Just as professional and just as pious and philanthropic, rooted in the same old cherished values and in synch with the global business trends, Nailesh Khimji is the fifth generation business leader of the illustrious Khimji Ramdas group.
Someone who is ever ready to rack his brain and put in place brave new ideas to shape the destiny of generation next and chart a new course for the youth of today, and someone who loathes to miss an opportunity to expand business and take it beyond the borders, Nailesh Khimji represents the best of both worlds: the fire and fervour of the young generation and the cool and clarity of the older that forms the foundation of the famed Khimji stable.
He carries the family torch with pride and passion but with a new spring in his steps and his commitment to the country and community is a shining example of one of the key family traits.
READ MORE
After studying business management in Switzerland, he interned at Procter & Gamble, before coming back to Oman to join the family business.
One of the most significant contributions that Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas, brought to the group was to change the way the business operated. He brought in professional CEOs to head each cluster. This led to shoring up efficiency and productivity and more time for directors to focus on business expansion.
He was also key to the business expanding overseas, especially to India.
When Nailesh Khimji moved from consumer products to the luxury and lifestyle cluster of the group, the KR group started the Rolex brand in India.
Keeping alive the philanthropic legacy of Khimji Ramdas, Nailesh Khimji founded Eshraqa, the CSR arm of Khimji Ramdas which focuses on making a change in people’s lives through its three key pillars: education, health and community well-being.
Eshraqa’s goals are to develop the Omani community, inspire the Omani youth and empower Omani women by providing access to training, technology and better facilities for an increased quality of life. He said;
“At Khimji Ramdas, we have an unwritten rule. Health and education are the two sectors we will never invest in for commercial gains. It has been and shall always be for the larger good of society.”
Nailesh Khimji strongly believes that entrepreneurship is a topic and a skill that needs to be taught in school from a very early age and for a nation to become economically strong, the youth should have an entrepreneurial mindset.
It is this belief which has led to the formation of Tasees — the entrepreneur mentoring platform by Eshraqa which has helped several Omani entrepreneurs attain success; and Stemazone — a STEM education platform for Omani children in the 6-16 age group, aimed at introducing them to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects and inculcating in them a scientific mindset. Nailesh Khimji has been the recipient of several awards and recognitions, and that’s a testament to the impactful work done by Eshraqa.
Besides his active involvement in the group’s operations and CSR activities, Nailesh Khimji serves on the board of the Omani-French Friendship Association. Also, he is a member of the Cultural Council of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie and a member of the Grand Prix D’horlogerie de Genève. He is also the Chapter Chairperson for the Oman chapter of the Young Presidents Organisation.
The experience he gained has given him a global perspective on business, and his aim is to help develop the Omani economy through new regional opportunities. At the same time, helping his community is what drives Nailesh Khimji to strive for a better future for Oman.
