New Delhi: MA Yusuff Ali is the richest man from Kerala. He was ranked 35th in the Forbes India Rich List of 2022. Yusuff Ali had humble beginnings; he worked at his father’s grocery shop and then moved to Dubai to educate himself about the international markets. He gained immense knowledge about the business world and established a business of crores. 

Who is MA Yusuff Ali?

Yusuff Ali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader was born on 15 November 1955 in Thrissur, Kerala. He completed his schooling from St Xavier’s, Karanchira, and earned a diploma in Business Management and Administration. He is the owner of Lulu Group, and his companies operate in 23 countries. More than 65 thousand employees work for his company. His establishment generates an annual revenue of Rs 66,000 crore. 

Career pursuits

As a kid, MA Yusuff Ali dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Since his father was involved in family business, he decided to pursue a career in the same field. He began working at the grocery store that his father owned. Then, in the year 1973, he moved to Dubai to gain more business insights through his relatives’ business. 

Acquiring business skills

MA Yusuff Ali gained incredible experience from working in international markets of Singapore, Australia, and Bangkok. After he had gained substantial knowledge about the business world, he launched his first store in Dubai at the age of 34. 

Annual turnover of the company

Lulu Group International has an annual turnover of US $7.4 billion. There are more than 272 stores and retail centres all around the world. The first Lulu Convention Centre and Hotel was opened in Thrissur, Kerala, in 2006. 

In the year 2013, MA Yusuff Ali bought 4.99 % shares of Catholic Syrian Bank (CSB) and Dhanlakshmi Bank. There are Lulu Malls in Bangalore and Lucknow as well. Recently, the announcement was made about the launch of IPO of retail company in 2023.