Roshni Nadar Malhotra is a name synonymous with innovation, leadership, and philanthropy in India. As the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, a leading global IT services company, and the CEO of HCL Corporation, she has broken barriers as the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India. Born into the illustrious Nadar family, Roshni is the only child of Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL, and has emerged as one of India’s most influential businesswomen.
Early Life and Family Background
Roshni Nadar Malhotra was born in 1982 in Delhi, India, into a Tamil Hindu family renowned for its entrepreneurial legacy. Her father, Shiv Nadar, is a billionaire industrialist and philanthropist who founded HCL in 1976, transforming it from a garage startup into a global IT powerhouse. Her mother, Kiran Nadar, is a celebrated art collector, philanthropist, and founder of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. As the only child of Shiv and Kiran Nadar, Roshni was raised in a nurturing environment that emphasized education, ambition, and social responsibility.
Growing up in Delhi, Roshni was exposed to a blend of business acumen and cultural richness. Her father’s relentless drive to build HCL and her mother’s passion for art and philanthropy shaped her worldview. These influences instilled in her a sense of purpose and resilience, qualities that would later define her leadership at HCL Technologies.
Education: Building a Strong Foundation
Roshni Nadar’s educational journey reflects her commitment to excellence and versatility. She completed her schooling at Vasant Valley School in Delhi, where she excelled academically and developed an interest in communication and media. After high school, she pursued higher education in the United States, enrolling at Northwestern University in Illinois. There, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, with a focus on Radio, Television, and Film, laying the groundwork for her early career in media.
Determined to enhance her business acumen, Roshni went on to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Her MBA focused on Social Enterprise Management and Strategy, reflecting her interest in combining business success with social impact. At Kellogg, she distinguished herself, earning the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award for her contributions. In 2023, she was also honored with the Schaffner Award by Kellogg for her societal impact, underscoring her leadership both within and beyond the corporate sphere.
Early Career: From Media to HCL
Before stepping into the family business, Roshni Nadar explored a career in media, leveraging her undergraduate degree in Communications. She worked as a news producer at renowned international media outlets, including CNN America and Sky News UK. These experiences honed her skills in storytelling, communication, and strategic thinking—attributes that would later prove invaluable in her corporate leadership roles.
In 2007, at the suggestion of her father, Shiv Nadar, Roshni decided to pursue an MBA to gain a deeper understanding of business fundamentals. Following her graduation from Kellogg, she joined HCL Corporation in 2009 at the age of 28. Her entry into the family business marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would see her rise to the top echelons of India’s IT industry.
Rise at HCL: From Executive Director to Chairperson
Roshni Nadar’s ascent within HCL was swift and impactful. Within a year of joining HCL Corporation, she was appointed Executive Director and CEO in 2009. In this role, she played a pivotal part in shaping the strategic direction of the holding company, which oversees all entities of the HCL Group. Her leadership focused on innovation, diversification, and strengthening HCL’s global presence.
On July 17, 2020, Roshni made history when she was named Chairperson of HCL Technologies, succeeding her father, Shiv Nadar, who stepped down from the role. This transition marked a significant milestone, as she became the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India. With a market capitalization exceeding $55 billion (as of 2025), HCL Technologies is a global leader in IT services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, serving clients across industries such as financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.
Under Roshni’s leadership, HCL Technologies has continued to thrive, leveraging emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions to drive growth. Her strategic vision emphasizes sustainable growth, employee empowerment, and client-centric innovation. She also chairs the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Board Committee at HCLTech, spearheading initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Philanthropy: A Commitment to Social Impact
Beyond her corporate achievements, Roshni Nadar is a passionate philanthropist dedicated to creating a positive societal impact. She is a Trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, established by her father in 1994 to transform India’s educational landscape. The foundation has invested over $1.5 billion in nation-building initiatives, including institutions like Shiv Nadar University, SSN College of Engineering, and the Shiv Nadar School.
Roshni is the Chairperson of VidyaGyan Leadership Academy, a flagship initiative of the Shiv Nadar Foundation that provides world-class education to economically underprivileged rural students in Uttar Pradesh. Since its inception, VidyaGyan has empowered thousands of meritorious students, nurturing them into future leaders who can uplift their communities. In 2023, VidyaGyan received the Children’s Champion Award from the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) for its transformative work.
