Strategy
Family Business
Entrepreneurship
Rajiv Agarwal holds a PhD from Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, with a focus on Family Managed Businesses in India. He holds a master’s in management from S. P. Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai (SPJIMR), and has pursued ‘The Owner / President Management Programme’ from Harvard Business School.
His research and teaching expertise is in Strategy, Family Business, and Entrepreneurship. His research enthusiasm is reflected through intellectual contributions in journal publications, authoring books and book chapters, periodicals, simulations, and media publications.
In his career spanning 30 years, he has held senior executive roles with organisations in the electronics industry, simultaneously pursuing his passion for teaching management education. He is the Department Chair and Professor of Strategy at SPJIMR.
Ph.D., 2017
Focus: Career choices of successors in Family Managed Businesses in Indian Context
Owner/ President Management Programme (OPM), 2001
MMS, 1991
Major: Marketing and Finance
ICWAI (Intermediate), 1990
BCom, 1989
Major: Financial Accounting
Strategy
Family Business
Entrepreneurship
Agarwal, R., Gore, R. (2022). Harish at Maharani Pharma. SAGE Business Cases. http://sk.sagepub.com/cases/harish-at-maharani-pharma
Agarwal, R. (2021). Managing Expectations and Stakeholders: Harsh Ahuja’s Family Dilemma. SAGE Business Cases. http://sk.sagepub.com/cases/managing-expectations-stakeholders-harsh-ahuja-family-dilemma
Agarwal, R. (2021). Sunil Kapoor at SK Industries: Managing Family Businesses. SAGE Business Cases. http://sk.sagepub.com/cases/sunil-kapoor-at-sk-industries-managing-family-businesses
Agarwal, R. (2022). Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard: Beating Sony in Gaming and the Metaverse. Ivey Publishing. https://www.iveypublishing.ca/s/product/microsoft-acquires-activision-blizzard-beating-sony-in-gaming-and-the-metaverse/01t5c00000BuvgaAAB
Agarwal, R. (2019). Family Business Simulation: Honey Heritage. Harvard Business Publishing https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/7130-HTM-ENG
Aggarwal, A. & Agarwal, R. (2018). Balaji Wafers: Taking the Pepsi challenge. Ivey Publishing. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/W18606-PDF-ENG
Agarwal, R. G. (2022). Family Business Management. SAGE Publications India Pvt. Ltd., 2022. (pp. 300 pages)
Agarwal, R. (2020). Management Lessons from the Masters: Persevere and Prevail like Mukesh Ambani. (pp. 192 pages). Rupa Publications India. https://www.amazon.in/PERSEVERE-PREVAIL-LIKE-MUKESH-AMBANI/dp/9353338255/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Agarwal, R. (2019). Management Lessons from the Masters: Believe to Succeed like Azim Premji. (pp. 136 pages). Rupa Publications India. https://rupapublications.co.in/books/management-lessons-from-the-masters-believe-to- succeed-like-azim-premji/
Agarwal, R. (2019). Succeed to Inspire like the Tatas. (pp. 200 pages). Rupa Publications India. https://www.amazon.in/Succeed-Inspire-Tatas-Rajiv-Agarwal/dp/9353335701/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Agarwal, R. (2019). Management Lessons from The Masters: Lead with Purpose Like Anand Mahindra (pp. 184 pages). Rupa Publications India. https://www.amazon.in/Lead-Purpose- Like-Anand-Mahindra/dp/9353335043/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=rajiv+agarwal&qid=1559809050&s=books& sr=1-2
Agarwal, R. (2019). Think, Lead and Strategize Like Kumar Mangalam Birla (pp. 184 pages). Rupa Publications India. https://www.amazon.in/Think-Strategize-Kumar-Mangalam-Birla/dp/935333439X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=kumar+mangalam+birla&qid=1642499223&s=books&sprefix=kumar+manag%2Cstripbooks%2C171&sr=1-1
Agarwal, R., D’Souza, K., Kumbluvelil, A. J. (2017). AGV: Crisis at the top. Cases in Leadership 4/e by Rowe, G., Guerrero, L. SAGE Publications, Inc., 2015.
