Azim Premji

$8.31 B

Ranked #404 in World

About Azim Premji

Azim Premji, renowned as the "Czar of the Indian IT Industry" and philanthropist, has made indelible marks in technology and education. Born on July 24, 1945, Premji transformed Wipro Limited from a cooking oil company to a software behemoth. Conferred with India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, he commits significantly to his foundation, dedicated to enhancing education in India. Despite his philanthropy, Premji faced legal allegations of corruption in 2022.

Born

July 24, 1945

Age

80 years

Source Of Wealth

Software Services

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

India

Residence

Bangalore

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Stanford University

Azim Hashim Premji was born on July 24, 1945, in Bombay, India. He comes from a Khoja Ismaili Muslim, Shia Islam family with roots in Gujarat. His father, Muhammad Hashim Premji, was a prominent businessman known as the "Rice King of Burma." Azim Premji holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Stanford University.

Azim Premji: Family

Azim Premji is married to Yasmeen Premji, and they have two children together, Rishad and Tariq.

Azim Premji: Career Highlights

In 1945, Azim Premji's father incorporated Western Indian Vegetable Products Ltd, which manufactured cooking oil and laundry soap. After his father's death in 1966, Azim Premji returned from Stanford at the age of 21 to take charge of Wipro. He diversified the company from hydrogenated oil manufacturing into various sectors, including bakery fats, toiletries, hair care soaps, baby toiletries, lighting products, and hydraulic cylinders.

In the 1980s, Azim Premji made a strategic shift by moving the company's focus from soaps to software, capitalizing on the opportunity created by IBM's expulsion from India. He changed the company's name to Wipro and ventured into the high-technology sector, collaborating with Sentinel Computer Corporation to manufacture minicomputers.

Azim Premji: Companies

Azim Premji is associated with the following companies:

Wipro Limited
Azim Premji Foundation
Wipro Enterprises Limited
Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting
Wipro Infotech

Azim Premji: Major Achievements

Azim Premji's major achievements include:

Guided Wipro through four decades of diversification and growth, transforming it into a global leader in the software industry.
Recognized as one of the most powerful men in the world by Asiaweek and listed among the 100 most influential people by Time magazine.
Served as the Chancellor of Azim Premji University in Bangalore.
Conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.

Azim Premji: Awards & Achievements

Azim Premji has received numerous awards and recognitions, including:

Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India.

Honorary doctorates from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Wesleyan University, and Mysore University.
Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, the highest French civilian distinction.
Recognized as one of the "Greatest Entrepreneurs" by Business Week.
Ranked 9th in India's 50 Most Powerful People list by India Today magazine.
Cited as one of the "Heroes of Philanthropy" in the Asia-Pacific region by Forbes magazine.

Azim Premji: Personal Life & Legacy

Azim Premji is known for his philanthropic endeavors. He founded the Azim Premji Foundation in 2001, focusing on improving school education in India. He has pledged billions of dollars to the foundation, making it one of the largest philanthropic initiatives in the country. Premji has also collaborated with research institutions to enhance testing infrastructure during the coronavirus pandemic and joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate most of his wealth to charitable causes.

Azim Premji: Trivia

Azim Premji is often referred to as the "Czar of the Indian IT Industry" due to his significant contributions to the sector.

In 2022, legal proceedings were initiated against Azim Premji for alleged corruption.

Wealth History

Timeline

July 24, 1945

Azim Hashim Premji is born in Bombay, India.

1945

Azim Premji's father incorporates Western Indian Vegetable Products Ltd, manufacturing cooking oil and laundry soap.

1966

Azim Premji returns from Stanford to take charge of Wipro after his father's death.

1980s

Wipro shifts its focus from soaps to software, capitalizing on the vacuum left by IBM's expulsion from India.

2001

Azim Premji founds the Azim Premji Foundation, focusing on improving school education in India.

2010

Azim Premji pledges $2 billion to the Azim Premji Foundation, the largest donation of its kind in India.

2015

Azim Premji donates more than 25% of his personal wealth to charity and gives away an additional 18%.

2017

Azim Premji is ranked 9th in India's 50 Most Powerful People list by India Today magazine.

2018

Azim Premji is conferred with Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, the highest French civilian distinction.

2019

Azim Premji commits an additional 34% of his Wipro stock to the Azim Premji Foundation, bringing the total endowment to $21 billion.

2020

Azim Premji tops the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List for his generous donations.

2021

Azim Premji again tops the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List for his generous donations.

2022

Legal proceedings are initiated against Azim Premji for alleged corruption.

Azim Premji : FAQs

What is Azim Premji's current net worth?

Azim Premji's current net worth is $8.31 billion.

What is Azim Premji's current global rank among billionaires?

Azim Premji holds the 404th position globally among billionaires.

What is Azim Premji's current ranking within the India?

Azim Premji holds the 18th position in India.

What was the change in Azim Premji's net worth compared to the previous year?

Azim Premji's net worth decreased by 2.39 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 10.71 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Azim Premji's net worth?

Azim Premji's net worth decreased by 8.71 million dollars recently, a 0.1% decrease, with his net worth standing at 8.31 billion dollars.

What are Azim Premji's main sources of wealth?

Azim Premji's main source of income comes from Software Services.

In which industry does Azim Premji primarily operate?

Azim Premji is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is Azim Premji educational background?

Azim Premji holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Stanford University.

How old is Azim Premji?

Azim Premji is 80 years old.

How many children does Azim Premji have?

Azim Premji has 2 children.

Who is Azim Hashim Premji and what is his significance in the Indian IT industry?

Azim Hashim Premji, born on July 24, 1945, in Bombay, India, is a renowned Indian businessman and philanthropist. Referred to as the 'Czar of the Indian IT Industry,' he transformed Wipro Limited into a global leader in software development throughout his four-decade tenure as chairman.

What led to Azim Premji's recognition in the business world and what awards has he received?

Azim Premji's strategic direction in shifting Wipro from consumer goods to software in the 1980s earned him global acclaim. Business Week listed him as one of the 'Greatest Entrepreneurs.' He was conferred prestigious awards like the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the French civilian award, Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur.

How has Azim Premji contributed to philanthropy and education in India?

Azim Premji established the Azim Premji Foundation in 2001, committing over $21 billion to improve school education in India. He's also joined the Giving Pledge and continuously donates a significant portion of his wealth, topping the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List for his substantial contributions.

What was the controversy surrounding Azim Premji in 2022 and its impact?

In 2022, Azim Premji faced legal proceedings due to allegations of corruption. While the specific impacts of this event on his reputation or his business interests are not detailed, such legal matters can generate scrutiny and challenge a business leader's credibility.