Aju Jacob is the Managing Director of Synthite Industries Limited, the world's largest producer of value-added spices and oleoresins. He is the youngest son of the late C.V. Jacob, who founded the company in 1972. Aju completed his formative education in Kerala, before obtaining a degree in Chemical Engineering from Bangalore University and later an MBA through the PGPMAX programme at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

Aju joined Synthite Industries in 1987, a year after completing his engineering degree. Over the years, he has taken on several key roles within the company. By 1989, he was heading Operations, Sales, and Marketing. In 1991, his responsibilities were expanded to include Supply Chain Management. In 2012, he began focusing on Strategic Growth Areas, New Product Development, Projects, and Strategic Customers. In 2017, Operations were added to his portfolio, and he was appointed Joint Managing Director in 2021. By 2024, Aju had become Managing Director.

Under his leadership, Synthite Industries has experienced remarkable growth, with the company’s annual turnover increasing from just over 6 crores to nearly 3,000 crores. Aju also oversaw Synthite's expansion from a single production unit to a global operation with more than ten manufacturing units.

Aju serves on the Board of Directors for several companies, including Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd., Intergrow Brands Pvt. Ltd., Algavista Greentech Pvt. Ltd., Pfoods Pvt. Ltd., Gunam Beauty Pvt. Ltd., and Cyntek Holdings Pvt. Ltd. Intergrow Brands operates in the B2C segment, with its 'Kitchen Treasures' brand as a market leader in the spice powder business in Kerala. Algavista is involved in the food industry, while Pfoods is a startup specialising in innovative plant-based dairy alternatives and protein-rich wellness products.

Beyond his role at Synthite, Aju has held various leadership positions. He served as the Chairman of the CII Kerala Chapter from 2023 to 2024. He is the Treasurer of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which manages a 1,100+ bed super-speciality hospital near Cochin, Kerala. He also heads the management of St. Peter’s Senior Secondary School in Kadayiruppu, Kerala, a position he has held since 2020.