Shri Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao (known as G.M. Rao) is an Indian businessman, the visionary Founder Chairman of the GMR Group, a global infrastructure developer. Born in Rajam, Andhra Pradesh, Rao demonstrated leadership potential early on, emerging as a dynamic student leader during his college years at Andhra University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Rao began his entrepreneurial journey in 1978 by acquiring a jute mill in Andhra Pradesh. His early career was characterized by serial entrepreneurship (he entered and exited 28 diverse businesses) and an opportunistic approach to business building before India's economic liberalization. His defining philosophy is a steadfast commitment to nation-building through world-class infrastructure.

G.M. Rao's strategic genius was his decision to focus singularly on the core infrastructure sector after India's economic liberalization, exiting lucrative ventures like banking and sugar. The GMR Group's infrastructure journey began in 1996 with the establishment of an Independent Power Project (IPP) in Chennai, signaling his entry into the power sector.

The pivotal moment was the Group's entry into the airport sector in 2003 with the Hyderabad Airport bid. GMR quickly became a global leader in Airports, Energy, Transportation, and Urban Infrastructure, setting new benchmarks for global scale and world-class quality in national asset creation. He is a recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year award (2006–07) and has served on the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) since 2011. His wealth is tied to the long-term appreciation and cash flow generated by his essential infrastructure assets.

G.M. Rao's social impact is massive and structural, tied to GMR Group's role in creating world-class national infrastructure assets (airports, highways, power plants) that are foundational to India's economic growth. The company provides thousands of stable jobs and is a major contributor to national development.

His philanthropic arm, the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, makes a massive structural contribution to education and skill development (e.g., GMR Aviation Academy), providing opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development, with a goal to impact 1 million lives.

G.M. Rao maintains the distinguished, traditional style of an Indian industrialist. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits or traditional Indian business wear. His aesthetic is one of serious authority and stability, reflecting his role as a nation-builder.

Residing in India, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to infrastructure development, institution building, and large-scale philanthropy, guided by a vision of innovation and sustainability.