As MD of Modi Enterprises and founder of brands like Modicare, Colorbar, 24Seven, and Modiway, he leads with vision, consumer focus, and a drive for purposeful growth
When Samir K. Modi joins the inaugural panel discussion at PRC 2025—‘THE INFINITE LEAP: MAPPING INDIA’S TRILLION-DOLLAR RETAIL TRAJECTORY’—he brings with him a journey rooted in legacy and shaped by innovation. As Managing Director of Modi Enterprises, and the founder of brands like Modicare, Colorbar, 24Seven, and more recently, Modiway, his work is defined by long-term thinking, consumer empathy, and a consistent pursuit of purposeful growth.
Legacy Meets Leadership
Born into one of India’s most respected business families, Modi had a choice—to continue the 91-year-old legacy of Modi Enterprises as it was, or to reinvent it for a changing world. He chose the latter. A Harvard Business School alumnus, Modi also spent formative years at Philip Morris in the U.S., where his stint as a brand manager for Marlboro sharpened his global business acumen and understanding of brand storytelling.
Armed with this global outlook and a passion for creating impact, Modi returned to India with a clear goal: build businesses that not only serve the market but empower people, uplift communities, and stand the test of time.
From Lipsticks to Life Goals
In 2004, spotting a gap in the Indian beauty market, Modi launched Colorbar Cosmetics—a brand built on clean beauty principles, bold design, and science-backed innovation. Since then, Colorbar has grown into one of India’s top cosmetics brands, with a revenue of ₹580 crore and a presence not just across India, but also in Russia and the USA.
Behind its vibrant lipsticks and iconic packaging lies a deeper mission—to make beauty inclusive, accessible, and aspirational. Building a premium brand in a value-conscious market wasn’t easy. It required constant reinvention—from product development to digital strategy. But Modi’s philosophy stayed consistent: “Colorbar isn’t just a brand. It’s an emotion, an enabler of confidence.”
The Original Azadi Warrior
Before “side hustle” became a buzzword and direct selling was backed by apps and algorithms, Samir Modi launched Modicare in 1996. At its core was a bold vision—‘Azadi for every Indian’. Modicare offered individuals, especially from smaller towns and non-metro areas, a path to financial independence through entrepreneurship. Nearly three decades later, it is a national movement.
With a presence in over 17,000 PIN codes and a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore, Modicare has empowered more than 6 million direct sellers across the country. It continues to stand as one of India’s most expansive and inclusive direct selling platforms.
In 2025, Modi expanded on this vision with Modiway—a new-age wellness initiative fusing science-backed nutrition and holistic wellbeing with the same entrepreneurial spirit that powered Modicare. Designed to align with a national focus on fitness and lifestyle, Modiway is his next leap into purpose-led business.
Redefining Convenience with 24Seven
In 2005, well before the term “Q-commerce” entered industry parlance, Modi founded 24Seven, India’s first 24×7 convenience store chain. It responded to the pulse of urban life—serving the needs of the always-on millennial and Gen Z consumer.
Built on consumer convenience, strategic locations, and tech-led service, 24Seven helped reimagine daily shopping before “delivery in 10 minutes” became the norm. Unlike fleeting trends, Modi’s focus has always been on building habits, not hype.
Failure, Faith & Fierce Comebacks
Like any entrepreneur charting untrodden paths, Modi has faced his share of challenges—whether it was premiumisation in a value market, scaling operations in complex geographies, or adapting to rapidly shifting consumer preferences.
But each setback only fuelled reinvention. His guiding mantra—“Soch Badlo, Khudko Badlo, Duniya Badlo” (Change your thinking, change yourself, change the world)—runs like a current through all his enterprises.
Driving Social Change with Modicare Foundation
Samir Modi’s contributions go far beyond the business realm. In 1996, he established the Modicare Foundation to address one of the most pressing taboos of that time—HIV/AIDS awareness. Over time, the Foundation has broadened its scope to support women and child development, health education, and community empowerment. Its projects, including the Khwabgah school block for underprivileged children in Delhi, embody a belief in inclusive progress and sustainability.
A Leader of Many Worlds
In addition to overseeing diverse ventures, Modi is actively involved in shaping policy and global commerce. He serves as Emeritus President of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) and has represented India on multiple global business forums.
Away from the boardroom, he is a patron of the arts, a music enthusiast, a tech explorer, and was even a state-level boxing champion—demonstrating a well-rounded personality that thrives on creativity and challenge.
Recognitions That Reflect Purpose
Samir Modi’s unique leadership style has earned him numerous accolades:
- Retail Leader of the Year – ET Retail, 2025
- Face of the Year – Star Retailer, 2022
- Emerging Business Leader of the Year – Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, 2019
- Retail Icon of the Year – Images Retail, 2019
Under his leadership, Modi Enterprises has also been awarded as a Best Employer in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ASSOCHAM, 2022), with many of its companies certified as Great Place to Work.
Looking Ahead: The Infinite Leap
At PRC 2025, Samir Modi will join India’s retail visionaries to decode the next big shift in Indian retail. As part of the Inaugural Panel on ‘THE INFINITE LEAP: MAPPING INDIA’S TRILLION-DOLLAR RETAIL TRAJECTORY’, he is expected to bring insights that merge consumer-centricity with purpose-led growth.
Because Samir Modi’s journey stands as a reminder that when entrepreneurship blends legacy with reinvention—and is led with intent, imagination, and impact—it doesn’t just grow businesses. It builds a better Bharat.
