Darshan Mehta, a seasoned industry leader, started his career as a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse in Mumbai. He later moved to Trikaya Grey Advertising, now part of WPP, before joining Arvind Brands. At Arvind, he played a key role in bringing premium international labels like Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, and Nautica to India in the early 2000s.
Building Reliance Brands Ltd.
Hired by Mukesh Ambani, Mehta was instrumental in launching and expanding Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL) since its inception in 2007. Under his leadership, RBL became India’s leading player in luxury and premium fashion, partnering with over 50 global brands, including Armani, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, and Bottega Veneta.
Role as Isha Ambani’s Mentor
Mehta worked closely with Isha Ambani, guiding her as she took on leadership responsibilities at Reliance Retail. He was often regarded as her right-hand man, helping manage a business worth ₹8.38 lakh crore.
Stepping Down and Future Plans
After nearly two decades at RBL, Mehta announced plans to step down from his leadership role in November 2024. Instead of a complete exit, he transitioned into a mentorship role, focusing on grooming next-generation leaders and exploring new business opportunities. He continues to serve as a non-executive director on the RBL board.
Legacy in Luxury Retail
With 420 standalone boutiques and 350 shop-in-shops in 60 Indian cities, RBL employs over 5,000 people in retail and 750 in corporate offices. Mehta’s strategic vision has shaped India’s premium retail landscape, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