Agarwal, R., Verma, A., Aston India Centre for Applied Research 2019 Conference-AICAR 2019 Conference, “Industry Sectoral Influences on Succession in Family Managed Businesses in India: A conceptual analysis”, Aston Business School, Birmingham, UK. (August 31, 2019)
Agarwal, R. (2023). Lessons for business families from the HBO series, Succession. Financial Express. https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/lessons-for-business-families-from-the-hbo-series-succession/3173623/
Agarwal, R. (2022). Sony-Zee Merger: The Battle With Disney For Indian Audiences. BW, Business World. https://www.businessworld.in/article/Sony-Zee-Merger-The-Battle-With-Disney-For-Indian-Audiences/10-03-2022-422541/
Agarwal, R. (2022). Microsoft’s Activision acquisition is a bet on Gaming and Metaverse. Business Today. https://www.businesstoday.in/opinion/columns/story/microsofts-activision-acquisition-is-a-bet-on-gaming-and-metaverse-322390-2022-02-12
Agarwal, R. (2020). Board Seats for Women Successors: It is a matter of mindsets, not rights. Economic Times. https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/workplace-4-0/diversity-and- inclusion/board-seats-for-women-successors-it-is-a-matter-of-mindsets-not-rights/78775682
Agarwal, R. (2020). Amazon continues its juggernaut into the physical retail domain: Malls pivot to survive. ET BrandEquity. https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/amazon-continues-its- juggernaut-into-physical-retail-domain-malls-pivot-to-survive/77531166
Agarwal, R. (2020). Tough road ahead for Intel? Forbes India. https://www.forbesindia.com/article/bharatiya-vidya-bhavan039s-spjimr/tough-road-ahead-for-intel/61367/1?fbclid=IwAR1AtUVttiX3j_hu2zMqYqtdqxZua_yYfoYS6Hy_AbBD_Vk_MmEVuDL8a0c
Agarwal, R. (2020). Covid-19 crisis: A golden opportunity for family businesses. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/covid-19-crisis-a-golden-opportunity-for-family-businesses/104574?fbclid=IwAR1nhUetX2B3jzxHNnHmW_qfqMbQMFr_eAFRITbs7KQwTGtsRdpl571J2Xg
Agarwal, R. (2020). Online classes will change education forever; here’s how business schools must evolve. Financial Express. https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/online-classes-business-schools-distant-learning-coronavirus-lockdown-digital-india-internet-education- infrastructure-online-learning/1945605/
Agarwal, R. (2020). Education in post-Covid-19 era. Financial Express. https://www.financialexpress.com/education-2/education-in-post-covid-19-era/1933830/
Agarwal, R. (2020). Leadership in the time of Covid-19 for Family businesses. The Hindu Business Line. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/new-manager/leadership-in- the-time-of-covid-19-for-family-businesses/article31271947.ece
Agarwal, R. (2020). Family business: Leadership in the time of Covid-19. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/family-business-leadership-in-the-time-of-covid-19/104378?fbclid=IwAR1EydGNjLr6jvDl5uXAr2NJzYOan3NmlkToFMrO8xyAiDMKDfMaTef12oc
Agarwal, R. (2020). Why Modis cannot afford another family dispute. BW Business World. http://www.businessworld.in/article/Why-Modis-Cannot-Afford-Another-Family-Dispute-/09-03-2020-185821/
Agarwal, R. (2020). The role of sons-in-law in family businesses. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/the-role-of-sons-in-law-in-family-businesses/104226?fbclid=IwAR3z07U0nU3C0jaOlpIpuzdtSDkaHn0SRgBE4Al5mnwwiYOHzHH22U2fpfU.
