Member, Managing Committee, NRAI

Co-Founder & Executive Director, JSM Corporation

In 1990, Jay began his career as an investment banker in New York post a dual Bachelors degree in Economics and International Relations from Brown University. In 1996 Jay moved back to India as the Country Manager for Atwood Richards which was the world’s largest barter company at that time.

During his time with Atwood Richards, Jay acquired the North India rights for Pizza Hut and KFC thus becoming the first franchisee in India. His passion for F&B only grew stronger from here as he went on to open 180 Proof in Bangalore followed by three additional fast food restaurants before launching F Bar in New Delhi in 2003.

Having spent over 15 years in the field, Jay has gained invaluable experience and established himself as one of the foremost restaurateurs in the country via the company he co-founded with Sanjay Mahtani; JSM Corporation. JSM own and operate Hard Rock Cafe, California Pizza Kitchen, and Pinkberry in India along with homegrown brands such as Shiro, The Big Kahuna, Ginger Tiger and most recently, Asilo. JSM is expanding at an exponential rate and is providing diners with some of the most exciting experiences in the country.

Jay was educated at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Bombay, India; at Aiglon College in Switzerland followed by Brown. He is an Executive Committee Member of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), a member of Hard Rock International’s Franchise Advisory Board and is also a member of the Young Presidents Organizations (YPO).