Best CEOs of India 2013

They have led their companies with elan and vigour, ensuring high growth despite the difficult economic environment. Business Today, with knowledge support from PwC India, presents India's Best CEOs in 2013.

BEST CEO:
 
N. CHANDRASEKARAN
(Tata Consultancy Services)

"Running long distances helped me to listen better and also shed my shortcoming of being a man always in a hurry," he says.

BEST CEO: FMCG

NITIN PARANJPE
(Hindustan Unilever)

"When I tried to address my weaknesses with a straightforward frontal attack, I found my rate of success to be low. Instead, when I leveraged my strengths to overcome problems, I was far more successful and the process of change was enjoyable," he says.

BEST CEO: CORE SECTOR

AKHILESH JOSHI
(Hindustan Zinc)

"Having worked in the mines for most of my career, I did not have much knowledge of Indian and global commodity markets... I read a lot, met and spoke to analysts and investors. This helps me maximise revenue generation," says the business leader who loves listening to classical music.

BEST WOMAN CEO:

SHIKHA SHARMA
(Axis Bank)

"I remain emotional, but I use that emotion effectively," says the lady who loves watching Bollywood movies.

BEST CEO: BFSI

ADITYA PURI
(HDFC Bank)

"I believe in overcoming my weaknesses through the process of assimilation. One has to learn from the job, read, figure out what others are doing and how they are achieving results," says Puri, who relaxes by gardening.

BEST CEO: PHARMA & HEALTH CARE

K.K. SHARMA
(Lupin)

"I am still not a very sociable person but I do try to strike up conversations with people on various topics in my free time," shares Sharma. He likes cooking, especially Italian food.

BEST CEO: AUTOMOBILES

RAJIV BAJAJ
(Bajaj Auto)

After finishing mechanical engineering from Pune, he gained practical knowledge at Warwick Manufacturing Group in the UK. On his return he joined Bajaj Auto, and spent five years each in manufacturing, R&D and marketing. Sought knowledge in business books, homeopathy and yoga and adapted what he learnt to suit the specific needs of the company.

BEST CEO: AUTO ANCILLARIES

V.C. SEHGAL
Motherson Sumi Systems

"Stepping down is always a difficult decision. I realised I had to move forward and bite the bullet. I did just that and have not looked back since," says Sehgal. He has a penchant for expensive cars.

BEST CEO of an MNC:

NITIN PARANJPE
(Hindustan Unilever)

Winner in the second category this year, Paranjpe is an enthusiatic squash player.