Agarwal, R. (2020). The role of daughters in Indian family businesses. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/the-role-of-daughters-in-indian-family-businesses/104150?fbclid=IwAR1XkFkleTWLpLTrF0AkRKN3DGuhltkX-cUMQTrmDaYcHMR4aPYmloXwphE
Agarwal, R. (2019). Succession in family businesses: Right, responsibility, or a privilege? Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/succession-in-family-businesses-right-responsibility-or-a-privilege/103901?fbclid=IwAR1ZcoK5y1xGQofHIVtdKsT4uTMZJR6KrrbJKWhIWciQ9jlY10HTeIxwJZs
Agarwal, R. (2019). Why Forever 21 heralds what is wrong with family businesses. Forbes India. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/bhartiya-vidya-bhavan%EF%BF%BDs-spjimr/why-forever-21-heralds-what-is-wrong-with-family-businesses/56429/1
Agarwal, R. (2018). Free and superior service: New rules of competition. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/free-and-superior-service-new-rules-of-competition/102653
Agarwal, R. (2018). Should families stay together? Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/should-families-stay-together/102171
Agarwal, R. (2018). The case for setting up family offices. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/the-case-for-setting-up-family-offices/102037
Agarwal, R. (2018). The need for family offices. Fortune India.
Agarwal, R. (2018). Decoding Family Office. Business Today. Print Edition. https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/the-hub/decoding-family-office/story/276820.html
Agarwal, R. (2018). The evolution of family offices. Forbes India. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/the-evolution-of-family-offices/50311/1
Agarwal, R. (2018). Philanthropy in Business Families: The growing role of the Daughters in law, The Economic Times Family Business Forum, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/familybusinessforum/insights/philanthropy-in-business-families-the-growing-role-of-the-daughters-in-law/familybusinessforum_show/63517614.cms
Agarwal, R. (2018). Successor’s dilemma: To or not to take over an unethical family business, Forbes India. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/successors-dilemma-to-or-not-to-take-over-an-unethical-family-business/49669/1
Agarwal, R. (2018). In defence of the Silver Spoon Kids, People Matters. https://www.peoplematters.in/blog/culture/in-defence-of-the-silver-spoon-kids-family-run-businesses-17144
Agarwal, R. (2017). 7 considerations when hiring professionals for a family business 26th Sept. 2017, Inc.com USA. (https://www.inc.com/entrepreneurs-organization/7-considerations-when-hiring-professionals-for-a-family-business.html?cid=search)
Agarwal, R. (2017). Less is More, Indian Management Magazine, August 2017, Vol 56, Issue 8, page 76.
Agarwal, R. (2017). Leadership lessons for leaders: What would they look like? Forbes India, July 20, 2017 (http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/leadership-lessons-for-leaders-what-would-they-look-like/47583/1)
Agarwal, R. (2017). Family Managed Businesses and the dilemma of stepping down in favour of professionals, Forbes Online, Thought Leadership, July 7, 2017. (http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/family-managed-businesses-and-the-dilemma-of-stepping-down-in-favour-of-professionals/47461/1).
Agarwal, R. (2017). “Yudh ki karvai ke tarah hoti hai destination wedding” Dainik Bhaskar, Indore, Business Page.
Agarwal, R. (2017). The need for family businesses to stay relevant, BW Businessworld, June 11, 2017. (http://businessworld.in/article/The-Need-For-Family-Businesses-To-Stay-Relevant/12-06-2017-119878/)
Agarwal, R. (2017). Asian Paints’ Jalaj Dani Resigns After 18 years, BW Businessworld, June 11, 2017. (http://businessworld.in/article/Asian-Paints-Jalaj-Dani-Resigns-After-18-Years/11-06-2017-119875/)
Agarwal, R. (2017). How to grow kids in Wealth, BW Businessworld, June 11, 2017. (http://businessworld.in/article/How-To-Grow-Kids-In-Midst-Of-Wealth/11-06-2017-119873/)
Agarwal, R. (2017). The Need for Family Businesses to Stay Relevant, , Forbes India, June 28, 2017 (http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/the-need-for-family-businesses-to-stay-relevant/47363/1)
Agarwal, R. (2017). Surviving the Silver Spoon, HuffingtonPost, June 4, 2017. (http://www.huffingtonpost.in/rajiv-agarwal/surviving-the-silver-spoon_a_22121053)
Agarwal, R. (2017). Legacies redefined, Business India, March 27, 2017.
