Featuring Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director, Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG)

Shrenik Ghodawat is a leader who believes in innovation, resilience, and the power of smart business decisions. As the Managing Director of Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), he has played a key role in shaping its growth across multiple industries. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from CMS, Bangalore, and a Master’s in International Business from UBI, Belgium, Shrenik joined the family business at just 19. Since then, he has brought a fresh perspective, blending modern management practices with a global outlook to drive SGG’s success.

At Ghodawat Consumer Ltd. (GCL), he leads the overall operations and strategic functions, ensuring the company stays ahead in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. His entrepreneurial spirit also led to the creation of Renom Energy Services Pvt Ltd (RENOM), a pioneering company in the renewable energy space. Under his leadership, RENOM has grown into India’s leading Operation & Maintenance (O&M) service provider, managing over 1,300 MW of renewable assets.

Shrenik’s vision extends beyond energy and consumer goods. He is also a Director at Star Air, a regional airline that has been redefining air travel in India with its on-time, comfortable, and affordable services. His passion for innovation also led him to launch Ghodawat Retail LLP in 2020, introducing Star Localmart, a retail chain focused on locally sourced and sold products.

His leadership and impact have been widely recognized, earning him prestigious honors such as “35 Under 35” by Entrepreneur India, “40 Most Influential Under 40 Indians” by Asia One, “Business Leadership Award 2021”, and “Young Business Tycoon 2021” by Times Group.

Shrenik Ghodawat’s journey is a testament to what vision, determination, and innovation can achieve. As we dive into the story of Sanjay Ghodawat Group, we’ll explore its remarkable growth and the lasting impact it continues to make in India’s business landscape.

The Legacy of Sanjay Ghodawat Group

Founded in 1993 by Mr. Sanjay Ghodawat, the Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG) is a testament to the power of ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to impact society positively. What started as a small-scale business, nurtured with relentless dedication, has today evolved into a diversified conglomerate spanning Aviation, Consumer Products, Education, Real Estate, and Retail.

Mr. Ghodawat’s entrepreneurial journey began with a hands-on approach—personally marketing products and even driving a tempo for deliveries to ensure quality and service. His vision was never just about commercial success; it was about building a business that enhances lives globally.

Over the years, SGG has transformed into a powerhouse of innovation and excellence, with each business vertical contributing to the group’s broader mission of creating meaningful change. From shaping the future of aviation with Star Air to revolutionizing consumer goods with Ghodawat Consumer Ltd., SGG continues to push boundaries, staying true to its founding principles of hard work, perseverance, and social impact.

A Diversified Portfolio: The Key Offerings of Sanjay Ghodawat Group

The Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG) has built a diverse and strategically expanding portfolio, shaping industries across multiple sectors. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, quality, and societal impact, the group continues to set new benchmarks in Aviation, Consumer Products, Education, Retail, and Real Estate.

Aviation: Connecting India’s Skies with Star Air

Launched in 2019, Star Air is redefining regional air travel in India by connecting smaller towns with affordable, convenient, and reliable services. With a strong commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, the airline has served over 1.3 million passengers across 24 destinations. Recognized for its excellence, Star Air was honored with the Best Domestic Airline (RCS) Award at Wings India 2022.

Consumer Products: Elevating Everyday Living

Under the ‘Star’ umbrella brand, Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL) offers a wide range of high-quality consumer products, from essential groceries to premium snacks. The company’s value-added brands, such as TBH (100% real vegetable snacks) and Coolberg (India’s leading non-alcoholic beer brand), have gained widespread popularity. With a presence in 250,000+ retail outlets across 120 cities, GCL also exports its products to 17+ countries, solidifying its global footprint.

Education: Nurturing Future Leaders

Since 2009, SGG has been shaping the future of education with a vision to develop responsible global citizens. The education vertical serves over 21,000 students across:

• Sanjay Ghodawat University (SGU) – A leading institution offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
• Sanjay Ghodawat International School (SGIS) – A premier K-12 institution integrating national and international curricula.
• Sanjay Ghodawat IIT & Medical Academy (SGIMA) – A specialized coaching center preparing students for IIT and medical entrance exams.
• Sanjay Ghodawat Olympiad School (SGOS) – Focused on academic excellence and talent development.

Retail: Revolutionizing Grocery Shopping with Star Localmart

Launched in 2019, Star Localmart is redefining retail by bringing a modern shopping experience to rural and semi-urban India. With 80+ stores across Maharashtra and Karnataka, the brand aims to expand to 3,000 stores in the next five years, making it India’s largest rural retail chain.

Real Estate: Creating Landmark Developments

Ghodawat Realty is synonymous with excellence in real estate, delivering premium residential and commercial projects. With 4 million+ sq. ft. completed across 7 projects, the company is actively developing 10 new projects in various stages. Through a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Ghodawat Realty is setting new industry standards.

Through visionary leadership, strategic growth, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Sanjay Ghodawat Group continues to empower industries, transform communities, and drive meaningful progress.

Recognitions & Achievements of Sanjay Ghodawat Group

The Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG) has consistently demonstrated excellence across diverse industries, earning prestigious accolades that reflect its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and societal impact. These recognitions reinforce the group’s dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and responsible business practices.

