Harsh Mariwala is an Indian businessman, the self-made billionaire Founder and Chairman of Marico (NSE: MARICO), a major Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer. Born in Mumbai, India, in 1953, his career is rooted in his family's oil and spice trading business, Bombay Oil Industries (established by his father in 1948).

Mariwala was educated at Sydenham College in Mumbai. He joined his family's Bombay Oil Industries in 1971, where he quickly recognized a structural opportunity: the family's business-to-business model was constrained by too many family members in top management. His vision was to pivot the company into a branded consumer products venture (B2C), focusing on Parachute coconut oil and Saffola refined oil.

Harsh Mariwala founded Marico in 1990, spinning off the consumer products division from the family's original business. His strategic genius was his commitment to innovation in packaging (e.g., modernizing the Parachute brand) and aggressive marketing despite the constraints of the economic era. He overcame early challenges, even having to conduct interviews at the Royal Willingdon Sports Club because the original office was in the crowded Masjid Bunder market area.

Under his leadership, Marico achieved massive scale, becoming a Fortune India 500 company with operations in 25 countries across Asia and Africa. The company successfully executed its IPO and remains a dominant force in the health, beauty, and wellness sectors. Mariwala is a recognized leader in entrepreneurship and served as President of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) from 2004–05. His wealth is tied to the long-term, stable returns generated by his essential FMCG empire.

Harsh Mariwala's social impact is structural, stemming from Marico's role as a massive global employer and provider of essential consumer staples (hair and edible oils). The company contributes significantly to the economic stability of the regions where it operates, particularly in Asia and Africa.

His personal philanthropy supports various educational and community initiatives. His career is a testament to the profitability of entrepreneurial vision, risk-taking, and disciplined execution in the highly competitive FMCG sector.

Harsh Mariwala maintains the professional, composed style of a consumer goods executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored business suits or smart casual wear. His aesthetic is one of stability and confident authority, reflecting his mastery of global retail and branding.

Residing in Mumbai, India, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to industrial scale, brand building, and his commitment to entrepreneurial mentorship.