Veteran industrialist BM Khaitan passes away

Veteran industrialist and Williamson Magor Group patriarch Brij Mohan Khaitandied on 1 June 2019 at his residence in Kolkata. He was 92. Khaitan is survived by his younger son Aditya and daughter Divya Jalan. Also known as the “evergreen tea man of India” globally, he had made the tea industry “Indian-owned” in the twilight era of independence.

Mr.Khaitan’s career:
Khaitan had recently resigned as nonexecutive chairman from the boards of Eveready Industries and McLeod Russel. He continued to serve as chairman emeritus in both these firms. Considered a visionary, he has left an indelible mark on the world of entrepreneurship, education, business ethics, and service to mankind. 
Khaitan developed the Williamson Magor Group as the largest tea producer in the world. After making his fortune in the tea business, he acquired the Indian business of Union Carbide, Eveready Industries, in 1993, pipping the Wadias of Bombay Dyeing in a $96.5 million deal. It was the largest corporate takeover then. His demise marks the end of an era and loss of a leader and guide for the Indian tea industry.