Navrattan Kothari



By virtue of the consummate leadership of Mr. Navrattan Kothari, Chairman, KGK Group, over the last 50 years the conglomerate has turned into a world-class business empire with state of the art infrastructure. The KGK group, established in 1905 by Kothari family of Jaipur (India), is a global corporation with fully integrated operations in the Gems & Jewellery industry, having presence across 16 countries. A pioneer in the world of precious stones and exclusive jewellery, KGK Group is engaged in mining, sourcing, manufacturing, distributing and retailing of Gems & Jewellery. Under Mr. Kothari’s astute mentorship the group has expanded far and wide, realizing many dreams and visions.

While the business that only concentrated on trading coloured gemstones, Mr. Kothari opened new avenues for the flourishing business. From gemstone trading, the group took on to manufacturing of nature’s most beautiful gemstones and today, KGK has gemstone mining, manufacturing with marketing offices across the globe.

With a remarkable fore vision in the times when Indian diamond industry was at its inception stage, Mr. Navrattan Kothari introduced diamond business in the year 1972-73, that proved to be a turning point in the history of KGK Group. Today the group is a leader in the diamond sector with diamond-manufacturing units in India, South Africa, Russia & Botswana and is a proud De Beers sightholder, Long Term Contracted Client of Alrosa and Rio Tinto Diamonds – Select Diamantaire, sourcing rough diamonds directly from them.

What started with trading of coloured gemstones has now attained great heights with Mr. Kothari’s zeal, vision and persistence. After setting benchmarks in the gemstones & diamond sector, Mr. Kothari added a new vertical of jewellery manufacturing with establishment of jewellery manufacturing units in India, Hong Kong, China and Thailand, over the years. The group’s recent foray into retailing with its fine jewellery brand ‘Entice’ is yet another feather in KGK Group’s cap, completing the group’s portfolio from mines to fingers.

Resultant of the hard work and perseverance of Mr. Navrattan Kothari, KGK has expanded itself globally and achieved phenomenal success worldwide. His judicious business acumen and spirit of imparting knowledge to the next generation have been inspirational and motivating to move the Group ahead. His guidance not just restricts to words but he believes in action by extending a helping hand to all his believers and thus initiated a training center in his manufacturing units, where over 4000 personnel have been trained for the Gems and Jewellery industry.

Amongst his array of achievements, Maharaja Sawai Bhavani Singh award in 2008 tops the list, which was awarded to him for his much appreciated work in the field of heritage conservation that began with most talked about Jal Mahal restoration and revitalization of Mansagar Lake. KGK Group’s yet another moment of pride include, Mr. Navrattan Kothari being felicitated with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award- Manufacturing of the Year 2012” at the Retail Jeweller India Awards 2012.

Conquering business frontiers may give a feel of gratification to many. But for Mr. Kothari, who finds his pleasure only in the smiles of destitute and upliftment of society, real contentment comes only through philanthropy. KGK Group funds many programs through a trust that looks into education of the underprivileged and provides healthcare facilities. Under his guidance, runs a hospital for cancer patients – Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Centre and Subodh Shiksha Samiti - a trust that runs a school and looks into other social work. Mr. Kothari ensures that kids of all employees go to schools and not only funds their education but also takes periodic feedback from them as he feels education is the greatest leveler and will provide them an equal opportunity in their future life.

 “I have been learning about our business since my early childhood and till date my learning has never ceased. Success encourages me to learn more and stretch my limits. Now that I am also a teacher, I love sharing all the knowledge, experience and guidance that my father has taught me,” says Mr. Kothari.

Other Roles

  • Member of Managing Committee of Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) for 15 years.
  • Member of International Coloured Gem Stone Association – New York since the last 9 years.
  • Was a member of Managing Committee of Bharat Diamond Bourse for 4 years.
  • Chairman of the largest Cancer Hospital in Northern India, Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur (www.bmchrc.org)
  • President of Subodh Shiksha Samiti, Jaipur: an educational trust imparting education to more than 22,000 students from elementary to post graduation courses.
  • Chairman of Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery, Jaipur.
  • Member of KGK Dreams Foundation, a group that has pledged to fulfill wishes of young children suffering from terminal diseases.