Agarwal, R. (2017). When good companies make disastrous moves, Forbes India Magazine, Thought Leadership, March 17, 2017. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/when-good-companies-make-disastrous-moves/46231/1.
Agarwal, R. (2016). Why Ananya Birla’s Singing debut is applaudable, Business Today, December 16, 2016, http://www.businesstoday.in/opinion/columns/why-ananya-birla-singing-debut-is-applaudable/story/242369.html
Agarwal, R. (2016). Cipla’s path-breaking succession formula, The Hindu Business Line, December 15, 2016, http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/ciplas-pathbreaking-succession-formula/article9427279.ece
Agarwal, R. (2016). The Cyrus Mistry Tata Sons imbroglio is a common family business issue, Forbes India Magazine, Thought Leadership, December 13, 2016. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/the-cyrus-mistrytata-imbroglio-a-common-family-business-issue/45101/1
Agarwal, R. (2016). Dealing with LGBT in business families, Op-Ed, The Economic Times, December 10, 2016.
Agarwal, R. (2016). Business in the time of Broken Families, The Hindu Business Line, April 13, 2016. (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/business-in-the-time-of-broken-families/article8468169.ece)
Women Entrepreneurship in India: Managing the Social Paradoxes. A white paper published by SPJIMR – FICCI FLO Mumbai, December 2020. Was the Project Leader along with five co-authors. This report was released by Mr. Amitabh Kant, Chairman NITI Ayog on 12th March 2021.
Strategy (Business Policy & Strategy, Corporate Entrepreneurship, Corporate Alliances)
Entrepreneurship
Family Business
Professor, SPJIMR. (Jul 2017 – Present)
Associate Professor, SPJIMR. (Feb 2012 – Oct 2017)
Group Head, Strategy, SPJIMR (May 2019 – Present).
Director, Ma and Pa Pvt Ltd. (2021 – Present).
Director, Aftab Electronics Pvt Ltd. (2019 – Present).
Director, Multispark Electronics Pvt Ltd. (2019 – Present).
Independent Director, Polson Limited. (2019 – Present).
Director, Rajes Art Printers Pvt Ltd. (2019 – Present).
Director, KRCD India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai. (1994 – Present)
Director, Rajes Art Printers Pvt. Ltd. (1992 – 1999).
Management Trainee
Management Trainee
Various assignments in Family Business Advising and Strategy
Management/Executive Development, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd (Suppliers programme), 23 participants. (January 11, 2020 – January 25, 2020).
Management/Executive Development, Huntsman PU Division, 27 participants. (November 4, 2019 – November 5, 2019).
Management/Executive Development, Sony Pictures, 30 participants. (October 17, 2019 – October 18, 2019).
Management/Executive Development, MDP-CAPSTONE FOR PIDILITE. (September 16, 2019 – September 21, 2019).
Management/Executive Development, Pidilite, 29 participants. (July 1, 2019 – September 21, 2019).
Management/Executive Development, MDP CAPSTONE PIDILITE. (July 1, 2019 – August 10, 2019).
Management/Executive Development, SPJIMR, 4 participants. (May 5, 2018 – April 7, 2019).
Management/Executive Development, SPJIMR, 7 participants. (April 23, 2018 – March 14, 2019).
Management/Executive Development, Pidilite, 27 participants. (February 19, 2019).
