The business visionaries of 2025: Leaders who are shaping the future of global industries

As the world accelerates toward a tech-driven, sustainable, and inclusive future, a new generation of leaders is rewriting the rules of business. These trailblazers are not just responding to change¡ªthey're driving it, across sectors like technology, beauty, manufacturing, education, and lifestyle. With bold visions, disruptive ideas, and a commitment to innovation, they are building companies that address global challenges while creating new standards of excellence. From digital ecosystems to localized manufacturing and luxury consumer brands, these visionaries are shaping the future¡ªproving that leadership in 2025 is about purpose, agility, and the power to inspire at scale.

1.Aayshya Jhunjhunwala & Advay Jhunjhunwala ¡ª Founders of Neude, Redefining Skincare with Supercharged Milk

Neude is leading a skincare revolution by reimagining milk at the molecular level. Founded in 2024 by Aayshya Jhunjhunwala, an expert in creative entrepreneurship, and Advay Jhunjhunwala, a seasoned FMCG strategist, Neude fuses timeless milk with cutting-edge actives like retinol and bakuchiol to create high-performance skincare. From ghee to goat milk, their formulations deliver the coveted "Hi-Glaze" glow for today¡¯s users. With availability across major online and offline platforms, Neude is fast becoming a household name. This visionary duo is redefining global beauty standards from Delhi¡ªushering in a new era of skincare rooted in science, heritage, and innovation.

2.Sahil Luthra ¨C Founder & Managing Director, Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Sahil Luthra is one of India¡¯s youngest and most promising defence entrepreneurs, making significant strides in the country¡¯s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. As the Founder and Managing Director of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (VTDS), he is at the forefront of innovation in defence technology. Under his visionary leadership, VTDS is emerging as a key player in the development of advanced small arms and ammunition, catering to the needs of the Indian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies. His work aligns closely with the national initiatives of 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', driving the company¡¯s mission to strengthen India¡¯s self-reliance in defence production.

3.Ishwar Kumhar, Co-founder & CEO, Brandworks Technologies

Ishwar Kumhar¡¯s journey from a cramped Mumbai workshop to the helm of a 200,000 sq. ft. electronics manufacturing hub defines what it means to shape the future. In 2017, he co-founded Brandworks Technologies with Nikita Kumawat, With just two employees and sheer determination, Ishwar weathered financial storms and built an OEM/ODM powerhouse producing over 30 million units monthly.His strategic genius came to the fore in 2025 when he led India¡¯s lithium-ion cell localization push under MeitY, slashing import reliance and energizing the cell consumption sector. A pioneer in integrating Agile-DFMA, Ishwar redefined speed and precision in prototyping¡ªearning trust from global tech giants and early-stage startups alike.

Known for his mantra, ¡°Precision is the bridge between vision and reality,¡± Ishwar embeds innovation and inclusivity into Brandworks' DNA. Today, 70% of leadership roles are held by women, many uplifted through company-led skilling and scholarships. More than a CEO, Ishwar is a mentor and nation-builder¡ªproving that true leadership doesn¡¯t wait for the future; it needs to be built with hardwork. His story inspires a generation to create, endure, and lead with purpose.

4.Aayur Kaul ¨C Global Product Leader & Innovation Strategist Empowering the Future of Creative and Digital Platforms

Aayur Kaul is a dynamic product leader and ex-founder with over a decade of experience across fintech, edtech, and creative industries. From building India¡¯s first digital learning ecosystem for creative skills to leading Skillshare¡¯s rapid growth in India, Aayur has a proven record of scaling businesses and driving innovation. His expertise in AI-driven solutions and user-centric design has delivered remarkable results at global companies like Revolut and Operabase, where he now leads product strategy in Amsterdam. With an MBA from ISB and a passion for empowering creators and learners, Aayur continues to bridge technology and business, shaping the future of digital platforms and creative education for a global audience.

5.Maninder Singh Hira, Chief Operating Officer at BINDZ

Maninder Singh Hira is the Chief Operating Officer at BINDZ, playing a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and strategic execution. With a strong background in financial management, setting up offshore centers, systems thinking, and leadership, he ensures that the company runs with precision, efficiency, and a deep understanding of client priorities. Maninder focuses on building scalable operations, financial compliance, refining internal processes, branding and Location Strategy. Known for his structured approach and calm leadership, he champions a people-first culture grounded in accountability and integrity. His strategic insights help shape BINDZ¡¯s long-term vision, fostering innovation and sustainable success.

6.Pritam Agrawal, Founder of Hello Kids

Pritam Agrawal, Founder & Director of Hello Kids, is revolutionizing early education with India¡¯s first no-royalty preschool franchise model. With 1,033 centers across the country, Hello Kids blends Montessori, Playway, and Gurukul methods to offer high-quality, affordable learning. In 2025, Pritam aims to deepen tech-led innovation and expand nation wide, continuing his mission to make world-class preschool education accessible to every child.

