Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai among most influential global leaders of Indian origin

Hyderabad: The HSBC Hurun Global Indians List 2024 has spotlighted Microsoft Chairman Satya Nadella, Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan as some of the most influential global leaders of Indian origin. The list also highlights Leena Nair, the Global CEO of Chanel, as one of the most prominent women leaders.

The combined value of companies led by individuals on this list amounts to an astounding USD 10 trillion, with the top 10 leaders contributing nearly 73% of this total. Notable women leaders like Neha Narkhede (Confluent), Anjali Sud (Tubi), Yamini Rangan (HubSpot), Leena Nair (Chanel), and Revathi Advaithi (Flex) collectively manage companies valued at USD 436 billion — surpassing Malaysia's GDP.

Global Representation

San Francisco emerges as a hub for Indian-origin leaders, with 37 individuals residing in the city. In the UK, London boasts the largest contingent with eight entrants, while Dubai leads the Middle East with six representatives.

Diverse Generations

The list spans generations, from 27-year-old Tanay Tandon, co-founder and CEO of Commure, to 84-year-old industrialist Gopichand Hinduja. First-generation entrepreneurs account for 57% of the honorees, with professionals and inheritors making up the rest.

Industry Insights

The software and services sector dominates the list with 87 entrants, followed by financial services (24) and healthcare (21). Nearly 73 unicorn startups have been founded by members of the Indian diaspora, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit.

Educational Background

Indian institutions like IIT Madras stand out as top undergraduate alma maters, producing 14 leaders on the list, while Stanford University leads postgraduate choices with 20 alumni. Anas Rahman Junaid, founder and chief researcher of Hurun India, emphasized the pivotal role of quality Indian education, noting that 62% of the leaders studied in India, with a significant number graduating from IITs.

Rich List Highlights

Among NRIs, LN Mittal and family top the wealth rankings with a net worth of Rs 1,84,500 crore, followed by Gopichand Hinduja and family at Rs 1,78,600 crore. The list features 226 CEOs, Managing Directors, and Founders leading 200 companies outside India.

This year’s HSBC Hurun Global Indians List serves as a testament to the global influence of Indian-origin leaders across industries, generations, and geographies.