Ravi Pillai

$4.17 B

Ranked #995 in World

About Ravi Pillai

Indian entrepreneur B. Ravi Pillai, born in Kerala on September 2, 1953, has built a formidable global business empire, with the RP Group helming the ranks and a net worth of US$3.1 billion as of May 2023. From humble beginnings with a chit fund in Kollam, Pillai's foray into engineering contracts led him to Saudi Arabia where he founded Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation, pivotal to RP Group's success. His expansive business interests now cover construction, hospitality, and healthcare, earning him prestigious recognitions such as the Padma Shri. Currently residing in Dubai, Pillai's family events, including his daughter's high-profile wedding, have garnered significant media attention.

Born

September 02, 1953 in Chavara, Kollam, Kerala, India

Age

72 years

Source Of Wealth

Construction

Industries

Construction & Engineering

Citizenship

India

Residence

Dubai

Spouse

Geetha Pillai

Children

B. Ravi Pillai was born on September 2, 1953, in Chavara, Kollam, Kerala, India. He graduated with a degree in Commerce from the University of Cochin. During his university days, he started his first business, a chit fund in Kollam.

Ravi Pillai: Family

B. Ravi Pillai is married to Geetha, and they reside in Dubai, UAE. They have two children: Ganesh Ravi Pillai (son) and Dr. Arathi Ravi Pillai (daughter). In 2015, he hosted an extravagant wedding for his daughter, which reportedly cost ₹55 crores ($7.5 million). In September 2021, his son Ganesh Pillai married Anjana Suresh.

Ravi Pillai: Career Highlights

B. Ravi Pillai started his career by establishing an engineering contract business in Kerala, working for major industrial houses. However, he faced a labor strike and was forced to close down his business. This led him to move to Saudi Arabia in 1978, where he established Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation (NSH). NSH grew to become the flagship company of the RP Group.

Pillai expanded his business to other countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. His business interests span various industries, including construction, hospitality, steel, cement, and oil and gas. He owns RP Mall in Kollam city and has stakes in several hotels in Kerala. Additionally, he is involved in healthcare through Upasana Hospital and Research Centre in Kollam.

Ravi Pillai: Companies

B. Ravi Pillai is the founder and chairman of the RP Group, a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, UAE. The RP Group has a diverse portfolio of companies operating in various industries, including construction, hospitality, steel, cement, and oil and gas.

Ravi Pillai: Major Achievements

B. Ravi Pillai has achieved remarkable success in business and has been recognized for his contributions. Some of his major achievements include:

Honorary doctorate from Excelsior College, New York.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Government of India in 2008.

Padma Shri civilian honor by the Government of India in 2010.
Ranked as the fourth most powerful Indian in the Middle East by Arabian Business in 2015.

Ravi Pillai: Awards & Achievements

B. Ravi Pillai has received numerous awards and recognitions for his business acumen and contributions to society. These include:

Honorary doctorate from Excelsior College, New York.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Government of India in 2008.
Padma Shri civilian honor by the Government of India in 2010.
Ranked as the fourth most powerful Indian in the Middle East by Arabian Business in 2015.

Ravi Pillai: Personal Life & Legacy

B. Ravi Pillai is known for his philanthropic endeavors and contributions to various social causes. He has established educational institutions and hospitals in India and has been involved in numerous charitable activities. He is also a patron of the arts and has supported various cultural initiatives.

Ravi Pillai: Trivia

B. Ravi Pillai's net worth is estimated at US$3.1 billion as of May 2023.
He is often referred to as the "King of Steel" due to his extensive business interests in the steel industry.
Pillai is known for his luxurious lifestyle and has a collection of luxury cars and properties around the world.
He is an avid art collector and has a private art gallery in his residence in Dubai.

Wealth History

Timeline

September 2, 1953

B. Ravi Pillai was born in Chavara, Kollam, Kerala, India.

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Graduated with a degree in Commerce from the University of Cochin.

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Started his first business, a chit fund in Kollam, during university.

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Started an engineering contract business in Kerala, working for major industrial houses.

1978

Faced a labor strike and closed down his business, leading him to move to Saudi Arabia.

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Established Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation (NSH) in Saudi Arabia, which grew to become the flagship company of RP Group.

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Expanded business to other countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

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Interests in construction, hospitality, steel, cement, and oil and gas industries.

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Owns RP Mall in Kollam city and has stakes in hotels in Kerala.

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Involved in healthcare through Upasana Hospital and Research Centre in Kollam.

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Received an honorary doctorate from Excelsior College, New York.

2008

Awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Government of India.

2010

Conferred with the Padma Shri civilian honor by the Government of India.

2015

Ranked as the fourth most powerful Indian in the Middle East by Arabian Business.

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Married to Geetha, living in Dubai, UAE.

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Has two children: Ganesh Ravi Pillai (son) and Dr. Arathi Ravi Pillai (daughter).

2015

Hosted an expensive wedding for his daughter, costing ₹55 crores ($7.5 million).

September 2021

Son Ganesh Pillai married Anjana Suresh.

Ravi Pillai : FAQs

What is Ravi Pillai's current net worth?

Ravi Pillai's current net worth is $4.17 billion.

What is Ravi Pillai's current global rank among billionaires?

Ravi Pillai holds the 995th position globally among billionaires.

What is Ravi Pillai's current ranking within the India?

Ravi Pillai holds the 44th position in India.

What was the change in Ravi Pillai's net worth compared to the previous year?

Ravi Pillai's net worth increased by 50.86 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 4.12 billion dollars.

What are Ravi Pillai's main sources of wealth?

Ravi Pillai's main source of income comes from Construction.

In which industry does Ravi Pillai primarily operate?

Ravi Pillai is primarily involved in the Construction & Engineering industry.

How old is Ravi Pillai?

Ravi Pillai is 72 years old.

How many children does Ravi Pillai have?

Ravi Pillai has 2 children.

What are some key milestones in B. Ravi Pillai's early life and his first business venture?

B. Ravi Pillai graduated with a degree in Commerce from the University of Cochin and started his first business, a chit fund in Kollam, while he was still at university.

How did B. Ravi Pillai's career progression lead to the establishment of RP Group?

After a labor strike led to the closure of his business in Kerala, B. Ravi Pillai moved to Saudi Arabia in 1978 and established Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation, which became the flagship company of RP Group, with expansions in various countries and industries.

What recognitions has B. Ravi Pillai received for his contributions?

B. Ravi Pillai has received multiple accolades including an honorary doctorate from Excelsior College, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and Padma Shri civilian honor from the Government of India, and was ranked as the fourth most powerful Indian in the Middle East by Arabian Business in 2015.

Can you provide insights into B. Ravi Pillai's personal life and his family?

B. Ravi Pillai is married to Geetha, resides in Dubai, UAE, and has two children. His daughter's expensive wedding in 2015 became notable, and his son Ganesh Pillai married Anjana Suresh in September 2021.