Management/Executive Development, Pidilite, 27 participants. (October 21, 2018 – October 27, 2018).
Management/Executive Development, Pidilite, 27 participants. (August 20, 2018 – August 26, 2018).
Management/Executive Development, Delhi Centre. (July 14, 2018 – July 15, 2018).
Management/Executive Development, Pidilite, 27 participants. (June 18, 2018 – June 24, 2018).
Management/Executive Development, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, 20 participants. (January 2, 2018 – January 3, 2018).
Management/Executive Development, Public Programme, 20 participants. (October 25, 2017 – October 27, 2017).
Management/Executive Development, CGI, India, 29 participants. (July 12, 2017 – October 13, 2017).
Management/Executive Development, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, 30 participants. (August 1, 2017 – August 2, 2017).
Management/Executive Development, Mazgaon Dock Ltd., 26 participants. (May 8, 2017).
Agarwal, R., Datta, S., Gore, R. (2021). SPJIMR & FICCI-FLO Mumbai release white paper on ‘Women Entrepreneurship in India’. The Economic Times.
Agarwal, R. (2020). Tough road ahead for Intel?. Forbes India. https://www.forbesindia.com/article/bharatiya-vidya-bhavan039s-spjimr/tough-road-ahead-for- intel/61367/1
Agarwal, R. (2020). Is Covid-19 Lockdown leading to Emotional Exhaustion? BW Wellbeing World. http://bwwellbeingworld.businessworld.in/article/Is-Covid-19-Lockdown-leading-to- Emotional-Exhaustion-/28-05-2020-193469/
Agarwal, R. (2020). Covid-19 crisis: A golden opportunity for family businesses. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/covid-19-crisis-a-golden-opportunity-for-family- businesses/104574
Agarwal, R. (2020). Family business: Strengthening relationships in the time of Covid-19. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/family-business-strengthening- relationships-in-the-time-of-covid-19/104566
Agarwal, R. (2020). Family business: Leadership in the time of Covid-19. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/family-business-leadership-in-the-time-of-covid- 19/104378
Agarwal, R. (2020). Why Modis Cannot Afford Another Family Dispute…. BW Business World. http://www.businessworld.in/article/Why-Modis-Cannot-Afford-Another-Family-Dispute-/09- 03-2020-185821/
Agarwal, R. (2020). The role of sons-in law in family businesses. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/the-role-of-sons-in-law-in-family-businesses/104226
Agarwal, R. (2020). The role of daughters in Indian family businesses. Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/the-role-of-daughters-in-indian-family- businesses/104150
Agarwal, R. (2019). Succession in family businesses: Right, responsibility, or a privilege?.
Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/succession-in-family-businesses-right- responsibility-or-a-privilege/103901
Agarwal, R. (2019). Why Forever 21 heralds what is wrong with family businesses. Forbes India. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/bhartiya-vidya-bhavan%EF%BF%BDs-spjimr/why-forever- 21-heralds-what-is-wrong-with-family-businesses/56429/1
Agarwal, R. (2019). Family Business Simulation: Honey Heritage (7130-HTM-ENG ed.). Harvard Business Publishing. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/7130-HTM-ENG
Agarwal, R. (2018). Free and superior service: New rules of competition. Fortune India.
Agarwal, R., Aggarwal, A. (2018). BALAJI WAFERS: TAKING THE PEPSI CHALLENGE. Ivey Publications.
Agarwal, R. (2018). Should families stay together? Fortune India. https://www.fortuneindia.com/opinion/should-families-stay-together/102171 SPJIMR Reference Code: 1819-08-01
Agarwal, R. (2018). The case for setting up family offices. Fortune India.
Agarwal, R. (2018). The need for family offices. Fortune India.
Agarwal, R. (2018). Decoding Family Office. Business Today.
Agarwal, R. (2018). The evolution of family offices. Forbes India, May 28, 2018.
Agarwal, R. (2018). Successor’s dilemma: To or not to take over an unethical family business. Forbes India.