Industry Recognitions & Awards

• Star Air was honored with the Best Domestic Airline (RCS) Award at Wings India 2022, recognizing its exceptional service and commitment to regional connectivity.
• The Government of Maharashtra awarded SGG the Vanashree Puruskar for its green initiatives, including the planting of over 250,000 trees, reinforcing the group’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Academic Excellence & Educational Impact

• Sanjay Ghodawat University (SGU) secured 4th rank nationwide in the Top Emerging Engineering Institutes category as per the Times Engineering Survey 2021, highlighting its academic excellence and innovation.
• Sanjay Ghodawat International School (SGIS) has been ranked #1 in Maharashtra and Kolhapur in the Co-ed Day-cum-Boarding School category by Education World India School Rankings 2024-25. Additionally, SGIS Pune was recognized as the Top Emerging Residential School in Pune by the Times of India.

Consumer & Business Leadership

• Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL) was recognized with the Excellence in ESG Award by Navbharat (2023), honoring its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
• GCL’s flagship brand, ‘STAR,’ was named ‘Brand of the Year’ at the Times Power Brand Awards 2022, underscoring its impact in the consumer products sector.
• In 2024, GCL was awarded the Best Procurement Transformation Award at the 12th Edition Procurement Excellence Summit & Awards, organized by UBS Forums Pvt. Ltd., for its leadership in transformative and efficient procurement strategies.

Social Responsibility & Sustainability

• The Sanjay Ghodawat Foundation (SGF), the CSR arm of SGG, was honored with the Mahatma Award 2022 for its significant contributions to corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and social impact.

Through these prestigious recognitions, the Sanjay Ghodawat Group continues to inspire excellence, drive impactful change, and set new industry benchmarks.

SGG’s Vision for the Future

When discussing the long-term vision of Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director, emphasized the company’s ambition to achieve fivefold growth over the next five years by strategically expanding across all verticals. “We are committed to scaling our businesses while ensuring a meaningful impact on the communities we serve,” he stated. In aviation, Star Air aims to expand its fleet to 50 aircraft, enhancing regional connectivity and making air travel more accessible. The retail division is targeting 3,000 Star Localmart stores, bringing modern retail experiences to smaller towns and rural India. Meanwhile, the consumer business is set to reach a ₹5,000 crore topline, focusing on increasing product availability and strengthening brand recall.

In real estate, SGG is developing over 5 million square feet of modern infrastructure, meeting the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. The education segment is also growing, with plans to establish new campuses under the SGIS banner, furthering its mission to provide quality education and shape future generations. Beyond business expansion, sustainability remains at the core of SGG’s strategy. “We are making significant investments in renewable energy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030,” Shrenik highlighted, with a goal of generating 2,632 MWh of clean energy annually. Additionally, SGG is taking a proactive approach toward water conservation, aiming to become water-positive by 2030 by harvesting over 22,628 KL of rainwater.

With a clear roadmap for the future, SGG is not only focused on business excellence but also on driving positive change through innovation, sustainability, and community-driven growth. “Our vision is to build resilient businesses that thrive in their markets while creating a lasting, positive impact on society,” he said.

The Driving Force Behind SGG’s Vision and Values

When reflecting on the most significant source of inspiration behind Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director, credits his father, Mr. Sanjay Ghodawat, as the guiding force. “His journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a visionary leader, epitomizes resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” he shared.

Sanjay Ghodawat’s philosophy of balancing business acumen with social responsibility has been instrumental in shaping SGG’s core values. His belief in creating a lasting impact rather than focusing solely on commercial gains has set the foundation for the company’s long-term vision. “His emphasis on integrity, innovation, and sustainability continues to guide us, ensuring that our actions not only drive business growth but also uplift the communities we serve,” Shrenik added.

Under this enduring influence, SGG remains committed to building a future where business success goes hand in hand with social progress, staying true to the values that have shaped its journey from the very beginning.

Overcoming Challenges: The SGG Approach

Every successful business journey comes with its own set of challenges, and Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG) is no exception. From navigating economic downturns to overcoming the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has consistently relied on innovation, adaptability, and resilience to stay ahead.

Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director of SGG, reflects on these trials, stating, “Financial constraints were one of the earliest tests of our resilience. But instead of seeing them as roadblocks, we took them as opportunities—to adopt a hands-on approach, focus on quality, and turn setbacks into stepping stones.”

Shrenik Ghodawat’s Advice for Aspiring Businesses

Achieving long-term success in any industry requires more than just ambition—it demands a clear vision, unwavering commitment to quality, and a willingness to embrace innovation. Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director of Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation, stating, “A culture rooted in integrity, collaboration, and purpose is what truly strengthens an organization. Challenges are inevitable, but resilience and adaptability transform them into opportunities for growth.”

He believes that companies must always keep customers at the center of every decision, ensuring that commercial ambitions align with creating a meaningful societal impact. True success, he notes, is not a final destination but an ongoing journey—one fueled by dedication, determination, and a relentless pursuit of progress. By adopting these principles, businesses can navigate challenges, foster innovation, and build a legacy of excellence.