A grounded, compelling leader
with a creative heart
Ameya Prabhu believes in doing meaningful work, staying grounded, and letting actions speak louder than accolades. Whether in business, writing, or photography, he’s drawn to the deeper threads that connect people, places, and ideas.
Business
Building long-term value in India and beyond
Ameya is an entrepreneur and investor focused on building businesses that drive inclusive, sustainable growth across emerging markets. He is the Managing Director of Aarna Holdings, an investment holding company with interests in asset management, automotive, commodities and resource distribution. Aarna Holdings is a diversified investment holding company. Its subsidiary, Green Day Motors, focuses on automobile distribution in Africa, and Rare Mines is engaged in mineral distribution across India and Asia.
He is also the Founder and CEO of NAFA Capital, a Mumbai-based asset management firm investing in India and global markets, and a Partner at UAP Advisors LLP, a holding company with interests in financial services, technology and industrial investments.
Through NAFA Sustainable Finance – a joint venture with IFFCO, the world’s largest farmer cooperative – Ameya supports sustainable agriculture and economic opportunity in rural India.
“Strategy means nothing without substance.
I’m interested in building things that last - for people, not just portfolios.”
“Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room - it’s about listening, understanding,
and moving forward with clarity.”
Industry
Strengthening India’s voice in global dialogue
Alongside business, Ameya plays an active role in diplomacy and industry leadership. He has served on multiple boards and committees, including as Co-Chair of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) International, as the President of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and as an advisory board member of Climate Group India, championing climate action and responsible growth.
Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Ameya is committed to building meaningful global partnerships. As President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (2023–24), he expanded its global footprint with 27 new offices across 30 countries – from New Zealand to Chile – while also strengthening its national presence from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Creative
Stories, images, and the search for meaning
Ameya’s creative work is rooted in a lifelong interest in human stories and the quiet truths of everyday life. His debut book, The Rock Babas & Other Stories, explores characters across cultures and continents, each offering a glimpse into the shared human condition. He seeks moments of clarity, presence, and connection through both writing and photography.
“True impact is measured by lives changed,
not headlines made.”
Impact
Contribution over recognition
For Ameya, impact is about meaningful, sustained action and genuine change. Through Manav Sadhan Vikas Sanstha, he supports skills training and job creation for women and underserved communities in rural India. He also championed access to sports, healthcare, and early childhood development as a former board member of MiracleFeet India, an NGO dedicated to eliminating clubfoot. As Vice Chairman of Konkan Krida Prabodhini, he promotes sports in Maharashtra’s rural Konkan region.
Lead with empathy. Work with purpose.
