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Following in his legendary father Abdul Karim Popat’s footsteps, Adil Popat has risen to become one of Kenya’s wealthiest and most influential business figures. He inherited his father’s thriving car dealership business and transformed Simba Corporation into a Kenyan economic powerhouse.
Under his leadership, Simba Corporation expanded and diversified across various sectors, with a stronghold in the automotive industry. It distributes prestigious brands like Mitsubishi, Renault, and Mahindra in Kenya, earning trust in the automobile world. But Adil Popat’s vision extends further.
Simba Corporation ventured into luxury hospitality, engineering, and financial services, owning the prestigious Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi. Its flagship venture, Simba Colt Motors, now leads in transport solutions, motor sales, cinema management, finance, manufacturing, and hardware supplies.
Adil Popat’s commitment to diversification and excellence is evident in subsidiaries like 20th Century Plaza, Xylon Motors (Mahindra), Bavaria Auto (BMW), Simba Transport Solutions, Africa Fleet Management Solutions, and Avis car rental.
Billionaires.Africa has identified seven companies owned by Kenyan multimillionaire Adil Popat:
- Simba Corporation
Founded in 1948 by the late Kenyan businessman Abdul Karim Popat as a humble used car sales enterprise, Simba Corporation has blossomed into one of Kenya’s foremost diversified business groups. Under the dynamic leadership of Adil Popat, the group has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a modest car dealership into a thriving, multi-sector conglomerate. With a legacy spanning over seven decades, this Kenyan business powerhouse now encompasses a wide spectrum of industries, including motor sales, service, assembly, hospitality, finance, and real estate.
- Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel
Nestled in Nairobi’s opulent Westlands area, the Villa Rosa Kempinski, owned by Adil Popat, stands as a testament to luxury and elegance. This exquisite five-star hotel boasts 200 rooms and a value that extends into the millions of dollars. As a proud member of the esteemed Kempinski Hotels S.A group, it has welcomed distinguished guests, including former United States President Barack Obama and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
- Simba Colt Motors
As the flagship unit of the Adil Popat-led Simba Corp, Simba Colt Motors Limited enjoys the distinction of being the authorized distributor for renowned global motor brands in the commercial, passenger, and agricultural sectors. Established in 1968, it has evolved into a market leader in new vehicle distribution within Kenya. Operating sales and service facilities in Nairobi and Mombasa, along with an extensive dealer network across the country, Simba Colt Motors is at the forefront of Kenya’s automotive industry. The hub of its operations can be found at the Simba Colt Headquarters along Mombasa Road in Nairobi.
- Hemingways Holdings
Hemingways Holdings Limited serves as the parent company of three iconic properties, collectively representing the pinnacle of luxury travel in Kenya: Hemingways Watamu, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara, and Hemingways Nairobi. With a 35 percent stake owned by Simba Corporation, majority owned by Adil Popat and other members of the Popat family, this strategic investment not only provides exposure to the Express Travel Group but also secures a meaningful presence on Hemingways Holdings’ board.
- Simba Foundation
Established as an independent philanthropic arm of Simba Corporation, the Simba Foundation is chartered to address the needs of underprivileged African children and youth. Registered as Simba Foundation Limited, it serves as the corporate social investment arm of Simba Corp. Founded in 2016 under the visionary leadership of Adil Popat, the Foundation leverages synergies to create sustainable opportunities for targeted African communities, with a specific focus on education and entrepreneurship, as well as health and entrepreneurship.
- Simba Corp Real Estate
Under Adil Popat, Simba Corp has solidified its presence across various sectors, including real estate. Simba Corp Real Estate, steered by the vision of Adil Popat, boasts an impressive portfolio encompassing developed and undeveloped properties throughout the country. With this diversified portfolio, the company is committed to expanding its footprint and further enhancing its impact as a successful Kenyan-owned enterprise.
- Simba Hospitality
Simba Corp extends its influence into the realm of hospitality as asset managers and hotel operators, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes the renowned Villa Rosa Kempinski, Olare Mara Kempinski, Hemingways Collection, the Acacia Premier Hotel under the flagship Acacia brand, and the Nairobi Street Kitchen. This broad spectrum of hospitality ventures reflects the group’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector.
