Ananda Krishnan, the Malaysian billionaire who established major thoroughbred interests in Australia through his ownership of Kia Ora Stud and partnership in Vinery, has died aged 86.
Krishnan built his considerable wealth through telecommunications, gas and oil companies and took ownership of Kia Ora Stud in the Hunter Valley in 2000.
While he had a myriad business interests, he was keenly involved in overseeing his Australian thoroughbred operations and in 2021 took the next step by standing stallions Farnan and Prague at the Scone farm.
In 2023, Kia Ora was merged with Vinery Stud, with Krishnan becoming a partner in that operation. He then took a major shareholding in Vinery this year, partnering with Gerry Harvey and Steve McCann.
Vinery stands seven stallions and is renowned as one of Australia’s premier thoroughbred nurseries. It is run by general manager Peter Orton.
Tim Rowe
Having added Group 1 winner Captivant to the roster in 2022, Kia Ora has also invested considerably in both the yearling market and the broodmare market in recent years.
Bob Rose is the current director of Kia Ora, while Shane Wright, bloodstock and breeding manager, has overseen the bloodstock strategy.
The farm also has extensive racing interests, managed by Luke Wilkinson.
Bren O’Brien
Krishnan’s private investment firm Usaha Tegas confirmed his death on Thursday.
"He has made significant contributions to nation-building and the corporate world; and his philanthropic initiatives have touched many lives," the company said in a statement.
"We humbly ask that the family's wishes to mourn in private be respected."
A Harvard Business School graduate who also studied at the University of Melbourne, Krishnan founded Malaysia’s second-largest mobile operator, Maxis, while also starting up broadcasting and media company Astro Malaysia Holdings.
He also held a substantial stake in oil field services provider Bumi Armada and has also been acknowledged for his philanthropy.
