Gopichand P. Hinduja, the head of Britain’s wealthiest family, has passed away at the age of 85 following a long illness. The chairman of the Hinduja Group, a Mumbai-based multinational conglomerate, played a crucial role in transforming his father’s modest textile and trading enterprise into a globally diversified business covering multiple sectors, including finance, media, and oil. His leadership marked a significant shift in the family’s business model, expanding from a trader focused on Middle Eastern markets into a multi-sector conglomerate following the acquisition of Gulf Oil in 1984.
Hinduja, the second of four brothers who controlled the family’s business for decades, assumed the chairman’s position after the death of his elder brother Srichand in May 2023. His immediate family expressed profound grief in a statement, noting his enduring impact on their family. The Hinduja Group, under his guidance, grew from its initial focus on textile and trading to incorporate over 25 companies across various sectors. This diversification included the acquisition of Ashok Leyland in 1987 when the group purchased Land Rover Leyland International Holdings (LRLIH) from British car manufacturer Rover Group.
The family, renowned for its significant real estate holdings in London, owns several large properties near St. James’s Park and the recently refurbished Old War Office in Whitehall, now converted into a hotel. The Hinduja family topped the recent Sunday Times Rich List with a net worth of £35.3 billion, ranking 11th on the Forbes list of India’s most affluent businesspeople in 2024. His legacy within the family and business world remains profound, as he leaves behind his wife, Sunita, sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita.
Hinduja’s contribution to the family’s legacy is underscored by the transformation of their business into a global enterprise, which now spans numerous sectors. His leadership not only expanded the family’s economic footprint but also cemented their status as one of Britain’s most influential and wealthy families. The passing of such a prominent figure marks a significant moment in the history of the Hinduja Group and the broader business landscape in India and the UK.