Krishan Kumar Modi
Krishan Kumar Modi (27 August 1940 – 2 November 2019), commonly known as K. K. Modi, was an Indian businessman and president of Modi Enterprises, the family conglomerate founded by his father, Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi.[1][2] Born in Patiala, Punjab, he expanded the group from its origins in sugar and textiles into a multinational empire valued at US$1.5 billion, operating in over 100 countries across diverse sectors including tobacco, agrochemicals, consumer products, retail, and education.[2][1] Under Modi's leadership, Modi Enterprises pursued aggressive global growth strategies, with flagship companies such as Godfrey Phillips India—where the family held a 26% stake in partnership with Philip Morris—and Indofil Chemicals driving significant revenue.[3][2] His hands-on management style and vision emphasized value creation beyond financial metrics, positioning the group as one of India's seventh-largest conglomerates by the early 21st century.[1][2] Modi also held influential positions in industry bodies, including presidencies of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in 1997–98, and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside board roles at the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow and the All India Heart Foundation.[1] Modi continued the family's philanthropic legacy by establishing the Modicare Foundation, which focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment, alongside broader efforts in education and social welfare through over 22 institutions serving more than 500,000 students.[1][2] His contributions to sustainable livelihoods for farmers and community development underscored a commitment to societal impact, reflecting first-principles-driven business ethics integrated with public service.[4][1]