Arun Sehgal : Building A Legacy Of Meaningful Growth And Inspiring The Next Generation
Arun Sehgal
Chairman & Managing Director
His story is not just about rising higher, but about growing deeper; about being better than yesterday, not in stature, but in substance. As a first generation entrepreneur, he has successfully established and grown businesses in more than 60 countries, gaining profound insights into cross cultural selling, the complexities of international business environ - ments, and the strategic nuances of global business creation.
With over 40 years of global experience, Arun is on a mission to cultivate a generation of leaders capable of navigating complex international environments while driving sustainable and innovative business practices. The globally applicable concepts developed and practiced by Arun in global business expansion have become the cornerstone of his teaching and mentoring roles.
As a Visiting Professor at JBIMS- Mumbai University and other top-tier business schools in Mumbai, including the prestigious ICT Mumbai and Atal Incubation Centre (AICRMP) Mumbai, he has designed and delivered courses on diverse business concepts. Below is an excerpt from CEO Insights’ exclusive interview with Arun, a proud BITS Pilani alumnus.
After more than four decades of experience, what drives you today?
My driving force has always been to create meaningful, lasting impact, not only for my family or organization, but for every stakeholder we touch, from employees and suppliers to customers and partners. We relentlessly strive to improve, adapt, and rise above our past, guided by an unshakable belief that technology should serve humanity.
Money has never been the goal; it’s the byproduct of doing better, growing wiser, and building value that endures far beyond us. Because in the end, true success is not measured by what we earn, but by the lives we elevate.
How did you shape the direction of your entre - preneurial ambitions?
I was a top student with strong self-belief in higher secondary school, but joining BITS and standing among brilliant minds from across the country brought deep humility. In its diverse, flexible, and rigorous environment, I learned reverse engineering, adaptability, and the art of shaping life at one’s own pace. These insights guided my entrepreneurial journey. I chose a debtfree, privately held path, prioritizing purpose over pressure, health and relationships over money, and have spent three decades in teaching at top B Schools and two decades mentoring startups that now create meaningful impact, proving that impact is the truest measure of success.
What core principles have enabled your sustained global success?
Our core strategy is anchored in the principle of “others first”,
beginning with employees and suppliers, knowing their satisfaction directly shapes customer service and innovation. We focus on continuous innovation aligned with evolving market needs, developing products in pharmaceuticals, colors and pigments, cosmetics, and electronic chemicals, many earning us global leadership positions.
Another pillar is delivering exceptional customer experiences across all three phases: presale, during-sale, and post-sale, ensuring relationships last well beyond business transactions. We also drive cost leadership through innovation for competitive pricing. Finally, strategic networking enables direct global client engagement, fostering enduring partnerships, proving that people-first strategies fuel both impact and success.
Above all, knowledge has always been my strongest connector, far more powerful than money or hospitality. I believe in adding value to every interaction by deeply understanding my customers’ needs, challenges, and future goals. This preparation enables meaningful, insightful exchanges that build enduring trust and respect.
Guided by the principle of pursuing knowledge (Saraswati) over wealth (Lakshmi), I focus on contributing with updated insights and solutions clients truly value. My commitment to continuous learning, through teaching, research, and writing, empowers me to engage far beyond business, enriching conversations and strengthening global relationships, because wisdom is the bridge that lasts forever.
What strategies help you balance innovation with core business goals?
At the core of our strategy is innovation driven by a focus on earning respect rather than just creating wealth. By consistently engaging with our customers’ R&D teams, we strive to deliver solutions to complex chemical needs. When a solution isn’t feasible, we communicate transparently, something our clients’ value deeply. Over the past 40 years, we've built a strong network of over 1,000 chemical manufacturers and exported more than 3,000 chemicals. These trusted relationships foster innovation and ensure consistent delivery. When respect and innovation are the foundation, business growth and scalability follow naturally and sustainably.
Which experiences at BITS Pilani most influenced your leadership?
In my fourth year at BITS Pilani, I was entrusted with producing over 5,000 trophies for Oasis ’79, our flagship cultural festival that drew thousands of students from across India. With limited time and no formal workforce, I mobilized and inspired fellow mechanical engineering students to work in three shifts at our campus workshop for ten relentless days.
