Lord Karan Bilimoria

The Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea

House of Lords

London, UK

Biography

Lord Karan Bilimoria is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded premium beer company, Cobra Beer, which has been presented with over 100 gold medals in the last 20 years. It was established by Lord Bilimoria in 1989 as an alternative to the heavier lagers that were available in the United Kingdom at the time. When Cobra Beer and Molson Coors Cobra India became a joint enterprise in 2011, Karan Bilimoria took on the role as Chairman.

Apart from creating one of the most celebrated beer brands in the world, Karan Bilimoria divides his time as a member of the House of Lords and as Vice President of the Confederation of British Industry, an organisation that promotes entrepreneurship as vehicle for prosperity, innovation and economic growth.

Before his appointment as The Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea, there had never been a Zoroastrian Parsi representative of the House of Lords. Lord Bilimoria received the highest honour bestowed to Indians outside of India, the The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, granted by the Head of State. He serves on a range of advisory boards, including Seven Hills, Birmingham Business School and Cambridge Judge Business School. In addition, he acts as President of the UKCISA, Chancellor of The University of Birmingham and Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London. His philanthropic works includes serving as Chairman of the advisory board of global charity organisation, The Loomba Foundation.

Lord Bilimoria is a Chartered Accountant and obtained an MA Law from the University of Cambridge. Throughout his career, he has engaged in continuous learning at esteemed business schools, including London and Harvard Business School and Crane School of Management.

Lord Karan Bilimoria’s Newsfeed

Businesses see promising India-UK ties ahead after Brexit

"There is no question that India will be a vital trading partner as the UK charts a new future outside the EU. The golden opportunities for British firms in India play to the best strengths of UK plc from infrastructure to healthcare to FinTech," said Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer and Vice-President of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) the key voice of British businesses in the UK.

People don't consider Cobra 'craft' because it's been established for 30 years

Cobra founder Lord Karan Bilimoria reflects on getting his business off the ground and how it continues to expand its range after ten years in partnership with Molson Coors.

View allHide

Lord Karan Bilimoria’s Background

House of Lords

The Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea

2006 - Present

London, UK

The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It is separate from the House of Commons although both entities work together closely. The chamber is involved in the process of creating laws and is responsible for monitoring the government’s work. Lord Bilimoria is the first Zoroastrian Parsi representative of The House of Lords.

Confederation of British Industry

Vice President

Jun 2019 - Present

London, UK

The Confederation of British Industry (CIB) is a business organisation that represents almost 200 000 businesses in the United Kingdom. The association highlights that enterprise significantly contributes to a thriving economy, which in turn provides a foundation for a prosperous, innovative and successful future.

View allHide

Other Business Interests

University of West London (Thames Valley)

Chancellor

London, UK

The University of West London, formerly Thames Valley University, is a high ranking modern university in London. The majority of its graduates find employment, or further study, within six months of graduation.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samma Award

Awardee

Delhi, IN

In 2008 Lord Bilimoria was awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samma Award by the President of India. It is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians.

View allHide

Current Non-Executive Positions

Cambridge Judge Business School

Chairman, Advisory Board

Jan 2016 - Present

Cambridge, UK

Cambridge Judge Business School is one of the world’s most esteemed business schools that is renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation. The school’s faculty has over 50 members and publishes research on a range of international business matters.

UKCISA

President

Jan 2015 - Present

London, UK

UKCISA’s national training programme serves the interests of international students and all who work with them in universities, colleges and students' unions, by providing up-to-date immigration, fees and international student experience information.

The University of Birmingham

Chancellor

Jan 2014 - Present

Birmingham, UK

Lord Bilimoria is the 7th Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, a public research university located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom. It received its royal charter in 1900 and is the UK's fourth largest university by enrollment.

Seven Hills

Advisory Board Member

Jan 2013 - Present

Seven Hills is a communications firm that creates cutting-edge campaigns for trailblazers and innovative thinkers, which include business leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and investors. These campaigns help businesses, people and organisations to stand out, grow faster and make a difference in an ever-changing business landscape.

Birmingham Business School

Advisory Board Member

Jan 2005 - Present

Birmingham, UK

Birmingham Business School is an international business school that prides itself in grooming the business leaders and entrepreneurs of the future. The school is committed to contributing positively to the business landscape with an integrated approach and research on challenges that affect both the economy and society.

Greater London

Deputy Lieutenant

Sep 2001 - Present

London, UK

Deputy Lieutenants are notable residents that have contributed to the Greater London community or that have long served society in other spheres. They are assigned their role as Deputy Lieutenants by the Lord-Lieutenant in order to support him in his duties.

View allHide

Previous Non-Executive Positions

Booker Group plc

Senior Non-Executive Director

2007 - 2016

London, UK

Booker Group Plc was founded in 1835 and is the UK’s leading food wholesaler, with over 13,000 employees. In 2018 the company merged with major British supermarket chain, Tesco Plc.

Philanthropy

The Loomba Foundation

Chairman, Advisory Board

Jan 2001 - Present

The Loomba Foundation is a global charity organisation that is accredited by the UN. The foundation supports widows and children from all races and ethnicities in order to remove the stigma and injustice associated with them. They charity aims to uplift windows through employment opportunities and other forms of assistance in order for them to ensure a better future for their children.