Asian Paints co-founder Ashwin Dani passes away at 79

Paints tycoon Ashwin Dani, non-executive director of Asian Paints, passed away on Thursday at the age of 79. Dani, the second-generation scion of the family that co-founded Asian Paints, was associated with the company since 1968 and played an instrumental role in the growth of the firm, which is now among Asia's biggest paint companies with operations in 19 countries. His father Suryakant Dani was one of the co-founders of Asian Paints.

Confirming the development, Asian Paints in an exchange filing, says, "With deep regret, we inform you that Ashwin Dani, Non-Executive Director of the Company, left for heavenly abode today, on account of brief illness."

“Ashwin Dani will always be remembered for his significant contributions to the company,” it says in a BSE filing today.

Ashwin started his career in 1967 as a Development chemist with Inmont Corp (current BASF) in Detroit, U.S. Later, he joined Asian Paints in 1968 as a senior executive and moved through successive senior positions like director – R&D, works director, whole-time director, and vice chairman & MD.

He joined Asian Paints’ board in 1970, while he held the position of vice chairman and managing director from 1998 to 2009.

Since 2009, he continued on the board as the non – executive director & vice chairman of the board and the company. For the period between 2018 to 2021 he held the position of chairman of the board and the company.

Born in Mumbai, Ashwin completed his Bachelor of Science from the Institute of Science, University of Mumbai, Bachelor of Science and Technology in pigment, paints and varnish from UDCT, Mumbai. He also completed Master's in polymer science from University of Akron, Ohio, United States, and Diploma in color science from Rensselaer Polytechnic, Troy, New York, United States.

At Asian Paints, Ashwin played a pioneer role in development and expansion of the company globally, which has operations in about 19 countries and 25 manufacturing units across the globe. It commands more than 50% of paint market in India and serves more than 65 countries across the world.

Ashwin also played a key role in setting up the 50:50 joint venture between Asian Paints Limited and PPG Industries, Inc, U.S., the world's leading manufacturer of automotive coatings. Mumbai-based Asian Paints PPG is a leading player in the field of protective, performance & powder coatings.