Gopichand Hinduja, chairman of Hinduja Group and UK’s richest man, dies at 85
Industrialist Gopichand P. Hinduja, chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of the world’s most influential businessmen, passed away in London at the age of 85.
Known affectionately as “GP” in corporate circles, Gopichand was the second of the four Hinduja brothers who built one of the largest and most diversified family-owned conglomerates in the world.
His elder brother Srichand Hinduja died in 2023, while Prakash and Ashok Hinduja survive him.
From trader’s son to global business leader
Born into a Sindhi business family, Gopichand joined the Hinduja Group in 1950, helping his father expand the enterprise beyond its original Indo-Middle East trading roots.
Under his leadership, the group evolved into a global powerhouse spanning 11 sectors, including automotive, banking, IT, healthcare, power, real estate, and media.
Among its flagship companies are Ashok Leyland, IndusInd Bank, and NXTDIGITAL Limited, each of which became a pillar of the group’s diversified portfolio.
A graduate of Jai Hind College in Mumbai, Gopichand also held honorary doctorates from the University of Westminster and Richmond College, in recognition of his contributions to international business and philanthropy.
Britain’s richest family
The 2025 Sunday Times Rich List ranked the Hinduja family as Britain’s wealthiest, with an estimated fortune of £32.3 billion.
The family has long been a symbol of success for the Indian diaspora, with its interests spanning more than 30 countries and employing tens of thousands of people worldwide.
In recent years, the family was also in the spotlight over a legal dispute that exposed internal tensions within the billion-dollar empire.
In 2021, Gopichand, along with his brothers Prakash and Ashok, was accused by nieces Vinoo and Shanu, daughters of the late Srichand Hinduja, of excluding them from financial decisions and access to family assets.
The case revolved around a 2013 family agreement stating that “everything belongs to everyone and nothing belongs to anyone.”
While the brothers cited this document as a symbol of unity, the dispute led to a public and bitter courtroom battle, coming at a time when Srichand was suffering from dementia.
Despite the controversies, Gopichand Hinduja remained widely respected for his business acumen, global vision, and commitment to philanthropy.
Under his stewardship, the Hinduja Group continued to invest heavily in India while expanding its footprint in Europe and the Middle East.
Often described as a bridge between East and West, Gopichand was known for his quiet diplomacy, disciplined lifestyle, and deep belief in family values- traits that helped him steer the Hinduja empire through decades of global change.
Funeral details are yet to be announced by the family.
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