Gopichand Hinduja, the patriarch of the wealthiest family in the United Kingdom, has died at the age of 85. He passed away in London on Tuesday after a prolonged illness, leaving a significant void within his family and the vast business empire he helped build.
The Hinduja family recently topped the Sunday Times Rich List for the second consecutive year, boasting a collective net worth of £35.3 billion. Their fortune originated with the Hinduja Group, a sprawling conglomerate based in Mumbai, India, with a global workforce of approximately 200,000 people.
The Group’s interests are remarkably diverse, spanning crucial sectors like banking and finance, the dynamic world of media and entertainment, and the ever-important energy industry. This broad portfolio has been instrumental in the family’s sustained success and influence.
Gopichand’s passing follows the death of his older brother, Srichand, who died in 2023 at the age of 87 after a battle with dementia. The future leadership of the Hinduja Group remains uncertain, though his youngest brother, Ashok, currently oversees operations in India, including the prominent truck manufacturer, Ashok Leyland.
Beyond their business holdings, the Hinduja family possesses substantial real estate assets in London. These include prestigious residences near St James’s Park and the recently renovated Old War Office in Whitehall, now a luxury hotel, demonstrating their significant investment in the city.
While largely maintaining a private profile, Gopichand Hinduja was once embroiled in public controversy during the 2001 “Hinduja Affair.” This scandal involved allegations of improper influence regarding a UK passport application for his brother, Prakash.
The affair centered around a £1 million donation from the Hinduja Foundation, the group’s charitable arm, to the Millennium Dome. The resulting fallout led to the resignation of Lord Peter Mandelson, though he was later cleared of any wrongdoing following a formal inquiry.
Gopichand Hinduja’s legacy extends beyond his financial achievements. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family and his tireless work ethic, leaving an indelible mark on the global business landscape.
