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What is Gautam Adani’ Net Worth?
Gautam Adani, the founder and chairman of the Adani Group, has an estimated worth of $82.5 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in India.
Adani’s wealth has seen dramatic shifts in recent times. In 2022, he briefly became the world’s second-richest person, with his net worth peaking at around $150 billion. However, his fortune took a substantial hit in early 2023 following allegations of fraud and stock manipulation by Hindenburg Research, a US-based short-selling firm. This controversy led to a sharp decline in the stock prices of Adani Group companies, causing his net worth to plummet by more than $80 billion in a matter of weeks.
Despite this setback, Adani’s wealth has shown signs of recovery. By June 2024, he had regained significant ground, with his net worth climbing back above the $100 billion mark. This resurgence can be attributed to the rebound in Adani Group stock prices and continued expansion of his business empire across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and logistics.
It’s worth noting that a substantial portion of Adani’s wealth is tied to his holdings in the publicly traded companies of the Adani Group. The conglomerate’s aggressive expansion strategies and investments in emerging sectors like renewable energy and digital infrastructure have contributed to the growth of Adani’s personal fortune. However, this also means that his net worth remains susceptible to market fluctuations and investor sentiment towards his companies.
Here’s the breakdown of Gautam Adani’ net worth:
Name: | Gautam Adani |
Net Worth: | $82.5 billion |
Date of Birth: | Jun 24, 1962 |
Profession: | Businessperson |
If you’re curious about how we estimate a celebrity’s net worth, you can check out our methodology here.
Early Life and Education
Gautam Adani was born on June 24, 1962, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, into a middle-class Jain family. His father, Shantilal Adani, was a small textile merchant, and his mother was Shanti Adani. Adani grew up in modest circumstances as one of eight siblings, with his family having migrated from the town of Tharad in northern Gujarat in search of better economic opportunities.
Adani completed his schooling at Sheth C.N. Vidyalaya School in Ahmedabad. He then enrolled at Gujarat University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in commerce. However, his academic pursuit was short-lived, as he dropped out after the second year, driven by his strong interest in business and entrepreneurship.
Career Beginnings
Adani’s entrepreneurial career began at a young age. In 1978, at just 16 years old, he moved to Mumbai with little money in his pocket, seeking new opportunities. His initial foray into the business world came when he started working as a diamond sorter for Mahendra Brothers in Mumbai. This experience in the diamond industry lasted for about two to three years and provided him with valuable insights into trading and business operations.
In 1981, at the age of 19, Adani’s career took a significant turn when his elder brother Mansukhbhai Adani acquired a plastics unit in Ahmedabad and invited Gautam to manage its operations. This opportunity became Adani’s gateway into global trading, particularly in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) imports.
By 1985, at the age of 23, Adani had expanded his business horizons and started importing primary polymers for small-scale industries. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen were evident early on, as he managed to make his first million rupees by 1982 through diamond trading.
The pivotal moment in Adani’s career came in 1988 when he established Adani Exports, now known as Adani Enterprises. This company initially focused on agricultural and power commodities but would later become the foundation of the vast Adani Group conglomerate.
Adani Group
The Adani Group, founded by Gautam Adani in 1988, has been a significant contributor to his net worth. The conglomerate’s diverse portfolio spans multiple sectors, including energy, ports, logistics, mining, and infrastructure. As of 2024, Adani’s net worth is closely tied to the performance of the group’s various publicly listed companies.
The group’s rapid expansion and strategic acquisitions have played a crucial role in boosting Adani’s wealth. In recent years, the Adani Group has announced ambitious investment plans, further solidifying its position in the market. For instance, in June 2024, Gautam Adani revealed plans to invest over $100 billion in energy transition projects and manufacturing capabilities over the next decade. This massive investment is aimed at expanding the group’s integrated renewable energy value chain, including the production of solar panels, wind turbines, and green hydrogen electrolyzers.
The Adani Group’s focus on infrastructure development has been particularly noteworthy. The company is constructing what it claims to be the world’s largest green energy park in Khavda, Gujarat, covering 725 square kilometers and capable of generating 30 GW of renewable energy. Such large-scale projects not only contribute to the group’s growth but also have a significant impact on Adani’s personal wealth.
Sports Initiatives
While not directly contributing to his net worth in the same way as his business ventures, Gautam Adani’s involvement in sports initiatives through the Adani Group has helped enhance the conglomerate’s brand value and social impact.
The Adani Group established Adani Sportsline in 2019 as its sports arm. This initiative aims to build a world-class ecosystem that nurtures sporting talent, accelerates the sports economy, and plays an enabling role in India’s journey to become a leading sporting nation.
Some key sports initiatives by the Adani Group include:
- Garv Hai: This is a nationwide incubation program aimed at identifying and nurturing sporting talent. The program has gained significant visibility, with the Adani Group becoming the Principal Sponsor of the Indian Olympic Association.
- Sports Academies: The group has established training academies for various sports, including football, cricket, tennis, basketball, rollerskating, and skateboarding. These academies focus on nurturing sporting talent through systematic and scientific methods.
- Ahmedabad Marathon: The Adani Group organizes the annual Ahmedabad Marathon, which has become a significant event in the city’s sporting calendar.
- Adani Surguja Football Academy: This academy focuses on developing football talent, particularly in the Surguja region.
Controversies
In January 2023, Hindenburg Research accused the Adani Group of “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades”. This report led to a significant drop in Adani’s net worth, with his companies losing over $90 billion in market value.
In August 2023, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) alleged that the Adani Group used “opaque” funds to bypass rules that prevent share price manipulation. The group denied these allegations.
Adani has also been accused of benefiting from his close ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics argue this relationship has led to preferential treatment in government contracts and regulatory approvals.
Some of Adani’s projects, particularly in coal mining and power generation, have faced criticism from environmental activists due to their potential impact on climate change and local ecosystems.
Philanthropy
Established in 1996, the Adani Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Adani Group. It focuses on education, health, sustainable livelihood, and community infrastructure development.
During the pandemic, the Adani Group contributed to relief efforts, including providing medical supplies and supporting healthcare infrastructure.
In June 2022, on his 60th birthday, Adani pledged ₹60,000 crore (approximately $7.7 billion) to various social causes. This donation was channeled through the Adani Foundation.
Personal Life
Adani is married to Priti Adani, a dentist who now leads the Adani Foundation. They have two sons, Karan and Jeet, who hold executive positions within the Adani Group. Karan Adani is the CEO of Adani Ports & SEZ, while Jeet Adani is the Director of Adani Enterprises.
Even at 60, Adani reportedly works 11-12 hour days at his office, maintaining a hands-on approach to his business. He is known for his ability to make swift decisions and his relentless pursuit of business opportunities.
In January 1998, Adani and an associate were allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom. They were later released, but the circumstances remain somewhat unclear. The suspects were acquitted due to a lack of evidence.
Despite his immense wealth, Adani is known for maintaining a relatively modest lifestyle compared to other billionaires. He prefers to keep his personal life away from the media and focuses on his business and philanthropic activities.
Ashley Roberts is the founder of Real-Time Billionaires List. She founded this platform because she likes to know how much celebrities are actually making. She is always curious why these people can make much more money than the ordinary person.
With a Bachelor’s degree in finance, she is skilled at financial analysis and understands numbers related to wealth. Most of the articles on this site are edited by herself before publishing.