Indian family firms adopt structured succession and professional governance to safeguard legacy
A new Grant Thornton Bharat and Entrust Family Office study finds Indian family enterprises are shifting from inheritance to formal succession planning, professional management and hybrid governance models.
According to a survey by Grant Thornton Bharat and Entrust Family Office, Indian family-owned companies are moving away from simple inheritance toward deliberate succession planning and stronger governance. Interviews with about 50 firms across three generations reveal that more than 50 % treat succession as a continuous preparation, yet only 36 % have a formal, written plan. The study highlights a trend toward hybrid models that combine family stewardship with professional expertise, especially among third-generation owners.
Committees, external advisors and formal boards are becoming common tools to improve accountability. Investment priorities also differ by generation, with younger families leaning toward strategic acquisitions and capital allocation. The findings come amid broader concerns about succession disputes and rapid technological change in India’s business landscape.
Why it matters
Effective succession and governance are crucial for preserving the economic impact of India's large family-owned enterprises.
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