Nikhil Nanda: A Legacy Leader Steering Escorts Kubota into the Future
Nikhil Nanda: A Legacy Leader Steering Escorts Kubota into the Future
Nikhil Nanda, Chairman and Managing Director of Escorts Kubota Limited, is redefining industrial leadership in India. Blending deep family heritage with cutting-edge corporate strategy, he is guiding one of India’s premier engineering firms toward global relevance and technological innovation.
From Film Royalty to Corporate Boardrooms
Nanda’s lineage is deeply rooted in Indian cinema—he is the maternal grandson of the legendary Raj Kapoor and the son of Ritu Nanda. His marriage to Shweta Bachchan, daughter of Bollywood icons Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, further links him to the industry’s most celebrated families. He is also the cousin of leading Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Karisma Kapoor. His children, Navya Naveli and Agastya Nanda, are emerging voices in the fields of entrepreneurship and entertainment.
Strategic Alliances and Business Expansion
In 2021, Nanda spearheaded a key partnership with Japan’s Kubota Corporation, a move that redefined the company’s future. The collaboration led to the formation of Escorts Kubota Limited in 2022, a brand now at the forefront of agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and railway component innovation. This alliance positioned the company for stronger global outreach and technological progress.
Educational Foundation and Career Trajectory
Nanda’s early education at The Doon School in Dehradun laid the groundwork for his academic excellence. He later attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he specialized in business management with a focus on finance and marketing. In 1997, he entered Escorts Limited as Director and Group Chief Operating Officer. His sharp business acumen led to his promotion to Joint Managing Director in 2007, and then Managing Director in 2013. After the passing of his father, Rajan Nanda, he stepped up as Chairman and Managing Director in 2018.
Business Impact and Market Leadership
Escorts Kubota Limited, under Nanda’s stewardship, has seen remarkable growth. As of 2025, the company boasts a market capitalization of over ₹42,000 crore. This growth is anchored in operational excellence, a diversified product portfolio, and a consistent commitment to innovation—key attributes of Nanda’s leadership philosophy.
A Legacy Reimagined
What sets Nikhil Nanda apart is his ability to honor tradition while championing change. As he balances his family’s illustrious legacy with a clear-eyed vision for the future, he has emerged as a compelling example of leadership that fuses culture, strategy, and resilience. His journey continues to inspire a new generation of business leaders navigating the modern landscape.