Agarwal, R. (2018). In defence of the silver spoon kids: Family-run businesses.
Agarwal, R. (2017). 7 considerations when hiring professionals for a family business. Inc.com USA.
Agarwal, R. (2017). Less is More (pp. 77-78). Indian Management Magazine.
Agarwal, R. (2017). Leadership lessons for leaders: What would they look like?. Forbes India.
Agarwal, R. (2017). The Need for family businesses to stay relevant. Forbes India. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/the-need-for-family-businesses-to-stay- relevant/47363/1
Agarwal, R. (2017). Asian Paints’ Jalaj Dani Resigns After 18 Years. Business World.
Agarwal, R. (2017). How To Grow Kids In Midst Of Wealth. Business World. http://businessworld.in/article/How-To-Grow-Kids-In-Midst-Of-Wealth/11-06-2017-119873/
Agarwal, R. (2017). The Need For Family Businesses To Stay Relevant. http://businessworld.in/article/The-Need-For-Family-Businesses-To-Stay-Relevant/11-06- 2017-119878/
Agarwal, R. (2017). When good companies make disastrous moves. Forbes India. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/when-good-companies-make-disastrous- moves/46231/1
Agarwal, R. (2017). Legacies redefined. Business India.
Agarwal, R. (2016). CSR Strategic to the educational needs of the children in the community. SPJIMR.
Agarwal, R. (2016). Livelihood generation: A Dilemma of everyday life. SPJIMR.
Agarwal, R. (2016). Why Ananya Birla’s singing debut is applaudable. Business Today.
Agarwal, R. (2016). The Cyrus Mistry-Tata imbroglio: A common family business issue? (45101/1 ed.). Forbes India. http://www.forbesindia.com/article/spjimr/the-cyrus-mistrytata- imbroglio-a-common-family-business-issue/45101/1
Agarwal, R. (2014). The Airline Industry in India: 2012. The Casecentre.org.
D’Souza, K., Agarwal, R. (2014). AGV: Crisis on the Top. Ivey Publishing.
Agarwal, R. (2014). The case of the increasing Topline. The Casecentre.org.
Agarwal, R., Dalal, S. (2014). Indian Steel Ltd: Tri-Party Negotiation – The Buyer. Ivey Publishing.
Agarwal, R., Dalal, S. (2013). When There Is No Will, Is There a Way? Ivey Publishing.
Agarwal, R. (2013). Pramanik Containers and The Bottleneck Challenge (A). Richard Ivey School Of Business.
Agarwal, R. (2013). Pramanik Containers and The Bottleneck Challenge (B). Richard Ivey School of Business.
Agarwal, R., Dalal, S. (2012). The Cinnamon Case: Sales Negotiation (Role Play) – (A) The Seller. Ivey Publishing, Richard Ivey School of Business.
Agarwal, R. (2012). The Cinnamon Case: Sales Negotiation (Role Play) – (B) The Buyer. Ivey Publishing, Richard Ivey School of Business.
Editorial board of SAGE Journal
Reviewed cases and articles for Emerald and Journal of Family Business Management
Family Business
Strategy
Entrepreneurship
Board of Academics, Nirma University, Department of Management. (2016 – 2019)
Member, Family Firm Institute, Boston, USA.
Advanced Certificate in Family Business Advising (ACFBA), Family Firm Institute, Boston. (October 28, 2020 – Present)
Advanced Certificate in Family Wealth Advising (ACFWA), Family Firm Institute Boston. (October 28, 2020 – Present)
G. Certified Strategist, Prof. G of NYU Stern School. (July 31, 2020 – Present)
Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA), Family Firm Institute, Boston. (2016 – Present)
Certificate in Family Wealth Advising (CFWA), Family Firm Institute, Boston. (2016 – Present)
Executive Certificate programme for Fast growing businesses, Stanford Business School. (2006 – Present)