The death of Gopichand P. Hinduja, chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of Britain’s richest businessmen, has turned attention to the future of one of the world’s most influential family empires. His passing comes less than two years after that of his elder brother and predecessor, Srichand P. Hinduja, closing a defining chapter for the century-old conglomerate.
Gopichand, who took over as group chairman in May 2023, led a business network that spans continents and industries including automotive, banking, energy, healthcare, and digital services. Under his leadership, the Hinduja family remained the wealthiest in the United Kingdom, topping The Sunday Times Rich List 2025 with a fortune exceeding £35 billion.
Roots and Rise
Born in Mumbai in January 1940, Gopichand grew up in a family known for combining enterprise with tradition. The Hinduja Group was founded in 1914 by his father, P. D. Hinduja, who began as a trader in India and Iran before moving the business to London in the late 1970s. After graduating from Jai Hind College, Gopichand joined the family firm in 1959 and helped transform it from a regional trading operation into a global conglomerate.
Two landmark acquisitions shaped his leadership style built on what he described as common sense. The first was Gulf Oil in 1984, followed by Indian vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland in 1987. These moves positioned the group as a powerful global player with ventures in banking through IndusInd Bank, information technology through Hinduja Global Solutions, renewable energy through Hinduja Renewables, and media through NXT Digital.
The Family Enterprise
The Hinduja Group remains a collective enterprise led by the family’s four brothers and their descendants. Gopichand was based in London, Prakash in Monaco, and Ashok in Mumbai managing the Indian operations. Following Gopichand’s passing, Prakash and Ashok are expected to guide the 15 billion dollar conglomerate through its next phase.
The third generation already holds major responsibilities. Dheeraj Hinduja chairs Ashok Leyland, Sanjay Hinduja leads Gulf Oil International, Shom Hinduja heads Hinduja Renewables, and Vinoo and Shanu Hinduja manage Hinduja Bank in Switzerland along with the Hinduja Foundation. This transition reflects both continuity and renewal as younger leaders focus more on technology, sustainability, and modern governance.
Wealth, Influence, and Philanthropy
The Hindujas have long been known for their mix of business power, diplomacy, and philanthropy. Their residence on Carlton House Terrace overlooking Buckingham Palace is among London’s grandest homes and reflects the family’s blend of Indian heritage and British stature.
Their recent projects also highlight this balance. In 2023 they opened the Raffles London hotel at the Old War Office, a 1.5 billion dollar redevelopment that combines British heritage with Indian enterprise. Their charitable work is equally significant. In December 2023 the family contributed to the UK charity Zarach, which supports children affected by bed poverty, showing their ongoing commitment to social causes.
A Legacy in Transition
As the Hinduja Group moves into a new leadership era, its long-standing principle of four bodies, one soul will be tested. Maintaining unity across continents and generations while adapting to new markets and expectations will shape the group’s next century.
Having survived revolutions, relocations, and internal disputes, the Hinduja empire’s resilience is well established. What remains to be seen is how the next generation will define its leadership, whether through shared family stewardship or a modern corporate structure, as it carries one of the world’s most enduring business legacies forward.
