Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd and Adani Cement Ltd, has been named Business Leader of the Year at the 2026 Managing India Awards, organised by the All India Management Association (AIMA).
The award was presented during AIMA’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, commemorating the organisation’s 70th Foundation Day and 20th National Management Day. The grand ceremony was held at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi and brought together top business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts.
Karan Adani Dedicates Award to Adani Group Employees
Expressing gratitude, Karan Adani dedicated the honour to the employees of the Adani Group.
“Truly humbled for this award. I dedicate this award to the employees of the Adani Group. They are working day and night—this is truly their award,” he said.
He also thanked his family for their guidance and support.
“I want to thank my father—I keep learning from him every day. I also thank my mother, from whom I learned compassion and honesty. I thank my three brothers; we work together to take our father’s legacy forward. And my wife and daughter who constantly push me to become a better human being,” he added.
Event Highlights and Citation
The event focused on discussions around sustaining India’s economic growth amid global challenges. The citation for Karan Adani’s award was read by Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman and Managing Director of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd.
The AIMA Managing India Awards, instituted in 2010, recognise excellence across business, media, arts, and social sectors.
Other Key Winners at AIMA Managing India Awards 2026
- Entrepreneur of the Year:
Aravind Sanka, Pavan Guntupalli, and SR Rishikesh (Rapido) - Director of the Year:
Mohit Suri (Saiyaara) - Outstanding Contribution to Journalism:
Rahul Kanwal (NDTV) - Outstanding PSU of the Year:
Cochin Shipyard Limited (Award received by Harikrishnan S) - Transformational Business Leader of the Year:
V Vaidyanathan (IDFC FIRST Bank) - Young Business Leader of the Year:
Ananya Birla (Svatantra Microfin, Birla Cosmetics, Aditya Birla Group) - AIMA Excellence Award:
Sunil Kant Munjal (Hero Enterprise) - MNC in India of the Year:
Micron Technology (Award received by Sanjay Mehrotra) - Indian MNC of the Year:
Motherson Group (Award received by Vivek Chaand Sehgal) - Lifetime Contribution to Media:
Vineet Jain (Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd) - Lifetime Contribution Award:
Harsh Mariwala (Marico Ltd) - Business Leader of the Decade:
Sunil Bharti Mittal (Bharti Enterprises)