ET Now Family Business Summit – Leadership with Purpose: Values that Endure, Leadership that Inspires

Legacy isn’t just Inherited.
It’s Earned.

Overview

The ET NOW Family Business Excellence Summit & Awards 2025 celebrates the vision, resilience, and leadership of India’s most iconic family-run enterprises. In a world defined by disruption and short-term wins, these businesses stand apart for building with soul—preserving values across generations while evolving with purpose. This summit brings together founders, next-gen leaders, wealth custodians, and advisors for honest conversations on succession, governance, innovation, and stewardship. It is a space to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine what it means to lead with both legacy and foresight.

As legacy enterprises navigate generational shifts, digital disruption, and rising expectations around sustainability, the summit addresses the most pressing questions shaping their future—from family dynamics to institutional frameworks. Through this platform, ET Edge seeks to strengthen India’s heritage business ecosystem, celebrating their quiet yet profound contribution to the nation’s economic and cultural identity.

Honoring Family Heritage, Empowering Generations

The ET NOW Family Business Excellence Summit & Awards is a premier platform that honours the achievements and leadership of India’s legal The ET NOW Family Business Excellence Summit & Awards 2025 celebrates the legacy and leadership of India’s most iconic family enterprises. As business landscapes evolve, the summit offers a powerful platform to explore succession, governance, sustainability, and next-gen leadership. cy enterprises. Curated by the Times Group, the summit brings together leaders from multi-generational family businesses, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), and wealth management experts to explore strategies for innovation, sustainable growth, and generational wealth planning.

In an era of rapid economic transformation, the summit addresses key focus areas such as ESG integration, succession planning, diversified investments, and family governance. Through thought-provoking panel discussions, fireside chats, and powerful networking opportunities, it aims to empower legacy-driven enterprises to evolve with purpose while preserving their core values. This initiative reinforces the legacy business ecosystem and celebrates its pivotal role in shaping India’s economic future.

India’s legacy enterprises are navigating an era of rapid economic evolution and global challenges. As these businesses evolve, they are rethinking traditional approaches to succession, investment, and governance to stay relevant in an increasingly dynamic market. The summit will offer a collaborative platform to address key themes in the legacy business landscape, including generational wealth management, diversified investments, ESG integration, and succession planning.

With curated panel discussions, fireside chats, and networking opportunities, the event will encourage thought-provoking dialogues on balancing heritage with innovation. The summit aims not only to empower legacy enterprises with cutting-edge insights but also to celebrate their significant contributions to India’s economy and society. Through this initiative, ET Edge seeks to reinforce the legacy business ecosystem, fostering an environment that supports long-term growth, sustainability, and leadership for future generations.

Coffee Table Book

The ET NOW Family Business Coffee Table Book is a beautifully curated collection that celebrates the journey, resilience, and impact of India’s most influential legacy-driven enterprises. Through compelling stories, captivating visuals, and exclusive interviews, this book pays homage to the pioneering families and leaders who have shaped India’s economic landscape across generations. Each page showcases the values, innovation, and vision that define these iconic businesses, offering readers a glimpse into the heritage, evolution, and future aspirations of India’s enduring enterprises.

Celebrating Legacy. Rewarding Excellence.

The Family Business Excellence Awards 2025 honour India’s most resilient, purpose-driven family enterprises—those that have thrived across generations, blending tradition with innovation. These awards celebrate businesses that have not only weathered the challenges of time but have also embraced governance, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. From iconic legacies to emerging next-gen leaders, the awards recognize those who uphold the values of their heritage while reimagining the future with vision and integrity.

Legacy Visionaries Hall of Fame

Honoring family business founders whose original vision and leadership laid a strong foundation for generational success.

Your submission may include:

Founding Philosophy: The core vision, values, and long-term aspirations of the founder(s)
Legacy Impact: Milestones, transformation moments, and long-lasting industry or community contributions
Governance Foundations: Early systems set up for continuity (e.g., family constitutions, trusts, or councils)
Cultural Transmission: Mechanisms used to pass down values, ethics, and vision
Family & Business Synergy: How personal and professional values were aligned

Multigenerational Excellence Legacy

Awarded to businesses that have demonstrated excellence in transition and leadership across three or more generations.

Your submission may include:

Family Business Timeline: Generational milestones and leadership roles
Succession Models: Formal succession planning and mentoring initiatives
Continuity Systems: Legal, financial, and cultural mechanisms ensuring smooth transitions
Shared Purpose: Common vision, values, and operational philosophy
Business Performance and Longevity: Growth, resilience, and innovation across generations

Heritage Innovation Vanguard

For businesses that successfully blend heritage values with bold innovation strategies.

Your submission may include:

Heritage-Inspired Innovation: Reimagination of traditional practices, crafts, or narratives
New Market Creation: Expansion into modern categories while retaining authenticity
Collaborative Approach: Co-creation with partners, artisans, or designers
Outcome Metrics: Brand growth, product success, or customer loyalty
Preservation with Progress: Balancing cultural continuity with modernization

Legacy Brand Reimagined Award

Celebrating bold rebranding, reinvention, or transformation of a family business brand.

