabh Gadgil - Famous Quote
FAQs
Who is Saurabh Gadgil?
Saurabh Gadgil is the Managing Director and Chairman of PNG Jewellers.
What is Saurabh Gadgil net worth?
The net worth of Saurabh Gadgil is $1.1 billion (Oct 2024).
Who is Saurabh Gadgil wife?
Saurabh married Radhika Gadgil, and the couple is blessed with two boys.
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