Indian American textiles leader Amit Gopal Patodia has been named the Wilson College of Textiles’ 2026 Distinguished Alumnus nearly 30 years after graduating from North Carolina State University. For Patodia, a fourth-generation textiles leader, the honor brings him back to a place that still feels remarkably close.
“NC State was never simply the university from which I received my degree,” he says. “It was where I grew up, became independent, developed lifelong friendships, discovered my passion for textiles and engineering, and began forming the values that would eventually shape me as a business leader.”
“What makes this recognition meaningful isn’t just what I’ve accomplished since graduation,” he says. “It feels like a recognition of the whole journey that began here, and of the enduring relationship between an institution and its alumni.”
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“From his extraordinary leadership in the global textiles industry to his commitment to lifelong learning and developing others, Amit represents the very best of our college community,” says David Hinks, Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean of the Wilson College of Textiles.
“He has carried the knowledge and global perspective he gained at NC State throughout an exceptional career. We are incredibly proud to recognize Amit Patodia as our 2026 Distinguished Alumnus.”
When Patodia arrived home to India after graduating in 1997, he did not expect to become the fourth generation of his family to lead its textiles business, Patodia Eurotex Group of Industries.
His family had been in the industry since 1908, when his ancestors established a spinning company. The original plant is still operating today.
Over the years, Patodia helped modernize Patodia Eurotex Group and expand its reach internationally. Today, the company is one of India’s leading vertically integrated textiles businesses, exporting products ranging from cotton yarn to advanced technical textiles used in high-performance applications.
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Patodia has spent much of his career learning from other leaders and helping others find their own footing.
Since 2007, he has been active in YPO, a global leadership organization. He served on its Global Board of Directors from 2018 to 2022 and currently serves on its Global Board Audit Sub-Committee. The experience has reinforced his belief that good leaders pay attention to the people around them.
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” he says. “It’s about staying curious, listening more than you speak and leading through relationships rather than authority.”
“Build relationships,” Patodia tells today’s Textiles students. “Some of the people you meet at NC State will become lifelong friends, mentors or collaborators. I know because I’ve lived it.”