Your submission may include:

Need for Reinvention: Business context, market shifts, or generational transitions
Transformation Process: New branding, product overhaul, digital shifts
Family-Led Strategy: Role of family members in driving the change
Impact and Results: Market share, customer base, brand value
Future-Readiness: Brand’s adaptability and sustainability moving forward

Dynastic Expansion Excellence

For significant expansion across geographies, industries, or verticals led by family vision.

Your submission may include:

Expansion Strategy: Domestic or global market entries, diversification timelines
Family Leadership: Strategic involvement of family in growth plans
Execution Models: M&A, greenfield ventures, or joint ventures
Risk and Resilience: How challenges were navigated during scale-up
Cultural Alignment: Maintaining identity and values across growth geographies

Dynastic Expansion Excellence

For significant expansion across geographies, industries, or verticals led by family vision.

Your submission may include:

Expansion Strategy: Domestic or global market entries, diversification timelines
Family Leadership: Strategic involvement of family in growth plans
Execution Models: M&A, greenfield ventures, or joint ventures
Risk and Resilience: How challenges were navigated during scale-up
Cultural Alignment: Maintaining identity and values across growth geographies

Generational Stewardship Excellence

For families demonstrating responsible governance, values-based leadership, and long-term stewardship.

Your submission may include:

Governance Structures: Family councils, advisory boards, protocols
Role Clarity: Balance between family and professional leadership
Conflict Navigation: Mechanisms to manage disagreements or transitions
Stewardship Values: Education, succession, and ethical wealth management
Outcome Indicators: Trust levels, stakeholder alignment, decision-making transparency

Award Categories

Each award will be evaluated across Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum levels, based on the depth, scale, and strategic alignment of the initiatives undertaken by the business. Joint submissions with family members and professional partners are encouraged.

Heritage Enterprise of the Year

Multigenerational Excellence Legacy

Heritage Innovation Vanguard

Legacy Brand Reimagined Award

Dynastic Expansion Excellence

Sustainable Legacy Leader

Generational Stewardship Excellence

Enduring Values Leadership Award

Recognizing a business that has upheld heritage, tradition, and cultural identity while remaining commercially relevant.

Your submission may include:

Historical Continuity:
Age, origin, and evolution of the business
Community and Cultural Relevance:
Role in shaping regional or sectoral identity
Adaptation Strategy:
Innovation without compromising heritage
Customer Loyalty and Trust:
Long-standing stakeholder relationships
Brand Storytelling:
Use of legacy in marketing or organizational narrative

Awarded to businesses that have demonstrated excellence in transition and leadership across three or more generations.

Your submission may include:

Family Business Timeline:
Generational milestones and leadership roles
Succession Models:
Formal succession planning and mentoring initiatives
Continuity Systems:
Legal, financial, and cultural mechanisms ensuring smooth transitions
Shared Purpose:
Common vision, values, and operational philosophy
Business Performance and Longevity:
Growth, resilience, and innovation across generations

Recognizing a business that has upheld heritage, tradition, and cultural identity while remaining commercially relevant.

Your submission may include:

Heritage-Inspired Innovation:
Reimagination of traditional practices, crafts, or narratives
New Market Creation:
Expansion into modern categories while retaining authenticity
Collaborative Approach:
Co-creation with partners, artisans, or designers
Outcome Metrics:
Brand growth, product success, or customer loyalty
Preservation with Progress:
Balancing cultural continuity with modernization

Celebrating bold rebranding, reinvention, or transformation of a family business brand.

Your submission may include:

Need for Reinvention:
Business context, market shifts, or generational transitions
Transformation Process:
New branding, product overhaul, digital shifts
Family-Led Strategy:
Role of family members in driving the change
Impact and Results:
Market share, customer base, brand value
Future-Readiness:
Brand’s adaptability and sustainability moving forward

For significant expansion across geographies, industries, or verticals led by family vision.

Your submission may include:

Expansion Strategy:
Domestic or global market entries, diversification timelines
Family Leadership:
Strategic involvement of family in growth plans
Execution Models:
M&A, greenfield ventures, or joint ventures
Risk and Resilience:
How challenges were navigated during scale-up
Cultural Alignment:
Maintaining identity and values across growth geographies

Recognizing businesses with a long-term, generational commitment to sustainability goals.

Celebrates family businesses that have successfully integrated ESG principles and sustainability practices
Recognizes enterprises that balance traditional values with forward-thinking approaches to environmental and social governance
Aligns with the summit's discussion on next-gen priorities around sustainable practices and eco-conscious growth

For families demonstrating responsible governance, values-based leadership, and long-term stewardship.