There was no monetary reward, only pride. We delivered every trophy on time. Leading under pressure, managing scarce resources, working 20–22 hours a day, and uniting peers toward a shared goal gave me my first true taste of entrepreneurship, proving that leadership is born when passion overcomes every obstacle.
Which life values or leadership principles that you practice today were first instilled during your time at BITS?
At BITS, we were taught to find solutions independently and work backwards to achieve results, a mindset that shaped my approach to reverse engineering.
Another pillar is delivering exceptional customer experiences across all three phases: presale, during-sale, and post-sale, ensuring relationships last well beyond business transactions. We also drive cost leadership through innovation for competitive pricing. Finally, strategic networking enables direct global client engagement, fostering enduring partnerships, proving that people-first strategies fuel both impact and success.
Above all, knowledge has always been my strongest connector, far more powerful than money or hospitality. I believe in adding value to every interaction by deeply understanding my customers’ needs, challenges, and future goals. This preparation enables meaningful, insightful exchanges that build enduring trust and respect.
Money has always been a byproduct; my true focus is on doing better, growing wiser, and creating enduring value
Guided by the principle of pursuing knowledge (Saraswati) over wealth (Lakshmi), I focus on contributing with updated insights and solutions clients truly value. My commitment to continuous learning, through teaching, research, and writing, empowers me to engage far beyond business, enriching conversations and strengthening global relationships, because wisdom is the bridge that lasts forever.
What strategies help you balance innovation with core business goals?
At the core of our strategy is innovation driven by a focus on earning respect rather than just creating wealth. By consistently engaging with our customers’ R&D teams, we strive to deliver solutions to complex chemical needs. When a solution isn’t feasible, we communicate transparently, something our clients’ value deeply. Over the past 40 years, we've built a strong network of over 1,000 chemical manufacturers and exported more than 3,000 chemicals. These trusted relationships foster innovation and ensure consistent delivery. When respect and innovation are the foundation, business growth and scalability follow naturally and sustainably.
Which experiences at BITS Pilani most influenced your leadership?
In my fourth year at BITS Pilani, I was entrusted with producing over 5,000 trophies for Oasis ’79, our flagship cultural festival that drew thousands of students from across India. With limited time and no formal workforce, I mobilized and inspired fellow mechanical engineering students to work in three shifts at our campus workshop for ten relentless days.
There was no monetary reward, only pride. We delivered every trophy on time. Leading under pressure, managing scarce resources, working 20–22 hours a day, and uniting peers toward a shared goal gave me my first true taste of entrepreneurship, proving that leadership is born when passion overcomes every obstacle.
Which life values or leadership principles that you practice today were first instilled during your time at BITS?
At BITS, we were taught to find solutions independently and work backwards to achieve results, a mindset that shaped my approach to reverse engineering.
I’ve carried this philosophy into my organization, encouraging teams to bring solutions, own outcomes, and learn from mistakes.
The rigorous, broad-based curriculum and cultural diversity on campus trained me to thrive under pressure, master the art of rapid learning, and connect across diverse backgrounds. These cross-cultural skills, honed at BITS, have been invaluable in forging deep, lasting global connections with customers, turning relationships into the real currency of business.
How do you envision contributing back to the BITS ecosystem,as an investor?
I’ve been deeply engaged in nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem at BITS Pilani through BITS Spark and the Entrepre -neurship Cell, investing in campus startups and mentoring aspiring founders. My work spans leading institutions like ICT Mumbai, JBIMS, IIT Mumbai, WTCs, and an Atal Incubation Centre in Mumbai, where I contribute to incubation programs, curriculum design, and workshops.
Over two decades, I’ve taught 16,000+ students and mentored over 150 startups. I’ve authored The Mind of an Entrepreneur, with three more ready for release, namely The Spiritual Entrepreneur, The Spiritual Manager, and The Happy-Preneur. My mission is clear — to inspire entrepreneurs to build not just wealth, but lives of purpose, joy, and impact.
