Rajmohan Pillai

Dr. J. Rajmohan Pillai (born May 12 1964) is Chairman of one of India’s largest and most successful privately-held business groups. The origins of the Beta Group goes back to the early 1900s, beginning as an exporter of cashew nuts and by the mid 80s, extending global control over cashew procurement, processing and distribution through a worldwide network. Those familiar with the Group commonly refer to Dr. Pillai's family as 'cashew kings'.

Today, Dr. Pillai's Beta Group is a leading world producer and brand owner of processed and packaged foods such as Ole and Nut King. The Group also has substantial interests in sectors such as investment finance, power generation, logistics, construction and business consulting. Apart from India, Dr. Rajmohan Pillai either owns or holds a stake in a number of enterprises in the Far East, the Middle East, Europe and the USA.

Dr. Rajmohan Pillai is the author of two books on his family and business and, a doctoral thesis that chronicles the saga of the global cashew industry, tracing its history, eerie heights and splendid unpredictability.

His family is widely known for philanthropy and contributions to industry. Dr. Pillai was instrumental in establishing the KJP Research Foundation, named in honor of his late father, K. Janardhanan Pillai. The Foundation conducts research and development in the fields of cashew and other horticultural crops. He also established the Rajan Pillai Foundation in memory of his late brother and renowned international businessman, Rajan Pillai, to promote excellence in arts, sports, social sciences, and medicine, serving the cause of humanity. The Rajan Pillai Foundation institutes and presents awards to accomplished individuals in international relations, social welfare services and industry development. Dr. Pillai was an accomplished sportsman during his University years, and continues to participate when time permits.

Dr. Rajmohan Pillai has had vast managerial and on-the-ground experience in international business affairs. Prior to assuming control over his family conglomerate, he worked in senior roles at various worldwide companies, from South America to Europe and the Far East to South Asia. He is on the board of several industry organizations in India. Dr. Pillai's particular area of interest in business is identifying new opportunities for global co-operation and partnership in Indian industry.