Group Chairman

Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, patriarch of the US$ 4.2 billion Hero Group, was born in 1923, in Kamalia, now in Pakistan. Born into a simple, God fearing family, his early stint at Gurukul at the age of five gave him the priceless set of values – simplicity, honesty, highest integrity, sense of fairness – all the credos which have been an inseparable part of his life. After completing formal education, he had the opportunity of working with top Army brass in Ordinance where he gained the confidence of working in a systematic, disciplined organization – this experience was to prove invaluable throughout his working life.

After partition, he along with his three brothers started a bicycle component manufacturing unit in Ludhiana, Punjab. A true entrepreneur, he was restless till he began manufacturing complete bicycles, setting up Hero Cycles factory in 1956 to produce 25 bicycles per day (now producing approx. 17,000 bicycles per day). His relationship skills together with people orientation and a strong customer focus saw Hero Cycles become world’s largest bicycle producer in 1986, a position it has held since then.

In 1984, Hero signed a joint venture with Honda of Japan to launch Hero Honda Motors Ltd. This company heralded the 2-wheeler revolution in India, became world’s largest 2-wheeler company in 2001 and continues to hold that position. Today, more than 15 million satisfied Hero Honda customers bear testimony to Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal’s philosophy – create a judicious world class blend of performance, quality, cost and service, reinforce it with mutually beneficial relationships and you will always come up with a winner.

Today, Hero Group straddles Indian industrial landscape, recording benchmark growth rates, 20 companies in diverse fields including auto parts, bicycles, motorcycles, education, BPO, IT software etc. Two companies, Hero Cycles and Hero Honda are world leaders. The Group excels in business practices, and Hero Honda is rated highest in corporate governance – all under the careful eye of Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal who, in his capacity as Chairman, Hero Group, lends his humane touch to mentor and guide the associates towards greater achievements and success. Dr. Munjal has also nurtured the growth of a large number of world-class suppliers and ancillaries (including several former employees) who are leaders in their respective sectors today. The Hero Group completed its Golden Jubilee year in 2006 marked by sales of over 100 million bicycles and 15 million motorcycles.

His contribution towards institution building is reflected in his founding the Ludhiana Aviation Club and Ludhiana Stock Exchange. He is the President of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, for over three decades and has nurtured it to its current standing as one of the country’s premier medical colleges.

Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal has been a great philanthropist. Under his guidance, the Group operates several charitable trusts, schools and hospitals, adult education programs, vocational training for rural women, mobile medical facilities for remote villages etc. Dr. Munjal has been long associated with Business Management education in India and is presently Member, Board of Governors, Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon.

Dr. Munjal has also been active in field of social development, being an active Rotarian, a Rotary District Governor and a member of Rotary International Committees.

Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal has held positions on various prestigious bodies like President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), President of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). He has been closely associated with banking and finance as a Director on the Board of Punjab National Bank and a member of Local Board of Reserve Bank of India. He is also on the Board of several companies and institutions besides contributing to state and national level policy formulation by being designated on to several Government committees.

There have been numerous accolades and recognitions conferred on Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal. The prominent ones are:

• Honorary Membership – Indian Institution of Industrial Engineering Award (1992)
• The Businessman of the Year (1994) – Business India
• National Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Indian Small Scale Industry by President of India (1995)
• Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Industrial Peace (2000) – XLRI
• Entrepreneur of the Year (2001) – Ernst & Young
• Entrepreneur of the Year (2002) – Business Standard
• Lifetime Achievement Award for Management (2003) – All India Management Association
• Degree of “Doctor of Letters” Honoris Causa (2004) – Banaras Hindu University

Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, was conferred the Padma Bhushan by the Indian Government recognizing his contribution to Trade and Industry in 2005. The award was presented by the President of India on the Republic Day (January 26) in 2005. The Padma Bhushan is awarded to recognize distinguished service of a high order to the nation.

Dr. Munjal’s life’s guiding principles - hard work, timeless values and concern for people - are an inspiration to the people of modern India. He has generously shared his success with all associates – suppliers, employees, dealers and stakeholders.

Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal’s life has been that of a karmyogi - a first generation entrepreneur who succeeded in touching the lives of millions of ordinary Indians by giving them affordable mobility