Roshni Nadar Malhotra, India’s richest woman and the first female chairperson of a listed Indian IT company, exemplifies visionary leadership in the modern era. From her early career in global media to becoming the driving force behind HCL Technologies, she has redefined what it means to lead with purpose. 

Armed with sharp business acumen and a deep commitment to social change, she continues to expand her father's legacy while making her own mark through bold decisions, strategic investments, and impactful philanthropy. Her journey is a remarkable blend of power, purpose, and quiet determination—proof that legacy is not just inherited, but earned and elevated.

Early Life and Education

Roshni Nadar Malhotra was born in 1982 as the only child of Shiv Nadar, the legendary founder of HCL Technologies, and Kiran Nadar, a renowned art collector and philanthropist. Raised in an environment where business innovation and philanthropy were core values, Roshni developed a strong foundation early on. 

She attended Vasant Valley School in Delhi and later pursued her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from Northwestern University in the United States.

With a deep interest in media and storytelling, she began her professional journey in the world of broadcast journalism. She further refined her business acumen by earning an MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management, specializing in Social Enterprise Management and Strategy.

From Media Producer to Corporate Leader

Roshni began her career working as a news producer with major international media houses like CNN America, Sky News UK, and CNBC. Despite building a solid career in media, she felt a strong responsibility to contribute to her family’s legacy. In 2009, she made a major career shift by joining HCL Corporation, the holding company of HCL Technologies. 

Her transition was swift and impactful—within just a year, she was appointed as the Executive Director and CEO of HCL Corporation. Her entry into the business world was not just about family succession; it marked the beginning of a new leadership era for HCL.

Breaking Barriers in HCL Technologies

In July 2020, Roshni Nadar achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to chair a listed Indian IT company—HCL Technologies. Under her leadership, the company maintained its reputation as one of India’s top IT giants while continuing to expand globally. 

She has been credited with driving growth in emerging markets like Australia and New Zealand, and reinforcing HCL’s presence in established regions like the United States and the UK. Roshni’s leadership philosophy is grounded in performance, accountability, and long-term impact, and she is widely respected for her vision and commitment to sustainable business practices.

Net Worth and Corporate Valuation

Roshni’s financial rise has been extraordinary. In March 2025, her father Shiv Nadar transferred a massive 47% stake in Vama Sundari Investments and HCL Corporation to her. This move made her the largest shareholder in the group’s core business entities and significantly boosted her net worth. 

According to the Hurun Global Rich List 2025, Roshni Nadar’s estimated net worth stands at ?3.5 lakh crore (approximately US $42 billion), placing her as the richest woman in India and the fifth-richest woman globally. Her financial ascent is a reflection not just of inherited wealth, but of strategic vision, consolidation, and performance-driven leadership.

Philanthropy and Social Contributions

In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Roshni is deeply involved in philanthropic work. She is the chairperson of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, one of India’s largest non-profit institutions focused on transformative education. The foundation runs flagship initiatives like Shiv Nadar University, VidyaGyan Leadership Academy, and Shiv Nadar Schools, which are dedicated to nurturing talent among underprivileged communities. 

She also founded The Habitats Trust, which is focused on wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. Through these ventures, Roshni has championed causes ranging from education reform to biodiversity protection, proving that corporate success can go hand in hand with meaningful social impact.

Investments and Interests

Though Roshni is not publicly known for making high-profile venture capital investments, she has reportedly shown interest in strategic assets, including a potential stake in the IPL team Chennai Super Kings. However, her core focus remains on expanding and consolidating the HCL business empire. 

Her financial decisions are conservative yet impactful, guided by long-term value creation rather than short-term speculation. She continues to oversee HCL’s growth while nurturing the foundation and environmental initiatives with equal passion and dedication.

Global Recognition and Awards

Roshni Nadar’s achievements have earned her a place among the world’s most powerful and influential women. She has consistently featured in Forbes’ list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women—ranked 54th in 2019 and 60th in 2023. 

She has also been honored by numerous Indian and international institutions for her leadership in business, education, and philanthropy. Her unique approach to leadership—combining humility, strategic foresight, and a results-driven mindset—has set her apart in the global corporate landscape.

Leadership Vision and Philosophy

Roshni Nadar leads with a quiet strength. Unlike traditional corporate leaders who rely on aggressive public presence, Roshni believes in silent impact. She often speaks about the importance of legacy, empathy, and institution building. For her, leadership is about creating systems and structures that empower people long after the founder is gone. Her focus is on building institutions that are ethical, scalable, and sustainable.

Key Milestones in Her Journey

In 2009, she joined HCL Corporation and quickly rose to CEO within a year.

By 2013, she became Vice Chairperson of HCL Technologies’ board.

In 2020, she made history as the first woman to chair an Indian IT company.

In 2025, she received a 47% stake in group companies, cementing her role as the largest shareholder.

She reached a net worth of ?3.5 lakh crore in 2025, becoming India’s richest woman and a global billionaire icon.

A Legacy Reimagined

Roshni Nadar Malhotra’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and quiet power. She took on the immense responsibility of a tech legacy and elevated it with her own values and ideas. By blending business leadership with philanthropy and a clear moral compass, she has become a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and change-makers. Roshni’s story proves that true legacy isn’t just inherited—it’s built with purpose, shaped with intention, and lived with impact.