7.Subhash and Mahi, Founder, Meribindiya International Academy

Subhash and Mahi, the inspiring founders of Meribindiya International Academy, rose from humble beginnings, overcoming childhood financial struggles to build a premier beauty institution. Established in 2017, their academy reflects their unwavering commitment to empowerment and excellence. Renowned for high-quality beauty and makeup training with 100% placement, Meribindiya has been recognized as the Best Beauty School for four consecutive years. Its impact spans globally, attracting students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Their journey¡ªfrom adversity to success¡ªepitomizes resilience, vision, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Today, they stand among India¡¯s most impactful changemakers, redefining beauty education with passion and purpose.

8.Abhishake Das | Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Vygr News

¡°AI Can Mimic, Not Match: Vygr Co-Founder on Content That Connects Humans¡±

Abhishake Das is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Vygr News, one of India¡¯s fastest-growing infotainment platforms. With over 20 years of experience across advertising, content strategy, and brand building, he has been instrumental in shaping Vygr's editorial identity and growth trajectory.

Abhishake believes that in a media landscape full of noise and copycat AI content, it takes courage to stay rooted in originality, human-touch and emotion-provoking creativity. Under his leadership, Vygr has become a powerful content ecosystem with over 1 million users and partnerships with 500+ creators and brands.He continues to champion bold, purpose-driven storytelling while building a platform that enables Indian creators to thrive.

9.Kanishka Sharma ¨C Founder, Become Beauty Expert

Kanishka Sharma is the visionary founder of BecomeBeautyExpert.com, a leading platform dedicated to empowering aspiring beauty professionals. With a passion for education and industry growth, she has built a trusted resource that helps students select the right beauty courses and top academies while bridging the gap between training and employment.Under her leadership, Become Beauty Expert provides career-focused guidance, industry insights, and job placement support with premier salons and global beauty brands. Kanishka¡¯s mission is to equip students with the skills, connections, and confidence needed to succeed¡ªwhether they aspire to work in luxury salons, renowned beauty companies, or launch their own ventures.Through expert advice and strategic partnerships, Kanishka ensures every learner transitions seamlessly from education to employment, making beauty careers accessible and rewarding. Her dedication has made Become Beauty Expert a go-to destination for building a thriving future in the beauty industry.

10. Jeel Gandhi, CEO of Under 25, India¡¯s largest youth media network

Jeel Gandhi is the CEO of Under 25, India¡¯s largest youth media network. With a deep passion for empowering young people, she leads this platform, which truly listens to India¡¯s students¡ªand responds with real opportunities to earn, learn and grow. Her approach is rooted in understanding rather than assumption, always working with students rather than for them. Under her leadership, Under 25 has become a trusted space where young Indians feel seen, heard and supported. From daily challenges to youth-led campus festivals, Under 25 is making the journey of growing up less confusing and more exciting¡ªfor every student, no matter what their background is.

11.Adil Qadri ¨C Founder & CEO, Adil Qadri Fragrances

Adil Qadri is redefining luxury in Indian perfumery, blending heritage with modern innovation. Launching his brand in 2019 from Bilimora, he transformed traditional fragrances into a digital-first success, scaling to 14 lakh orders and Rs 7 crore in monthly revenue. A pivotal Shark Tank India deal in 2024 secured Rs 1 crore, accelerating his vision. Guided by his father¡¯s entrepreneurial legacy, Adil¡¯s approach fuses deep-rooted tradition with contemporary flair¡ªepitomized by his latest summer fragrance, AQ365. With 15 stores across India and Dubai, Adil Qadri is now a symbol of accessible luxury. His journey from local sampling to global aspirations marks him as a true visionary in the fragrance industry, crafting not just scents but a new standard in olfactory luxury.

12.Anupama Dalmia - Founder & Chief Mentor, Beyond the Box

Anupama Dalmia is the heart and brain behind Beyond the Box - a revolutionary platform that has impacted over 10,000 children across the globe. Under her leadership, BTB has emerged as a market disruptor at the intersection of education and literature, proving that impact and profitability can go hand in hand. A visionary changemaker, Anupama is also the National President of the WICCI Holistic Child Development Council. Her work has earned her the Karmaveer Chakra Platinum Award and multiple prestigious accolades as a writer, entrepreneur, and mentor. With a mission to transform lives one child at a time, she continues to empower young minds, rewriting narratives in the world of learning and creativity.

The business visionaries of 2025 are more than just successful entrepreneurs¡ªthey are catalysts of change, innovation, and impact. Each leader featured here has transformed challenges into opportunities, built inclusive and future-ready organizations, and redefined what it means to lead in a dynamic global economy. Their journeys underscore a powerful truth: the future belongs to those who dare to think differently, act boldly, and lead with purpose. As industries evolve, these pioneers are not only shaping markets¡ªthey are inspiring a new era of leadership that values resilience, creativity, and meaningful progress. The future is in capable, visionary hands.