Nirvana Chaudhary was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 15, 1982. He is a prominent figure in the business and social sectors, currently serving as the Managing Director of Chaudhary Group and Vice Chairman of Chaudhary Foundation since April 2010.
Business Leadership
The Chaudhary Group, a third-generation family-run multi-sector business conglomerate founded 147 years ago in 1870, is based in Nepal. It boasts an extensive global presence with over 136 companies and 76 brands operating in 30 countries, directly employing more than 10,000 people. As a wholly-owned private company, the Chaudhary Group is valued at well over USD 2.5 Billion. Its diverse portfolio spans numerous industries, including Food, Beverages, EPC, Energy, Telecom, Education, Hotels & Resorts, Electronics, Biotech, Real Estate, Retail, Industrial Parks, Financial Services, Cement, and the Chaudhary Foundation.
Educational Background
Nirvana Chaudhary’s educational journey reflects a strong focus on entrepreneurship and business management. He participated in the Entrepreneurial Master’s Program at London Business School, England, in 2014 and 2017. Prior to that, he completed an Entrepreneurial Master’s Program at MIT, USA, from 2010 to 2012. Concurrently, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Kathmandu University, Nepal, between 2010 and 2012. His undergraduate studies include a Bachelor of Business Management from Kathmandu College of Management, Nepal (2002-2004) , and attendance at Singapore Management University, Singapore (2000-2002). He also completed his A-Levels at Harrow School, England (1998-2000) , and received his primary education at The Doon School, India (1993-1998).
Professional Experience
His professional career within the Chaudhary Group began in various capacities. He was the Director of Operations at CG Foods India in September 2006 , and served as Executive Director for the Chaudhary Group in Nepal in August 2006. Earlier roles include Director of Sales & Marketing at CG Foods Nepal in April 2006 , and Business Unit Head for Gold Beverages Nepal in March 2006. He also held positions as Business Unit Head for Overseas Business Development and Nepal in September 2005 , and Business Unit Head for Perfect Blends & Sungold Brewery and Nepal in July 2005. Before these roles, he was COO of United Remit Private Limited, Nepal, in June 2005 , and Executive Assistant to the President & Managing Director, Nepal, in December 2004.
His earliest experiences include General Manager at Fast Foods Nepal in August 2004, Chief Executive Officer at CG Finco Pvt. Ltd. in May 2003 , and involvement with Cinnovation Group in Nepal (May 2002) and Singapore (August 2000). He also gained experience in banking with American Express, England, in April 2000 , and in investment banking with Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Credit Suisse, England, in March 2000. Earlier, he was involved with LG Audio, Chaudhary Group, Nepal, in June 1999 , the Restaurant Montys’ Nepalese Cuisine, England, in March 1999 , and Nabil Bank, L/C Department, Nepal, in June 1998.
Awards and Recognition
Nirvana Chaudhary has been recognized with numerous accolades for his leadership and contributions. He received the AAMO-Asian Leadership Awards in April 2019 , the YPO SEN Global Philanthropy Award in January 2019 , and the Rajiv Gandhi Global Excellence Award in New Delhi in 2017. He was also honored with the President’s Award for Social Contribution-Lions International in 2015 and the Best Brand/Peoples’ Choice Excellence Award by FNCCI in 2013. His influence was acknowledged when he was listed among the “50 Most Influential People in Nepal” in 2011.
Earlier in his career, he received the National Sanskritik Award-Industrial Sector in 2006 and a Recognition Award for Contribution to the Nepalese Community in September 2004. He was a repeated finalist for “The Boss Awards-Young Entrepreneur” in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. Additionally, he was a winner of the Nepal Corporate Squash Tournament in September 2004 and received the Nepal Youth Society-National Achievement Award in July 2004.
Civic and Social Engagements
His involvement in various organizations and committees highlights his commitment to national and international development. He has been a UN Global Compact High Level Steering Committee Member of the Action Platform in 2020 and a member of the 7-member High Level Task Force on Nepal Government Response to Disaster & Disease Control in 2020. He served as the Honorary Consulate of Serbia to Nepal from 2018 and was a Board of Trade member for the Ministry of Commerce Nepal from 2017 to 2018. From 2012 to 2018, he was the Honorary Consulate General of Maldives to Nepal , and from 2012 to 2013, he acted as Personal Advisor to the Ministry of Industries.
Board Memberships
Nirvana Chaudhary is also active on several boards of directors and advisory bodies. He has been on the Board of Directors for the Centre for Asian Philanthropy Society (CAPS) since 2019. He serves on the Advisory Board of PHD Chambers, India-Nepal Center, since June 2018 , and is the Chairman of Art of Living, Nepal, since June 2018. He is a member of the Apex Committee for Assocham Nepal since May 2017 and has been the Chairman of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Nepal, since 2016. He is also the Vice President of Himal Hydro General Construction Ltd, Nepal , and has been the Chairman of Nabil Bank, Nepal, since January 2012. Furthermore, he is a Director for Taj Asia, Hong Kong, since 2010 , and a Member of the US-Nepal Chamber for Commerce & Industry , Korea-Nepal Chamber for Commerce & Industry , and India-Nepal Chamber for Commerce & Industry.
Social Entrepreneurship and Community Development
His engagement extends to social entrepreneurship and community development. He is an Entrepreneurial Board Member of Prestellar Ventures Fund I Pte. Ltd. since April 2017. In partnership with a Childcare Home/Orphanage, he established “Araaya’s Home” in March 2017. He is the Founder of the Union of South Asian Leadership (2011) and Co-Founder of Himalayan Climate Change (2011). He has served as Brand Ambassador for “Climate for Life-WWF” (2009) and “Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Crity Awards” (2006).
He received the Youth of the Year Award-Margadarshan in July 2005. His philanthropic endeavors include being a Member of Samata Niketan Education Trust , Nepal School AID , and providing Medical Facilities for the Poor at Medanta Medicity, India. He has also been involved in the Mt. Everest Cleaning Campaign , The Neydo Foundation Pharping , Sarika Devi Chaudhary Orphanage , and Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre. He founded the Binod and Sarika Devi Foundation, an NGO dedicated to preserving Nepalese Folk Music and Youth Development , and established the Nepal Super League. He is an Honorary Member of Lions International (2014) and Rotary Club International (2013).
Other Engagements and Interests
Nirvana Chaudhary is also a columnist on Entrepreneurship and Leadership in a Leading Business Magazine. He is a Founder/Member of the Young Presidents Organization, Nepal Chapter (2013) , and the Entrepreneurs Organization – Nepal Chapter. His interests also include being a Music Producer/Radio Jockey “The Tranceporter”-Image FM 97.9 , President of the “Nehru Society” (Harrow School) , and Business Development Officer at Singapore Management University. He also served as Nepal Representative for the Doon School Old Boys’ Society/Harrow School. Notably, he was a member of the Nepal National Squash Team for the 2003-2004 SAF Games in Pakistan.
