Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Ltd has appointed Pushkar Jauhari as chief executive officer for its private equity and venture capital business. The company announced the move on September 3, adding that Jauhari will lead a platform focused on private market investments. He brings nearly 25 years of experience across private equity, venture capital and public markets in India and Europe.
Scope of the New Role
Jauhari will oversee investment strategy, fundraising, new investments, portfolio management and exits for the private equity and venture capital platform. Srini Srinivasan, managing director of Kotak Alternate Asset Managers, said his track record across the investment cycle will be valuable as the platform grows. Jauhari said good private equity investing begins with choosing the right businesses and staying closely involved as they expand.
Professional Experience and Credentials
Jauhari has participated in more than 25 private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and public equity investments worth over $900 million. His career includes investment and leadership roles at Oman India Joint Investment Fund, Khazanah Nasional and TVS Capital Funds. Earlier, he also worked with Fidelity Investments International and McKinsey & Company.
Track Record in Building Investment Platforms
Most recently, Jauhari helped build ValueQuest's private equity business into a multi-fund franchise and significantly grew its assets under management. He has also held more than 10 board positions during his professional journey across multiple sectors. His experience spans fundraising, investment selection, portfolio company engagement and exits in both Indian and European markets.
Market Position of Kotak Alternate Asset Managers
Kotak Alternate Asset Managers is part of Kotak Mahindra Group and focuses on alternative asset management and investment advisory businesses. Set up in early 2005, it has raised, managed and advised over $22 billion across private equity, real estate, infrastructure, special situations, private credit and investment advisory. Earlier this year, the firm closed its 14th real estate fund at $1 billion, anchored by a $675 million commitment from a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
A Broader Institutional Commitment
The Kotak Mahindra Group has continued to expand its alternative asset management activities across multiple cycles and investment themes. The firm operates with distinct specialist teams across real estate, private credit, special situations and infrastructure strategies. Jauhari's appointment adds senior investment leadership to a business that has raised, managed and advised substantial institutional capital.
Industry Outlook and Leadership Expectations
Private equity and venture capital investors are increasingly focused on operational involvement and disciplined capital deployment. Jauhari's philosophy aligns with this approach, as he emphasised close engagement with portfolio companies as they grow. His appointment is expected to bring continuity to the platform's investment process and its investor relationships over time.
Strategic Priorities for the Platform
Jauhari stated that he looks forward to working with the Kotak Alts team and portfolio companies to support growth and create value for investors. His mandate includes strengthening the private equity and venture capital platform through disciplined investment selection and active portfolio involvement. The leadership appointment signals Kotak's intent to deepen its capabilities in private markets.
With this appointment, Kotak Alternate Asset Managers reinforces its commitment to experienced leadership in private equity and venture capital. Pushkar Jauhari's extensive investment background and board level experience position him to guide the platform through its next phase of growth. The move is expected to support fundraising, portfolio development and long term value creation for investors.