G. M. Rao

$3.32 B

Ranked #1241 in World

About G. M. Rao

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, a distinguished mechanical engineer and founder chairman of the GMR Group, heralds from Rajam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Since its inception in 1978, the GMR Group, under Rao's leadership, has expanded its footprint across seven countries, excelling in sectors like energy, highways, and airports. A visionary entrepreneur, Rao transformed a struggling jute mill into a cornerstone for his future ventures, including a significant partnership with ING Vysya. Rao's contributions to India's infrastructure development earned him the Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2007. Committed to societal welfare, he established the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, channeling ₹1,540 crores into charitable initiatives in 2012, underscoring his commitment to philanthropy.

Born

July 01, 1950 in Rajam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Age

75 years

Source Of Wealth

Infrastructure

Industries

Logistics

Citizenship

India

Residence

Bangalore

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Andhra University

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao was born on July 14, 1950, in Rajam, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. He graduated from Andhra University and began his career as a shift engineer in a paper mill. Later, he worked as a junior engineer in the Public Works Department of the Andhra Pradesh Government.

G. M. Rao: Family

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao comes from a humble background. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a homemaker. He has two brothers and two sisters.

G. M. Rao: Career Highlights

At his mother's insistence, Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao entered commodities trading. He acquired a failing jute mill at a bargain, which proved lucrative and allowed him to acquire other assets. He divested his stake in various industries and co-founded Vysya Bank in collaboration with ING. Later, he sold his stake in ING Vysya for 340 crores, enabling his entry into the power business.

G. M. Rao: Companies

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao is the founder chairman of the GMR Group, a global infrastructure developer and operator based in India. Established in 1978, the GMR Group is present in seven countries and operates in the energy, highways, large urban development, and airports sectors.

G. M. Rao: Major Achievements

Under Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao's leadership, the GMR Group became India's leading infrastructure asset developer. He was also appointed as the chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation in 2014.

G. M. Rao: Awards & Achievements

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao received the Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2007 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the infrastructure sector.

G. M. Rao: Personal Life & Legacy

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao is married and has two children. He is known for his philanthropic work and has established the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, the CSR arm of the GMR Group. Inspired by Warren Buffett's philanthropy, he donated ₹1,540 crores for charitable purposes in 2012. The GMR Varalakshmi Foundation focuses on developing social infrastructure and improving the quality of life in communities near GMR Group's locations.

G.
M. Rao: Trivia

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao is a voracious reader and enjoys spending time with his family. He is also an avid traveler and has visited over 50 countries.

Wealth History

Timeline

July 14, 1950

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao was born in Rajam, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

1978

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao established GMR Group, a global infrastructure developer and operator based in India.

2007

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao received the Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

2012

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao donated ₹1,540 crores for charitable purposes.

2014

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao was appointed as the chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation.

G. M. Rao : FAQs

What is G. M. Rao's current net worth?

G. M. Rao's current net worth is $3.32 billion.

What is G. M. Rao's current global rank among billionaires?

G. M. Rao holds the 1241st position globally among billionaires.

What is G. M. Rao's current ranking within the India?

G. M. Rao holds the 60th position in India.

What was the change in G. M. Rao's net worth compared to the previous year?

G. M. Rao's net worth decreased by 719.98 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 4.04 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in G. M. Rao's net worth?

G. M. Rao's net worth increased by 154.65 million dollars recently, a 4.65% increase, with his net worth standing at 3.32 billion dollars.

What are G. M. Rao's main sources of wealth?

G. M. Rao's main source of income comes from Infrastructure.

In which industry does G. M. Rao primarily operate?

G. M. Rao is primarily involved in the Logistics industry.

What is G. M. Rao educational background?

G. M. Rao holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Andhra University.

How old is G. M. Rao?

G. M. Rao is 75 years old.

How many children does G. M. Rao have?

G. M. Rao has 3 children.

Who is Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao and what is he known for?

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, born on July 14, 1950, in Andhra Pradesh, India, is a mechanical engineer and billionaire industrialist. He is recognized as the founder chairman of the GMR Group, a global infrastructure development firm active in sectors like energy, highways, and airports, known for building and operating world-class national assets.

How did Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao start his career and transition into infrastructure?

Rao began his career as a shift engineer in a paper mill and as a junior engineer in Andhra Pradesh's Public Works Department. His entrepreneurial journey started at his mother's insistence, beginning with commodities trading and then moving into acquiring and turning around a failing jute mill. This success led him to divest stakes in various industries and eventually co-found Vysya Bank, laying the groundwork for his entry into the infrastructure sector.

What are some of the significant milestones of the GMR Group under Rao's leadership?

Under Rao's leadership, the GMR Group was established in 1978 and became India's leading infrastructure asset developer with a presence in 7 countries, focusing on energy, highways, and airports. He has been recognized for his achievements with honors like the Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2007.

What impact has Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao had on charitable activities?

Rao has made significant philanthropic contributions through the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, the CSR arm of the GMR Group. Inspired by Warren Buffett, Rao donated ₹1,540 crores in 2012 for charitable purposes. The foundation is dedicated to developing social infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in communities near GMR Group's operations.

How has Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao contributed to skill development in India?

Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao has contributed to skill development by being appointed as the chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation in 2014. This role underscores his commitment to enhancing vocational skills and employment opportunities in the region, aligning with his broader charitable and social development initiatives.