Biography of Chenayappillil John George: Founder & MD of Geojit Financial Services
Biography of C. J.George: Business and Philanthropy
Chenayappillil John George is an Indian businessman and
philanthropist known for founding and leading Geojit Financial Services. His
work has made significant impacts in the financial services industry.
Personal Background
George was born in Pothanikkad, a suburb of Ernakulam in
Kerala, India. He is married to Shiny George, and the couple has two sons:
Jones George and Jyotis Abraham George.
Career Path
While pursuing a part-time LLB degree in Delhi, George
started working as an analyst with Batliwala and Karani Securities (B&K
Securities). He later left his LLM studies to join B&K Securities’ Cochin
office. In 1987, George and his then-client Ranajit Kanjilal founded Geojit
& Co, combining parts of their names ("Geo" from George and
"Jit" from Kanjilal). After Kanjilal retired in 1991, George acquired
his shares, making Geojit solely his own.
Professional Associations
George holds several prominent positions in the financial
and business sectors. He is an executive committee member of the National Stock
Exchange of India and the National Securities Depository Limited, and a
managing committee member of ASSOCHAM. Additionally, he serves as a director at
V-Guard Industries and Aster DM Healthcare and was previously a director at
Federal Bank and Joyalukkas. He is also a charter member of the Financial
Planning Standards Board India.
Mr. C. J. George: Founder and Managing Director of Geojit
Mr. C. J. George, a prominent entrepreneur in the financial
services industry, is the Founder and Managing Director of Geojit Financial
Services Ltd. With a Master’s degree in Commerce, he brings over 40 years of
experience in the securities market. In addition to his role at Geojit, Mr.
George holds directorships at several notable organizations, including Kerala
State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (KSIDC), Aster DM Healthcare Ltd.,
and V-Guard Industries Ltd.
Overview of Geojit
Geojit is a prominent Indian investment services company
with a strong presence both in India and across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
countries. With a legacy of delivering effective financial solutions, Geojit
has earned the trust of over a million clients. The company offers a broad
range of products and services, including mutual fund and insurance
distribution, equity and derivatives trading, commodity investments, portfolio
management services (PMS), and financial planning.
Geojit Financial Services
Geojit Financial Services is a major player in India's
investment sector and has made significant inroads into the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) countries. The company serves approximately 1.07 million clients
through a network of 463 offices. As of September 30, 2020, it manages assets
worth over ₹41,000 crore. Notable stakeholders include BNP Paribas, founder and
managing director C J George, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation
(KSIDC), and prominent investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala.
Biography of C. J.George: Founder & MD of Geojit Financial Services/ Businessman and Philanthropist/ Giojit story/Success story of C. J.George
Geojit’s Presence in the GCC
Geojit Financial Services has established a strong presence
in the GCC region through various joint ventures and partnerships. In the UAE,
it operates under the name Barjeel Geojit Financial Services LLC. In Kuwait,
it's known as BBK Geojit Securities KSC, and in Oman, it's QBG Geojit
Securities LLC. Additionally, in Bahrain, the company collaborates with the
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait to offer its services.
Comprehensive Services and Digital Innovation
In addition to its traditional offerings, Geojit has
developed an extensive portfolio of digital products and services. The
company’s multi-channel distribution network includes physical branches, an
online portal, dedicated customer care, and phone support, ensuring that it
meets all the investment needs of its clients effectively.
Professional Memberships and Contributions
Mr. George is actively involved in various professional
bodies and advisory roles. He is currently a member of the Kerala State Higher
Education Council, an expert committee for designing ESG (Environmental,
Social, and Governance) policies for the Government of Kerala, and the Managing
Committee of the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India
(ASSOCHAM) in New Delhi. He also serves on the Confederation of Indian
Industry’s (CII) National Committee on Financial Markets and KPMG’s Council for
Governance and Risk in Financial Services (Board Leadership Centre).
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his leadership and contributions, Mr.
George has received several prestigious awards, including the Management
Leadership Award from the Kerala Management Association and the TiE Kerala
Lifetime Achievement Award.
A timeline of Chenayappillil John George’s life and career:
1949
Birth: Chenayappillil John George is born in Pothanikkad,
Ernakulam, Kerala, India.
1980s
Career Beginnings: While pursuing a part-time LLB degree in
Delhi, George starts working as an analyst with Batliwala and Karani Securities
(B&K Securities). He later leaves his LLM studies to join B&K
Securities’ Cochin office.
1987
Founding Geojit: George and his then-client Ranajit Kanjilal
co-found Geojit & Co, blending parts of their names ("Geo" from
George and "Jit" from Kanjilal).
1991
Acquisition of Shares: After Ranajit Kanjilal retires,
George acquires his shares, taking full ownership of Geojit & Co.
2000s
Professional Associations: George holds several prominent
positions in the financial and business sectors, including being an executive
committee member of the National Stock Exchange of India and the National
Securities Depository Limited, and a managing committee member of ASSOCHAM. He
also serves as a director at V-Guard Industries and Aster DM Healthcare, and
was previously a director at Federal Bank and Joyalukkas.
2000s
Founding and Leadership: Chenayappillil John George
continues to lead Geojit Financial Services Ltd., which grows into a major
player in India’s investment sector.
2010
Geojit’s Growth: Geojit Financial Services, under George’s
leadership, expands significantly and establishes a strong presence in the GCC
region.
2020
Current Standing: As of September 30, 2020, Geojit Financial
Services serves approximately 1.07 million clients through 463 offices and
manages assets worth over ₹41,000 crore. The company operates in GCC countries
under various joint ventures and partnerships.
Recent Years
Professional Memberships: George remains active in
professional bodies, including serving on the Kerala State Higher Education
Council, the expert committee for ESG policies for the Government of Kerala,
and the managing committee of ASSOCHAM. He also contributes to the
Confederation of Indian Industry’s National Committee on Financial Markets and
KPMG’s Council for Governance and Risk in Financial Services.
Recent Years
Awards and Recognition: George receives several prestigious
awards, including the Management Leadership Award from the Kerala Management
Association and the TiE Kerala Lifetime Achievement Award.
Present Day
Ongoing Involvement: George continues to lead Geojit
Financial Services and contribute to various professional and advisory roles in
the financial sector.
