If there’s one name that symbolizes India’s infrastructural and industrial transformation, it’s Gautam Shantilal Adani. From sorting diamonds in Mumbai to becoming a global ports-to-power tycoon, Adani’s journey is a bold tale of ambition, resilience, and diversification.
📅 Early Life & Education
Born: June 24, 1962, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Parents: Shantilal and Shantaben Adani
Education:
Sheth CN Vidyalaya School, Ahmedabad
Briefly attended Gujarat University (Commerce) — dropped out to pursue business
Raised in a middle-class Jain family, Gautam Adani was entrepreneurial from an early age. He skipped the traditional path, moving to Mumbai at 16 to work in the diamond trade before returning to Ahmedabad to help with his brother’s PVC business — a move that sowed the seeds for the Adani empire.
🏢 The Adani Group: From Trader to Titan
In 1988, Gautam Adani founded Adani Exports (now Adani Enterprises), focused on global trading. Over time, the group expanded into multiple core infrastructure sectors — ports, power, logistics, airports, renewables, and more — shaping India’s economic backbone.
🏗️ Key Milestones:
Developed Mundra Port, India’s largest private port
Launched Adani Power, one of the country’s biggest private thermal power producers
Acquired Cement giants (Ambuja & ACC) in 2022
Built Adani Green Energy into a renewable powerhouse
Forayed into airports (runs 7 major ones including Mumbai and Lucknow)
Entered media with NDTV acquisition and AMG Media
Now investing in AI, data centers, and green hydrogen
Under Adani’s leadership, the group now spans 50+ countries with interests in logistics, defense, aerospace, data parks, and beyond.
💰 Net Worth & Rankings (2025)
As of mid-2025, Gautam Adani’s net worth is estimated at ₹5.3 lakh crore (~$63 billion), making him:
#2 in India
#2 in Asia
Ranked ~25th globally (per Forbes & Bloomberg)
After a massive dip post-2023’s Hindenburg report, Adani has staged a significant recovery — though still below his 2022 peak (~$138 billion). His resurgence is driven by a renewed global focus on infrastructure, green energy, and ports.
📊 Adani Business Empire: By the Numbers
Division | Highlights |
---|---|
Adani Ports & SEZ | India’s largest private port operator; handles ~25% of India’s cargo volume |
Adani Green Energy | 20+ GW in solar and wind projects; massive green hydrogen plans |
Adani Power | Major player in thermal & renewable energy |
Adani Enterprises | Flagship firm for new ventures (data centers, defense, airports, etc.) |
Adani Wilmar | Leading FMCG brand; Fortune edible oil |
Adani Airports | Runs 7 airports, including Mumbai International Airport |
Adani Cement | 2nd largest cement producer in India |
From coal and containers to coding and clean energy, Adani’s pivot to future-ready sectors is reshaping the group’s long-term positioning.
🌟 Personal Life
Spouse: Dr. Priti Adani — dentist, philanthropist, Chairperson of Adani Foundation
Children: Karan Adani (CEO, Adani Ports) and Jeet Adani (VP, Finance – Group)
Lifestyle: Lives in Shantivan, Ahmedabad; prefers a low public profile
Philanthropy:
₹10,000 crore donation in 2025 for education, healthcare, and rural upliftment
Major COVID-19 relief contributions: medical oxygen, logistics support
The Adani Foundation is active in 18 Indian states
🚀 Vision for the Future
Gautam Adani is doubling down on futuristic, sustainable, and high-impact sectors. His vision includes:
Green Hydrogen Hub: $50 billion investment over 10 years
AI + Cloud Infra: Building hyperscale data centers with global partners
Strategic Exports: Expanding into defense manufacturing and drone technology
Sustainable Transport: Electric ports, green logistics, and EV infra
Succession Strategy: Karan and Jeet Adani actively managing key verticals
🧾 Gautam Adani: Key Profile Snapshot (2025)
Category | Details |
---|---|
Born | June 24, 1962, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
Started Career | Diamond trading business in Mumbai (late 1970s) |
Founded | Adani Group in 1988 (originally Adani Exports) |
Net Worth (2025) | ₹5.3 lakh crore (~$63 Billion USD) |
Business Focus | Ports, power, green energy, airports, logistics, FMCG, cement, data infra |
Key Companies | Adani Ports, Adani Power, Adani Green, Adani Wilmar, Adani Enterprises, Adani Airports, Ambuja Cement |
Legal Issues | 2023 Hindenburg report allegations, 2024 U.S. DOJ bribery indictment (pending) |
Family Role | Karan Adani (Ports & Infra), Jeet Adani (Finance & New Ventures) |
Residence | Shantivan, Ahmedabad |
Philanthropy | ₹10,000 crore donation (2025) via Adani Foundation; active in education, health, women empowerment |
Lifestyle | Low-profile, vegetarian, spiritual, cricket enthusiast (co-owner: Gujarat Titans IPL team) |