Born: 1953 (Bangalore, Karnataka state)
Biography:
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, born on 23 March 1953 in Bangalore, Karnataka state, is an Indian billionaire entrepreneur and a pioneer in the field of biotechnology. She is the executive chairperson and founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited, a biotechnology company based in Bangalore, India.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was raised in a Gujarati family. She attended Bangalore’s Bishop Cotton Girl’s High School and graduated in 1968. She then pursued her education at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, where she studied biology and zoology. In 1973, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Bangalore University. Despite her aspirations to go to medical school, she couldn’t secure a scholarship, which led her to explore other paths.
Inspired by her father, Rasendra Mazumdar, who was the head brewmaster at United Breweries, Kiran decided to study fermentation science and train to be a brewmaster herself. She traveled to Ballarat College, Melbourne University in Australia and enrolled in the brewing course. In 1974, she became the only woman in her class and excelled, topping her class. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw earned her master brewer degree in 1975.
After completing her studies, Mazumdar-Shaw worked as a trainee brewer in Carlton and United Breweries in Melbourne. She also gained experience as a trainee maltster at Barrett Brothers and Burston in Australia. She further expanded her expertise by working as a technical consultant at Jupiter Breweries Limited in Calcutta and as a technical manager at Standard Maltings Corporation in Baroda between 1975 and 1977.
Despite her accomplishments and experience, Mazumdar-Shaw faced gender discrimination when she tried to advance her career in India. She was told that she couldn’t be hired as a master brewer because it was considered a man’s work. Undeterred, she began searching for opportunities abroad. However, before she could make the move, fate intervened.
In a fortuitous turn, Mazumdar-Shaw met Leslie Auchincloss, the founder of Biocon Biochemicals Limited, in Cork, Ireland. Auchincloss’s company specialized in producing enzymes for the brewing and food-packaging industries. Impressed by Mazumdar-Shaw’s expertise, Auchincloss offered her a position in his company. She took the opportunity and joined Biocon Biochemicals Limited.
After joining Biocon Biochemicals Limited, Mazumdar-Shaw played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a leading biotechnology firm. She recognized the potential of using biotechnology to develop medicines and saw a unique opportunity in India’s healthcare industry. In 1978, she bought out the company’s operations in India and became the founder and chairperson of Biocon Limited.
Under Mazumdar-Shaw’s leadership, Biocon Limited grew rapidly. The company focused on developing affordable drugs for chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Mazumdar-Shaw’s visionary approach and commitment to innovation propelled Biocon to become one of the top biotech companies in India and a global player in the industry.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Mazumdar-Shaw has made significant contributions to society. She has been actively involved in philanthropic initiatives, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education. In addition to her business ventures, she served as the chairperson of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, further contributing to India’s education system.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s contributions have been widely recognized and honored. In 2014, she was awarded the prestigious Othmer Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to the progress of science and chemistry. She also made it to the Financial Times’ top 50 women in business list in 2011 and was ranked as the 68th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes in 2019.
In 2020, Mazumdar-Shaw was named the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year, a testament to her exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial achievements. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, determination, and commitment to making a positive impact have made her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women in India and around the world.
Awards:
– Othmer Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to the progress of science and chemistry (2014)
– Financial Times’ top 50 women in business list (2011)
– Ranked 68th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes (2019)
– EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year (2020)