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Adar Poonawalla Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth14 January 1981

Age43 Years

BirthplacePune, Maharashtra

ProfessionBusinessman

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseNatasha Poonawalla

FamilyFather - Cyrus Poonawalla; Mother - Villoo Poonawalla (deceased); Children - Cyrus and Darius

Adar Poonawalla Biography

Adar Poonawalla is an Indian businessman best known as the CEO of Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by doses produced. He,

Early life and background

Adar Poonawalla was born on 14 January 1981 in Pune, Maharashtra. He spent his early schooling years at The Bishop's School in Pune before moving to the United Kingdom to complete his education. He graduated from the University of Westminster in 2002 with a BA (Honours) in Business Management. Having grown up in a family closely associated with vaccine manufacturing, he returned to India after his studies and joined the family business.

Career

After returning to India in 2002, Adar worked within the family company, gaining experience under the guidance of his father. He joined the Serum Institute of India’s board of directors in 2005 and was appointed CEO in 2011. Under his leadership the company expanded its global footprint, growing from supplying vaccines to about 35 countries in 2005 to more than 145 countries by 2020.

During his tenure, Serum Institute became the world’s largest vaccine producer by number of doses. The company produces vaccines for a range of diseases, and during the COVID-19 pandemic it was responsible for producing Covishield, developed with the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca.

Adar has also been involved in business transactions and board roles beyond SII. In May 2021 he was appointed chairman of Magma Fincorp Limited. In May 2021 he sold a block of shares in Panacea Biotec in an open market transaction, and in December 2023 a Poonawalla family company completed a high-value London property purchase. In October 2024 he acquired a 50 percent stake in Dharma Productions.

Philanthropy and civic initiatives

Following the death of his mother in 2010, Adar took responsibility for continuing the family’s philanthropic activities and in 2012 established the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation in her memory. The foundation focuses on education, healthcare, water and sanitation projects. Its programs include multiple schools that serve thousands of students, a hospital and water treatment initiatives.

In 2015 he launched the Adar Poonawalla Clean City initiative to improve urban solid waste management, beginning in Pune and with plans to scale the program. He committed personal funds to support expansion of the project and in 2017 was named among the brand ambassadors for the national Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Public profile

Adar Poonawalla has received recognition for his leadership and philanthropic work. His honors include listings and awards from publications and organizations recognizing influential young leaders and corporate social responsibility efforts. Notable acknowledgments include being named among Fortune’s global 40 Under 40 and being recognized by regional and international media for his role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal life

Adar is married to Natasha Poonawalla; the couple married on 15 December 2006 and have two sons, Cyrus (born 2009) and Darius (born 2015). He is the son of Cyrus Poonawalla, founder of Serum Institute of India, and Villoo Poonawalla, who passed away in 2010. The family is based in Pune and owns several properties there and in Mumbai, including an estate known as Adar Abad and a large stud farmhouse.

Beyond work and philanthropy, Adar has interests in horse racing and an extensive car collection. He is also reported to own a Gulfstream G550 aircraft.

Latest updates

Recent activities reported in the public domain include the acquisition of a high-value London property through a family company in December 2023, the purchase of a significant stake in Dharma Productions in October 2024, and the May 2021 appointment as chairman of Magma Fincorp Limited. He also completed a notable share sale in Panacea Biotec in May 2021.
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Recent Work

Appointment as chairman of Magma Fincorp Limited

Appointed chairman of the Mumbai-based non-banking finance company in May 2021.

2021
Acquisition of Aberconway House (London) via family company

High-value London property purchase completed in December 2023 by a Poonawalla family company.

2023
50% stake in Dharma Productions

Acquired a fifty percent stake in Dharma Productions in October 2024.

2024
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Career Highlights

  1. Became CEO of Serum Institute of India in 2011
  2. Led SII to become the world’s largest vaccine producer by doses
  3. Expanded SII’s supply network from about 35 countries in 2005 to over 145 countries by 2020
  4. Launched the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation in 2012 and Adar Poonawalla Clean City in 2015
  5. Named in Fortune’s global 40 Under 40 and other lists and awards
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Adar Poonawalla born?

14 January 1981

What is Adar Poonawalla known for?

Businessman

What is Adar Poonawalla’s marital status?

Married

Who is Adar Poonawalla married to?

Natasha Poonawalla