Ms. Michelle Poonawalla

• Director Poonawalla Group
• Managing Director Poonawalla Engineering Group
• Interior & Architectural Designer
• Artist and Philanthropist

Managing Director of the Poonawalla Group, Michelle Poonawalla, is dedicated to revitalising and modernising manufacturing operations, steering the company towards new heights of excellence and societal impact. A polymath of celebrated stature, she effortlessly wears multiple hats, seamlessly embodying the essence of creativity, passion, and excellence. Renowned as a visionary business leader, accomplished artist, dedicated philanthropist, and stalwart supporter of various social causes, she epitomises versatility and grace.

Within the realm of development and interiors, she has undertaken a multitude of projects, demonstrating her adeptness and versatility. Under her unparalleled guidance and leadership, her studio is currently in the design and execution phase for premium luxury projects in Mumbai, Pune, and Alibaug.

Born into a family with a rich creative legacy — her grandfather Jehangir Vazifdar was among South Mumbai’s most celebrated architects and a contemporary of M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, and V.S. Gaitonde — Michelle inherited a deep appreciation for art and design. Her own practice blends traditional artistic values with cutting-edge technology, resulting in immersive works that are as evocative as they are innovative. Her installations, such as Introspection (2018), showcased at the Saatchi Gallery, London, and Circle of Life, presented at the 7th Mediations Biennale in Poland, highlight her ability to weave memory, identity, and emotion into transformative experiences. From video mapping and motion sensors to projection techniques, her work has graced global platforms from Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale in India.

Beyond artistic exploration, Michelle’s works consistently carry a message. Whether raising awareness for environmental conservation through WWF Singapore’s Tiger Trail (2022) or addressing global issues like climate change through thought-provoking films showcased at international events, she leverages creativity to influence philanthropy and global discourse. In 2017, Michelle Poonawalla also participated in The Elephant Parade India project, spearheaded by the Elephant Family – a charity supported by global leaders including His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, to join India’s leading artists and designers to create a unique, life-sized elephant which would travel across India and the UK. She has also contributed to causes through charity galas in London and Delhi, underlining her commitment to marrying art with social good.

She has also received the coveted Shiromani Award from Mr G.P. Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, at the NRI World Summit 2022, United Kingdom, in recognition of her contribution to the field of art.

In parallel with her artistic pursuits, Michelle’s role within the Poonawalla Group reflects her ability to merge vision with strategy. Her formidable strategic acumen and focus on human resources have propelled the Group forward, fortifying its standing and enabling expansion across multiple domains. Alongside Yohan Poonawalla, she has spearheaded investments in emerging sectors that define the future, ranging from renewable energy and recycling to wellness-focused beverages, biodegradable materials, and digital technologies.

As a forward-thinking business leader, the Poonawalla group has been actively investing in promising start-ups across diverse sectors. Amongst these are Angel Investing,  Innovative Mobility Solutions, Integrated Datacentres, Advanced Green Bio Plastic Solutions, Defence Solutions, Construction & Development, Water management systems, Advanced GPS + VLTD solutions and Green Energy solutions, amongst a few.

Her eye for innovation also extends to luxury real estate, where she has overseen landmark projects, including premium projects in Mumbai that are in the pipeline and Poonawalla Towers in Pune, an 800,000 sq. ft. commercial hub that reflects her refined approach to the luxury commercial segment.

Michelle and Yohan Poonawalla’s contributions extend far beyond business and art. Deeply committed to community upliftment, they have led initiatives that enhance education, healthcare, public spaces, and heritage preservation. The Poonawalla Family’s contributions include the construction, widening, and resurfacing of Soli Poonawalla Road in Hadapsar, the creation of the Gool Poonawalla Garden in Salisbury Park, and the establishment of the Soli Poonawalla School, which also provides yearly scholarships to deserving students.

Through the Yohan Poonawalla Foundation, further initiatives include support for the Shri Sant Gadge Maharaj School, sports ground development and maintenance, school bus facilities, the construction and landscaping of South Main Road Garden, the sponsorship and maintenance of Pune’s JJ Agiary and its gardens and the renovation of Pune’s heritage Turf Club House. The Group also sponsored the Zoroastrian Youth Association event and supported organisations like Breakthrough, where Michelle served as chief patron and led a charity walk with Rohit Bal. The Group has also extended humanitarian assistance to the Poona District Leprosy Committee by outsourcing the manufacture of components through Intervalve Poonawalla. Michelle and Yohan’s philanthropic reach extends globally, with contributions to causes like UNICEF’s Mash Ball Gala and other international platforms, reflecting their vision of giving back with both longevity and purpose.

A believer in nurturing young talent, Michelle and Yohan have consistently supported sports and youth development. The Group has been a long-standing sponsor of the MMA India National Federation, enabling countless young athletes to represent India on the global stage. They have also ventured into international motorsport, supporting 15-year-old Lebanese karting prodigy Mohammed Mneimneh, one of the fastest-rising names in the Middle East. Locally, Michelle and Yohan have also spearheaded the redevelopment of Mumbai’s CJ Club into a professional-grade sports complex, dedicated to fostering grassroots talent and providing infrastructure to nurture the next generation of champions.

Michelle Poonawalla stands as a rare embodiment of creativity, leadership, and compassion, seamlessly uniting the worlds of business, art, and philanthropy. Whether through pioneering ventures in industry, transformative works of art, or initiatives that uplift communities and empower youth, her vision is anchored in progress with purpose. With every endeavour, she continues to leave an indelible mark not only on India’s cultural and economic landscape but also on the global stage, inspiring future generations to dream, innovate, and give back.