LeaderPortfolio
Kanwar
Onkar Kanwar
Rank #2907
INDIADiversifiedTires

Onkar Kanwar

Net Worth
$1.274B
-2.34% (24h)
Onkar Kanwar, born in 1942, is an Indian billionaire renowned for his leadership of Apollo Tyres, a multinational tire manufacturing company. His source of wealth is from Tires. Kanwar's career began in the family business, which he joined after studying at the University of California. He played a pivotal role in transforming Apollo Tyres from a regional player into a global entity with a presence in over 100 countries. Kanwar's achievements include receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the All India Management Association in 2024. His net worth is estimated at $1.4 Billion.

How to read Onkar Kanwar's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Onkar Kanwar, we anchor the narrative to Tires and Tires, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.274B alongside global rank #2907, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (INDIA) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Onkar Kanwar was born in March 1942 in Sialkot, British India (present-day Pakistan). He is the eldest son of Raunaq Singh, the entrepreneur who co-founded Apollo Tyres. Following the partition of India in 1947, Kanwar's family migrated to India. They initially faced hardships before settling in Delhi.

Rise to Success

After earning degrees in science and administration from the University of California, Kanwar joined the family business in 1964. He took on a leadership role during a financially challenging period, including the 1975 Emergency in India. He has since transformed Apollo Tyres into a global company.

Key Business Strategies

Kanwar has led Apollo Tyres to become a major player in the tire industry. He has overseen the company's expansion through strategic acquisitions and global market penetration. Key moves include the acquisition of Vredestein Banden in 2009, expanding their presence in Europe. In 2013, Kanwar aimed to make Apollo a global player, with a $2.5 billion purchase of Cooper Tire & Rubber.

Philanthropy

Onkar Kanwar supports various philanthropic initiatives. Apollo Tyres has a HIV-AIDS awareness and prevention program for the trucking community. The company's CSR efforts also invest in education and skill development.

Career Timeline

2024

Received Lifetime Achievement Award

Awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the All India Management Association

2002

Took Control of Apollo Tyres

Took control of Apollo Tyres after a public dispute with his father, focusing on tire manufacturing and global expansion.

1972

Co-founded Apollo Tyres

Founded Apollo Tyres along with his father.

1964

Joined Family Business

Joined the family business after completing his studies.

Philanthropic Impact

HealthUndisclosed

HIV-AIDS Awareness Program

Implemented through Health Centres in major trans-shipment hubs across India.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Apollo Tyres Ltd37.40%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Onkar Kanwar was born in March 1942 in Sialkot, British India (present-day Pakistan). He is the eldest son of Raunaq Singh, the entrepreneur who co-founded Apollo Tyres. Following the partition of India in 1947, Kanwar's family migrated to India. They initially faced hardships before settling in Delhi.

Rise to Success

After earning degrees in science and administration from the University of California, Kanwar joined the family business in 1964. He took on a leadership role during a financially challenging period, including the 1975 Emergency in India. He has since transformed Apollo Tyres into a global company.

Key Business Strategies

Kanwar has led Apollo Tyres to become a major player in the tire industry. He has overseen the company's expansion through strategic acquisitions and global market penetration. Key moves include the acquisition of Vredestein Banden in 2009, expanding their presence in Europe. In 2013, Kanwar aimed to make Apollo a global player, with a $2.5 billion purchase of Cooper Tire & Rubber.

Philanthropy

Onkar Kanwar supports various philanthropic initiatives. Apollo Tyres has a HIV-AIDS awareness and prevention program for the trucking community. The company's CSR efforts also invest in education and skill development.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Onkar Kanwar are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.