The sudden demise of Shaji Baby John, chairman of the World Malayalee Council Global Business Forum and chairman and managing director of Kings Infra Ventures, has sent a wave of grief across the global Malayalee community and India’s business landscape. Widely regarded as a visionary leader, inspiring entrepreneur, and socially committed individual, his passing marks an irreparable loss to multiple sectors he helped shape.
Shaji Babyjohn played a pivotal role in promoting collaboration, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, both within India and among the global Indian diaspora. His contributions extended beyond business, reflecting a deep commitment to inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.
His mortal remains will be kept for public homage on Thursday from 9 am at his family residence near Shanker’s Hospital in Kollam. From 2.30 pm, the body will be placed at his residence at Neendakara Vayal, followed by funeral services at 3.30 pm at St Sebastian’s Church, Neendakara.
Shaji Baby john was the driving force behind Kings Infra Ventures Limited, a listed company founded in 1987, with a strong focus on aquaculture, seafood processing, and exports. Under his leadership, the company achieved world-class productivity standards through intensive research carried out in collaboration with leading scientists and institutions.
One of his most notable contributions was the development of precision aquaculture in partnership with Japan’s NEC Corporation. By integrating artificial intelligence, IoT, and machine learning, Kings Infra introduced the SISTA360 protocol, a technology platform designed with the clear objective of doubling farmers’ income while improving efficiency and sustainability.
Beyond aquaculture, the Kings Group expanded into diverse sectors across south India, including real estate, logistics, warehousing, hospitality, and clean energy. Shaji Babyjohn was also actively involved in the development of Gates Ecocity, a sustainable and future-ready integrated township project.
A mechanical engineering graduate, Shaji Babyjohn entered the family business in 1982. He later served on the Focus Group for Export Promotion from India and was a board member of the Marine Products Export Development Authority of India (MPEDA). His contributions to India’s export ecosystem were recognised with several national awards.
He was also a member of an expert committee constituted by UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning and played a significant role in promoting the Global Network of Learning Cities in India. In addition, he worked as a knowledge partner with UNESCO-UNEVOC and was an active member of several international organisations representing the Indian diaspora.
Recently, Kings Infra Ventures signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish the Kings Maritime Aquaculture Technology Park on 500 acres, with an investment of ₹2,500 crore. The project, to be set up at Srikakulam near Visakhapatnam, is expected to generate direct employment for around 1,500 people and indirect employment for nearly 10,000.
Just days before his passing, the company had announced plans to consolidate its businesses into a single corporate structure, bringing together its seafood and aquaculture operations and infrastructure and real estate businesses under two main verticals.
Following news of Shaji Babyjohn’s demise, shares of Kings Infra Ventures Limited, listed on the BSE, witnessed a sharp decline of nearly 20%. The stock, which opened at ₹120, slipped to ₹108 during the session. Despite the fall, the stock has delivered strong long-term returns, generating around 330% gains for investors over the past five years.
As tributes pour in from business leaders, policymakers, and members of the global Malayalee community, Shaji Babyjohn is being remembered as a leader who combined innovation with social purpose, and ambition with responsibility.
