Azim Premji Biography: Transforming Wipro and Giving Back
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- July 11, 2025
Azim Premji, born July 24, 1945, in Mumbai, India, is the billionaire founder of Wipro Limited and one of India’s greatest philanthropists. Known as the “Czar of Indian IT,” he turned a cooking oil business into a global tech giant. This Azim Premji biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, highlighting his legacy in business and giving.
Azim Premji’s Early Life
Mumbai Beginnings
Born to a Gujarati Muslim family, Azim Premji grew up in Mumbai. His father, Mohamed Hashim Premji, founded Western India Vegetable Products, a cooking oil company. Azim attended St. Mary’s School, excelling in academics. His father’s business success and values of integrity shaped his early ambitions.
Stanford Education Cut Short
In 1963, Premji enrolled at Stanford University to study electrical engineering. However, his father’s sudden death in 1966 forced him to return to India at 21, abandoning his degree. Taking over the family business, he faced skepticism from shareholders due to his youth and inexperience.
Azim Premji’s Career Growth
Transforming Wipro
In 1966, Azim Premji took charge of Western India Vegetable Products, later renamed Wipro. He diversified into soaps, toiletries, and hydraulic cylinders. By 1980, he pivoted Wipro into IT, launching its first minicomputer in 1981. This bold move positioned Wipro as an early leader in India’s tech boom.
Global IT Powerhouse
Under Premji’s leadership, Wipro grew into a $10.6 billion IT giant by 2025, serving clients in 66 countries. His focus on software services, consulting, and R&D earned Wipro a spot among India’s top IT firms. By 2000, Wipro listed on the NYSE, boosting its global reach.
Struggles and Down Phases
Early Leadership Doubts
In 1966, shareholders questioned Premji’s ability to lead at 21, with one proposing to sell Wipro. The 1970s brought challenges from India’s restrictive policies, limiting growth. Additionally, early IT ventures faced stiff competition from IBM, nearly derailing Wipro’s tech ambitions.
Economic and Family Pressures
The 2008 financial crisis hit Wipro hard, with profits dropping 15%. Premji’s decision to step down as chairman in 2019, passing leadership to his son Rishad, drew scrutiny as the company lagged behind rivals like TCS. Moreover, balancing family expectations with business demands tested his resilience.
Comeback and Rise to Fame
Premji’s comeback came through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, like Capco ($1.45 billion, 2021), which strengthened Wipro’s consulting arm. His philanthropy, donating $21 billion via the Azim Premji Foundation, earned him the Padma Vibhushan in 2011 and Forbes’ Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy title in 2017.
Current Status and Influence
Philanthropy Leader
As of July 2025, Azim Premji holds a $9.3 billion net worth, ranking among India’s richest. As Wipro’s Chairman Emeritus, he focuses on philanthropy through the Azim Premji Foundation, impacting 3.5 million students across 1,500 schools. His $2.5 billion donation in 2024 tops India’s giving list.
Personal Life and Impact
Married to Yasmeen since 1970, Premji has two sons, Rishad and Tariq, and lives in Bengaluru. A private man, he enjoys hiking and reading. His foundation’s work in education reform and healthcare inspires global philanthropists, while Wipro’s AI and cloud focus keeps it competitive.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Stanford Return: Completed his degree in 2000 at 55.
- Thrifty Leader: Flies economy and drives a modest car.
- Biggest Donor: Gave away 80% of his Wipro shares.
- Cricket Fan: Supports Royal Challengers Bangalore.
- Early Risk: Bet on IT when Wipro made cooking oil.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Azim Hashim Premji |
| Born | July 24, 1945, Mumbai, India |
| Profession | Founder of Wipro, Philanthropist |
| Notable Work | Wipro IT Services, Azim Premji Foundation |
| Marital Status | Married to Yasmeen Premji (1970) |
| Net Worth | ~$9.3 billion (₹78,000 crore, 2025) |
| Awards | Padma Vibhushan (2011), Forbes Philanthropy Hero (2017) |
Conclusion
This Azim Premji biography showcases a journey of vision and generosity. From leading Wipro’s IT revolution to overcoming early doubts and economic crises, Azim Premji built a $10.6 billion empire. His 2025 influence, through massive philanthropy and education reform, inspires leaders to blend business success with social impact.
