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Vittal Mallya was able to revive struggling businesses and turn them into profitable ventures.
While Vittal Mallya was still a student, he could spot business opportunities. (Photo Credit: X)
Vittal Mallya was a successful businessman who built his fortune by establishing a vast business empire, with a major focus on the liquor industry. He expanded his influence by leading companies like Kissan, Cadbury, Berger Paints, Hindustan Polymers, Mangalore Fertilisers, British Paints and Mysore Electro-Chemical Works. Mallya was able to revive struggling businesses and turn them into profitable ventures. His reputation placed him among India’s top industrialists, alongside names like Dhirubhai Ambani, Ratan Tata and Aditya Birla. In this article, let’s explore the career, business legacy and remarkable journey of Vijay Mallya’s father.
While Mallya was still a student, he could spot business opportunities. Born to an army doctor, Mallya’s early life in various cantonment towns exposed him to various Indian cultures, which helped him shape his perspective. While studying in Calcutta, he took his first steps into the business world by purchasing shares in United Breweries Limited. By 1947, Mallya had secured a position as the first Indian director of United Breweries.
Vittal Mallya quickly grew his empire after moving to Bangalore in 1952, where he started acquiring small breweries and distilleries. His first major acquisition was McDowell, followed by Carew & Co and Herbertsons, which helped him dominate the liquor industry. In the 60s, Mallya expanded further by taking control of Carew and Phipson. Mallya expanded into the food industry by acquiring Kissan Products in 1962. A decade later, he added Herbert Sons and Dipy’s division to his portfolio. Mallya also made a strategic move in the beer industry by obtaining a lease from the Jammu and Kashmir government for land to gain control over one of the most important ingredients in beer production.
Due to his sharp business mind, Mallya decided to enter into the pharmaceuticals, paints and consumer goods industry. His expertise led him to join the board of Cadbury India, where he became chairman. He also played a key role in leading companies like British Paints, Hindustan Polymers and Mysore Electro-Chemical Works. His business skills were tested in the 70s when the the liquor industry was. However, Mallya continued to acquire more breweries and became the leading figure in the liquor industry.
Vittal Mallya, who was married three times and had a son, Vijay Mallya, with his first wife, passed away at the age of 59.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
