Not Karisma Kapoor or Priya Sachdev: Who Is Heading Sunjay Kapur’s Business Empire?

Sunjay Kapur, the former husband of Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor and a prominent industrialist, passed away on June 12 at the age of 53 after suffering a heart attack while playing polo in the United Kingdom.

Beyond his high-profile personal life, Kapur was best known for transforming his family's auto parts business, Sona Comstar, into a global enterprise valued at nearly ₹31,000 crore (approximately $4 billion).

Leadership Transition After Sunjay Kapur's Demise

Following his untimely death, speculation swirled over who would take the reins of his sprawling business empire. Many believed that his family-particularly his sisters Superna Kapur Motwane and Mandira Kapur Koirala, both successful in their own right-might step into leadership roles.

However, in a move that caught many by surprise, the board of Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd. (commonly known as Sona Comstar) announced the appointment of Jeffrey Mark Overly as the new Chairman. Overly, who has served as an independent director on the company's board since 2021, was chosen for his extensive industry experience and strategic vision.

In a regulatory filing, the company expressed deep respect for Kapur's contributions, posthumously naming him Chairman Emeritus. Sona Comstar praised his "vision, leadership and dedication," which they said had left an indelible mark on the organisation.

Who is Jeffrey Mark Overly?

Jeffrey Mark Overly brings over four decades of experience in the global automotive sector. According to India.com, Overly has held senior roles at General Motors and Delphi Corporation, where he built a reputation for strategic leadership and operational excellence. A graduate in Industrial Management from the University of Cincinnati, Overly's prior role as a board member positioned him as the natural successor to continue Kapur's legacy.

What Happens to Sunjay Kapur's Personal Fortune?

While business leadership has shifted outside the Kapur family, attention has also turned to Sunjay Kapur's substantial personal fortune, estimated by Forbes at approximately $1.2 billion (₹10,300 crore) at the time of his death. According to Bloomberg, Kapur was instrumental in scaling the company after taking over in 2015, helping Sona Comstar reach global prominence.

Despite public curiosity, reports indicate that neither Karisma Kapoor nor the former couple's children-Samaira and Kiaan-will inherit any share of Kapur's stake in Sona Comstar or his personal assets. As per multiple reports, Kapur's personal wealth and property are expected to be inherited by Priya Sachdev and her children, including her son from a previous marriage, while the financial provisions for his children with Karisma remain intact.

Priya Sachdev's Role in the Business

Sunjay Kapur's third wife, Priya Sachdev, with whom he shared his later years, has also emerged with a role in the company. While she has not assumed a leadership position, Sachdev has been appointed as a non-executive director at Sona Comstar.

Sachdev, who began her career in London as an M&A analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston, brings a wealth of experience in sectors such as automotive, insurance, and fashion. Her presence on the board is expected to provide additional strategic insight, though she does not hold executive power.

"Mrs. Priya Sachdev Kapur is a multifaceted entrepreneur and investor whose journey has spanned continents, industries, and ideas. Currently serving as Director at Aureus Investment Private Limited, she plays an active role in shaping its investment strategy," read the official announcement from the company.

Divorce Settlement With Karisma and Provisions for Children

Kapur's financial arrangements with Karisma Kapoor were largely settled during their high-profile divorce in 2016. As reported by ANI, Kapur purchased bonds worth ₹14 crore for each of their children, ensuring a monthly interest income of ₹10 lakh to cover their expenses. Additionally, the couple's divorce settlement, upheld by the Supreme Court, granted Karisma full custody of the children and ownership of a family property in Mumbai's Khar area. Reports suggest Karisma also received ₹70 crore in alimony.