Nicole Rodrigues (born March 20, 1973) is an Indian entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Dubai-based Diva Group of Companies. She launched Diva Modelling and Events in 2003.[1][2] After the success of her modelling agency, the company branched out into real estate by starting Diva Holdings.[3] In 2010, the company established NM Investments and further expanded its horizons by venturing into consulting and accounting services.[4][5] By 2011, Rodrigues added two more business lines, Diva Laundry and Diva Salon. In 2015, she was recognised in the Outstanding Category at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards. In 2014, Rodrigues was acknowledged as one of the Forbes Top Indian Leaders in the Arab World. She also won the CEO of the year at the CEO Awards in 2014.[6] Today, Diva Group of companies is capitalizing on its home grown success and expanding its operations to Qatar, Kuwait, Doha, Bahrain, Turkey, India and Pakistan.[7][8] As of March 2022, her net worth is estimated at USD 292 million.

Nicole Rodrigues
Born (1973-03-20) March 20, 1973 (age 51)
India
OccupationEntrepreneur- CEO & Founder Diva Group of Companies
Children2

Early life and education

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Nicole Rodrigues was born and raised in Mumbai, India. At age 16, Rodrigues started her career in modeling. She participated in various inter-college fashion shows and was eventually discovered by Vikram Phadnis, a popular Indian fashion designer who launched her as a professional model. In the years to come, she appeared on the covers of various leading magazines like Femina and Health and Nutrition.[9]

Career

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In 1995, Rodrigues moved to Bahrain when she began working for Gulf Air. There she met, Henrik Larsen, and later moved to Copenhagen after their first child was born.[6][10]

Personal life

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Rodrigues has a son, Victor (14) and a daughter, Victoria (18) who are currently pursuing their education in UAE. She lives in Dubai.[11]

Further reading

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  • Pacesetters 2 (2013) by Meraj Rizvi[12][13][14]
  • Revealed: Arabian Business' 50 Inspiring Female Business Leaders (2022) [15]

References

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  1. ^ Joumana Saad (3 May 2012). "The diva behind the brand". SME Advisor. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  2. ^ "2013's Most Powerful Indian Women in the GCC". Arabian Business. 6 October 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  3. ^ "Hot 100 2011: Nicole Rodrigues". Ahlan Live. 20 February 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  4. ^ "Top 100 Indian Leaders in UAE: #73 Nicole Rodrigues Larsen". Forbes. 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  5. ^ "Top Indian leaders in the Arab World 2014 : Top Owners- #94 Nicole Rodrigues". Forbes. 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  6. ^ a b Shiva Kumar Thekkepat (19 July 2013). "Former model Nicole Rodrigues on the secret of success". Friday Magazine. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  7. ^ "LuLu Exchange CEO named Indian CEO of the year 2014 in Financial Services category". Indian-Kuwait. 20 February 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  8. ^ Staff writer (18 February 2014). "Ashish Mehta takes top honours at Indian CEO Awards". Arabian Business. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  9. ^ Sananda Sahoo (20 November 2012). "Dubai modelling agency is the model of decorum". The National. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  10. ^ Hina Navin (16 August 2012). "Nicole Rodrigues Larsen". Gulf News. Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  11. ^ "Nicole Rodrigues Larsen". ahlanlive.com. Ahlan Live. 7 July 2010. Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  12. ^ "New book reveals Indian achievers in UAE". Emirates 24/7 News. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  13. ^ Faisal Masudi (21 February 2013). "Lives of Indians in UAE portrayed in new glossy book". Gulf News. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  14. ^ "Second book on Indian achievers launched". Khaleej Times. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  15. ^ "Revealed: Arabian Business' 50 Inspiring Female Business Leaders". Arabian Business-ITP Media Group.
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