Gopichand P Hinduja, the esteemed chairman of the Hinduja Group and a prominent figure in British business, has passed away in London at the age of 85, as reported by PTI. Known affectionately as “GP” in global business circles, Hinduja had been facing health issues for several weeks before his demise in a London hospital.
He leaves behind his wife, Sunita, along with his sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita. Taking the reins of the multinational Hinduja Group in May 2023, Hinduja represented the second generation of the influential business family, succeeding his elder brother, Srichand P Hinduja.
Born into a traditional business family before India’s independence, Gopichand Hinduja commenced his professional journey in 1959, entering the family business in Mumbai. Over the years, he played a pivotal role in evolving the once Indo-Middle East trading enterprise into a global industrial conglomerate with a footprint in over 30 countries.
During his tenure, the Group diversified into various sectors such as banking, finance, energy, automotive, media, and infrastructure. Noteworthy acquisitions under his leadership included Gulf Oil in 1984 and Ashok Leyland in 1987, with the latter marking a significant investment by non-resident Indians (NRIs) in India.
Recognized for his astute business acumen and unassuming demeanor, Hinduja was credited as the driving force behind the Group’s consistent growth and international partnerships. A graduate of Jai Hind College, Mumbai, he garnered international acclaim for his contributions to business and philanthropy, receiving honorary doctorates from the University of Westminster and Richmond College, London.
The Hinduja Group, founded in 1919 by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, initially established its roots in Iran before relocating to London in 1979, setting the stage for its global expansion. Presently headquartered in Mumbai, the Group employs approximately 200,000 individuals worldwide across diverse industries.
Renowned for their extensive business empire and real estate holdings, the Hinduja family owns prized assets such as the historic Old War Office building in Whitehall, transformed into the Raffles London hotel, and Carlton House Terrace near Buckingham Palace.
While Gopichand Hinduja oversaw global operations from London, his younger brother Prakash Hinduja is situated in Monaco, and the youngest brother, Ashok Hinduja, manages the Group’s Indian operations from Mumbai. Regarded as a steadfast figure preserving the family’s business legacy and philanthropic endeavors, Hinduja was known for his disciplined, modest, and forward-thinking approach.
His passing signifies a significant chapter’s closure for the Hinduja Group, a prominent business family bridging India and the United Kingdom. Recognized among Britain’s wealthiest families, the Hindujas have been distinguished for their discretion, charitable endeavors, and adeptness at maintaining family cohesion across generations.