You are well known as a coach and mentor as well as an angel investor. Many of them went on to become Unicorns. What drives this aspect of your professional life?
I’ve coached and mentored over 150 startups since 2006 and invested in more than 36 as an angel, some of which became unicorns. But I always clarify — they made themselves unicorns; I was simply privileged to be there early as a seed investor. I conduct workshops for startups and have authored several books on entrepreneurship, with more in progress.
My focus is on sharing practical, experience-based knowledge, not just theory, to help entrepreneurs build resilient, sustainable ventures. Looking ahead, I aim to deepen my contribution to the startup ecosystem through mentoring, workshops, and collaborations, empowering the next generation to turn vision into enduring success.
What advice would you offer to the students who aspire to create a large-scale business impact?
I always encourage people to start, no matter how imperfect the beginning may seem. It may seem messy, but the first step is the most powerful one. Like a baby learning to walk, there will be stumbles, but each fall is part of the learning. With the right mentorship and support, perseverance turns into progress, and progress into success.
Arun Sehgal, Chairman & Managing Director, Chempro Pharma
With over 42 years of global industry experience, Arun Sehgal is a purpose-driven leader. Under his visionary leadership, Chempro has expanded its footprint to over 60 countries, guided by a commitment to innovation, integrity, and lasting impact.
•Hobbies: Writing, reading, and exploring new cultures through travel.
•Favorite Cuisines: Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese
•Favorite Book: Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
•Favorite Travel Destinations: Indonesia,Thailand, Vietnam, and Europe
The rigorous, broad-based curriculum and cultural diversity on campus trained me to thrive under pressure, master the art of rapid learning, and connect across diverse backgrounds. These cross-cultural skills, honed at BITS, have been invaluable in forging deep, lasting global connections with customers, turning relationships into the real currency of business.
How do you envision contributing back to the BITS ecosystem,as an investor?
I’ve been deeply engaged in nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem at BITS Pilani through BITS Spark and the Entrepre -neurship Cell, investing in campus startups and mentoring aspiring founders. My work spans leading institutions like ICT Mumbai, JBIMS, IIT Mumbai, WTCs, and an Atal Incubation Centre in Mumbai, where I contribute to incubation programs, curriculum design, and workshops.
Over two decades, I’ve taught 16,000+ students and mentored over 150 startups. I’ve authored The Mind of an Entrepreneur, with three more ready for release, namely The Spiritual Entrepreneur, The Spiritual Manager, and The Happy-Preneur. My mission is clear — to inspire entrepreneurs to build not just wealth, but lives of purpose, joy, and impact.
You are well known as a coach and mentor as well as an angel investor. Many of them went on to become Unicorns. What drives this aspect of your professional life?
I’ve coached and mentored over 150 startups since 2006 and invested in more than 36 as an angel, some of which became unicorns. But I always clarify — they made themselves unicorns; I was simply privileged to be there early as a seed investor. I conduct workshops for startups and have authored several books on entrepreneurship, with more in progress.
My focus is on sharing practical, experience-based knowledge, not just theory, to help entrepreneurs build resilient, sustainable ventures. Looking ahead, I aim to deepen my contribution to the startup ecosystem through mentoring, workshops, and collaborations, empowering the next generation to turn vision into enduring success.
What advice would you offer to the students who aspire to create a large-scale business impact?
I always encourage people to start, no matter how imperfect the beginning may seem. It may seem messy, but the first step is the most powerful one. Like a baby learning to walk, there will be stumbles, but each fall is part of the learning. With the right mentorship and support, perseverance turns into progress, and progress into success.
Arun Sehgal, Chairman & Managing Director, Chempro Pharma
With over 42 years of global industry experience, Arun Sehgal is a purpose-driven leader. Under his visionary leadership, Chempro has expanded its footprint to over 60 countries, guided by a commitment to innovation, integrity, and lasting impact.
•Hobbies: Writing, reading, and exploring new cultures through travel.
•Favorite Cuisines: Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese
•Favorite Book: Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
•Favorite Travel Destinations: Indonesia,Thailand, Vietnam, and Europe