Noida is witnessing unrest as workers protest for wage hikes, bringing Samvardhana Motherson International Limited into the spotlight.

The demonstrations, initially confined to one location, are now spreading to nearby areas, raising concerns for the company and the wider industrial ecosystem. The group is among India's leading multinational auto component manufacturers, supplying parts to major global carmakers. Its chairman, Vivek Chaand Sehgal, has come into focus amid the ongoing agitation.

Who is Vivek Chaand Sehgal?

Vivek Chaand Sehgal is the richest Indian resident in Australia. An Indian-Australian billionaire and a prominent figure in the automotive components industry. He is the chairman and co-founder of the Motherson Group. Born on February 1, 1957, in Delhi, he completed his schooling at Birla Public School in Pilani, Rajasthan, and later earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Delhi.

Sehgal co-founded the company in 1975 with his mother. Initially, the business dealt in silver trading. However, after a competitor went bankrupt, the company pivoted to manufacturing auto components. A key turning point came when Sehgal partnered with Sumitomo Electric, accelerating growth. Over the next 12 years, the company acquired 11 firms. Sehgal served as Managing Director from 1975 to 1995 before becoming Chairman.

According to Forbes, as of April 14, 2026, Sehgal's real-time net worth stands at approximately USD 6.6 billion (around Rs 61,472 crore). Under his leadership, the Motherson Group has grown into a global auto parts giant, employing over 130,000 people and operating across 41 countries. The company has joint ventures with major automobile manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Volkswagen Group.