Her passion for wildlife and conservation led her to establish The Habitats Trust in 2018. The trust works to protect India’s natural habitats and indigenous species through grants, partnerships, and conservation programs. Roshni has also produced a television series, "On The Brink," for Animal Planet/Discovery, highlighting endangered wildlife species in India. The episode on bats won the Best Indian National Film Award in the Science & Technology category in 2022.
Personal Life: Family and Interests
Roshni Nadar married Shikhar Malhotra, a businessman and Vice Chairman of HCL Healthcare, in November 2010. The couple has two sons, Armaan (born in 2013) and Jahaan (born in 2017). Shikhar is also a trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation and serves as Pro-Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University, complementing Roshni’s efforts in business and philanthropy.
Despite her high-profile career, Roshni remains a private individual with a deep appreciation for classical music, yoga, and travel. She is a trained classical musician, a passion that reflects her multifaceted personality. Her commitment to fitness and mindfulness through yoga aligns with her holistic approach to leadership and personal well-being.
Achievements and Recognitions
Roshni Nadar Malhotra’s contributions to business and philanthropy have earned her numerous accolades. In 2024, she was conferred the "Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur" (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by France, the country’s highest civilian award, recognizing her efforts in strengthening Indo-French economic ties and her commitment to sustainability. She has been featured on Forbes’ "The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women" list for seven consecutive years, ranking 60th in 2023. Forbes also named her among the "25 Most Powerful Businesswomen in Asia" in 2020.
In India, she has been honored with awards such as the NDTV Young Philanthropist of the Year (2014), Vogue India Philanthropist of the Year (2017), and Business Today’s "Most Powerful Women in Business" (2023). She received the Lewis Institute Community Changemaker Award from Babson College in 2017 and was named "Indian Business Leader of the Year" by Horasis in 2019.
According to the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List (2019), Roshni is the richest woman in India, with an estimated net worth of $42 billion as of October 2024, per Forbes. Her wealth is tied to her leadership of HCL and her family’s legacy, making her one of the world’s richest individuals.
Legacy and Impact
Roshni Nadar Malhotra’s journey from a media professional to the Chairperson of HCL Technologies is a testament to her resilience, vision, and dedication. She has shattered glass ceilings in India’s male-dominated IT industry, inspiring a new generation of women leaders. Her leadership at HCL has reinforced the company’s position as a global technology leader, while her philanthropy has transformed lives through education and conservation.
Top FAQs About Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Roshni Nadar Malhotra, optimized for SEO:
1. Who is Roshni Nadar Malhotra?
Roshni Nadar Malhotra is the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, the CEO of HCL Corporation, and the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India. She is the daughter of HCL founder Shiv Nadar and India’s richest woman.
2. What is Roshni Nadar’s net worth?
As of October 2024, Roshni Nadar’s net worth is estimated at $42 billion, according to Forbes, making her the richest woman in India.
3. What is Roshni Nadar’s role at HCL?
She is the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, a global IT services company, and the CEO of HCL Corporation, the holding company of the HCL Group.
4. Is Roshni Nadar married?
Yes, Roshni Nadar is married to Shikhar Malhotra, Vice Chairman of HCL Healthcare. They wed in 2010 and have two sons, Armaan and Jahaan.
5. What is the Shiv Nadar Foundation?
The Shiv Nadar Foundation, where Roshni is a Trustee, is a philanthropic organization founded by Shiv Nadar in 1994 to promote education and leadership development in India.
6. What is VidyaGyan Leadership Academy?
VidyaGyan is an initiative chaired by Roshni Nadar that provides free, high-quality education to economically underprivileged rural students in Uttar Pradesh.
7. What is The Habitats Trust?
The Habitats Trust, founded by Roshni in 2018, is a conservation organization focused on protecting India’s natural habitats and indigenous species.
8. What awards has Roshni Nadar won?
She has received numerous awards, including the "Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur" (2024), Forbes’ "World’s 100 Most Powerful Women" listing, and the NDTV Young Philanthropist of the Year (2014).
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