Your submission may include:

Governance Structures:
Family councils, advisory boards, protocols
Role Clarity:
Balance between family and professional leadership
Conflict Navigation:
Mechanisms to manage disagreements or transitions
Stewardship Values:
Education, succession, and ethical wealth management
Outcome Indicators:
Trust levels, stakeholder alignment, decision-making transparency

For families whose core values continue to guide their decisions across generations.

Your submission may include:

Core Values Framework:
Origin and articulation of core family values
Business Practice Alignment:
Decision-making influenced by these values
Values Transmission:
Storytelling, mentoring, rituals, or written charters
External Impact:
Community goodwill, ethical sourcing, stakeholder trust
Long-Term Integrity:
Consistency of values over decades or across crises

Legacy of Excellence
The business must have a proven track record with over 15 years of operation
Multi-Generational Leadership
A minimum of two generations from the family should be actively involved in the business
Robust Financial Performance
The organization should have an annual revenue of ₹200 Crore or more
Strong Workforce Presence
The business must employ at least 300 team members across its operations
Pan-India Footprint
The company should be actively operating in at least two Indian states

*Businesses that meet the above criteria may be nominated by sending relevant details to et.edge@timesgroup.com

Legacy Visionaries Hall of Fame

Honoring family business founders whose original vision and leadership laid a strong foundation for generational success.

Your submission may include:

Founding Philosophy: The core vision, values, and long-term aspirations of the founder(s)
Legacy Impact: Milestones, transformation moments, and long-lasting industry or community contributions
Governance Foundations: Early systems set up for continuity (e.g., family constitutions, trusts, or councils)
Cultural Transmission: Mechanisms used to pass down values, ethics, and vision
Family & Business Synergy: How personal and professional values were aligned

Multigenerational Excellence Legacy

Awarded to businesses that have demonstrated excellence in transition and leadership across three or more generations.

Your submission may include:

Family Business Timeline: Generational milestones and leadership roles
Succession Models: Formal succession planning and mentoring initiatives
Continuity Systems: Legal, financial, and cultural mechanisms ensuring smooth transitions
Shared Purpose: Common vision, values, and operational philosophy
Business Performance and Longevity: Growth, resilience, and innovation across generations

Heritage Innovation Vanguard

For businesses that successfully blend heritage values with bold innovation strategies.

Your submission may include:

Heritage-Inspired Innovation: Reimagination of traditional practices, crafts, or narratives
New Market Creation: Expansion into modern categories while retaining authenticity
Collaborative Approach: Co-creation with partners, artisans, or designers
Outcome Metrics: Brand growth, product success, or customer loyalty
Preservation with Progress: Balancing cultural continuity with modernization

Legacy Brand Reimagined Award

Celebrating bold rebranding, reinvention, or transformation of a family business brand.

Your submission may include:

Need for Reinvention: Business context, market shifts, or generational transitions
Transformation Process: New branding, product overhaul, digital shifts
Family-Led Strategy: Role of family members in driving the change
Impact and Results: Market share, customer base, brand value
Future-Readiness: Brand’s adaptability and sustainability moving forward

Dynastic Expansion Excellence

For significant expansion across geographies, industries, or verticals led by family vision.

Your submission may include:

Expansion Strategy: Domestic or global market entries, diversification timelines
Family Leadership: Strategic involvement of family in growth plans
Execution Models: M&A, greenfield ventures, or joint ventures
Risk and Resilience: How challenges were navigated during scale-up
Cultural Alignment: Maintaining identity and values across growth geographies

Sustainable Legacy Leader

Recognizing businesses with a long-term, generational commitment to sustainability goals.

Your submission may include:

Sustainability Governance: Dedicated leadership or steering committees
Intergenerational Goals: Family-wide buy-in on sustainability targets
ESG Frameworks: Disclosures, ratings, and certifications
Impact Measurement: KPIs related to people, planet, and profits
Thought Leadership: Role in driving industry sustainability standards

Generational Stewardship Excellence

For families demonstrating responsible governance, values-based leadership, and long-term stewardship.

Your submission may include:

Governance Structures: Family councils, advisory boards, protocols
Role Clarity: Balance between family and professional leadership
Conflict Navigation: Mechanisms to manage disagreements or transitions
Stewardship Values: Education, succession, and ethical wealth management
Outcome Indicators: Trust levels, stakeholder alignment, decision-making transparency

Enduring Values Leadership Award

For families whose core values continue to guide their decisions across generations.

Your submission may include:

Core Values Framework: Origin and articulation of core family values
Business Practice Alignment: Decision-making influenced by these values
Values Transmission: Storytelling, mentoring, rituals, or written charters
External Impact: Community goodwill, ethical sourcing, stakeholder trust
Long-Term Integrity: Consistency of values over decades or across crises

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board of the Family Business Excellence Summit & Awards 2025 comprises distinguished industry leaders, respected legacy business owners, and seasoned experts who bring strategic insight, credibility, and thought leadership to the platform. Their role is pivotal in shaping the agenda, curating relevant themes, and ensuring the awards reflect the highest standards of integrity and impact.