An abridged version of this article first appeared in the JNA May/June 2023 issue.

Navrattan Kothari took over the reins of the family business in 1962. Under his visionary leadership as chairman, KGK Group flourished into a global industry powerhouse, renowned for its high-quality products and services across the gem and jewellery spectrum.

“Continuous business expansion across multiple geographies has been a strategic move that has allowed us to establish ourselves as a truly global enterprise,” said Kothari. “Today, the group has a robust presence in over 15 countries, which has helped us to diversify our product offerings and strengthen our supply chain.”

The group recently launched its diamond and jewellery manufacturing facility in Gaborone, Botswana. It also initiated the second phase of its jewellery manufacturing facilities in the Prawet district of Bangkok, Thailand. 

KGK’s patriarch also grew the group into a vertically integrated mines-to-brands enterprise, giving it complete control over its product quality and client promise.

He shared, “From a rough piece of rock to a glittering piece of jewellery, we track each stone to maintain a consistent product quality adding to its value at every stage. As a result of our sustained efforts to uphold quality and ethical standards, KGK Group is a Sightholder of the De Beers Group and a Rio Tinto Select Diamantaire.” 

Innovation

According to Kothari, establishing a strong, skilled and empowered team while winning the trust and loyalty of customers have been pivotal to KGK Group’s transformation into a leading industry conglomerate.

“We are also pioneers in technology advancement and innovation, and this has made us stay ahead of the curve in meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” he added.

KGK’s Yantra brand focuses on innovative technology for diamond manufacturing. It has developed three machines - Sarva, Dhruva, and Jiva - that aim to reduce time cycles and eliminate delays and errors in the manufacturing process. 

Kothari said, “Yantra Innovations is set to revolutionise the industry by addressing prevalent manufacturing challenges while promoting environmentally conscious practices.”

Soft power

Philanthropy and sustainable, responsible practices lie at the heart of Kothari’s management philosophy.

One of India’s most respected philanthropists, he ensures that the group’s expansion always facilitates economic growth and contributes to the betterment of local communities. KGK’s CSR work spans various sectors including healthcare, education, heritage conservation and skill development.

To him, philanthropy is not just a moral obligation but also a strategic imperative. “We are deeply convinced that by making a positive impact on society, we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations,” remarked Kothari, who also inspires best practices with the industry at large through his involvement in key trade organisations.

KGK’s longevity and continued growth are a tribute to Kothari’s business acumen and astute guidance.

He noted, “Every success comes with challenges. We weathered all storms by focusing on our strengths, investing in research and development and diversifying product offerings.”

 

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