Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja, widely known as GP Hinduja, the chairman of the Hinduja Group, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in the United Kingdom at the age of 85. Hinduja, a globally recognised business magnate of Indian origin, was regarded as a generational entrepreneur and consistently ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the world. His passing marks the end of an era for the family-led conglomerate that has left an indelible mark on global business.

Leadership of the Hinduja Group

GP Hinduja officially assumed the chairmanship of the Hinduja Group in May 2023, following the death of his elder brother, Srichand P Hinduja (SP Hinduja), who had long been the patriarch and co-chairman of the family business. Under GP Hinduja’s leadership, the group continued its strategic global expansion and maintained its presence in diverse sectors, ranging from automotive manufacturing and banking to energy, media, and digital technology.

The Hinduja family, led by GP Hinduja, retained its status as the wealthiest family in the United Kingdom, according to The Sunday Times Rich List 2025. Their fortune, reported at over £35 billion, positioned the family at the pinnacle of the UK’s financial elite while reflecting the group’s extensive international business reach.

Early Life and Indian Heritage

GP Hinduja was born in January 1940 in Mumbai (then Bombay) into a family with deep entrepreneurial roots. His father, Parmanand Hinduja, established the family business in 1914, initially focusing on trading operations in India before expanding into Iran. By the late 1970s, the group had relocated its base to London, positioning itself strategically for global operations. While GP Hinduja became a naturalised British citizen, he maintained close ties with India, where a significant portion of the group’s operations and assets remained based.

Diverse Business Interests

Under GP Hinduja’s guidance, the Hinduja Group evolved into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with interests spanning across more than three dozen countries. Its diversified portfolio includes:

• Mobility and automotive manufacturing: The group owns Ashok Leyland, one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
• Banking and financial services: The group holds a controlling stake in IndusInd Bank, a major private sector bank in India.
• Oil and lubricants: The acquisition of Gulf Oil in 1984 marked a pivotal expansion into energy and petroleum.
• Digital technology and outsourcing: Hinduja Global Solutions provides IT-enabled services and business process outsourcing globally.
• Renewable energy: Investments in Hinduja Renewables reflect the group’s focus on sustainable energy solutions.
• Media and digital platforms: NXT DIGITAL represents the conglomerate’s foray into media, communications, and entertainment.
• Other sectors: The group also has interests in real estate, healthcare, project development, and infrastructure, underscoring its expansive global presence.

The Hinduja Group remains a family-owned enterprise, collectively managed by the four Hinduja brothers and their families. GP Hinduja was based in London, his younger brother Prakash Hinduja resided in Monaco, and the youngest brother, Ashok Hinduja, oversaw major Indian operations from Mumbai. This global management structure allowed the group to maintain strategic oversight while diversifying investments across continents.

GP Hinduja’s Career and Strategic Vision

GP Hinduja graduated from Jai Hind College in Mumbai in 1959 and immediately joined the family business. He played a crucial role in transforming the group from a regional Indo-Middle East trading operation into a multi-billion-dollar transnational conglomerate, with operations across diverse industries.

Two major strategic moves are widely acknowledged as pivotal to the group’s growth under GP Hinduja:

1. Acquisition of Gulf Oil in 1984: This expanded the group’s footprint in the energy and petroleum sector, enhancing both scale and market influence.
2. Purchase of Ashok Leyland in 1987: This entry into the automotive sector positioned the Hinduja Group as a major industrial player in India’s commercial vehicle market.

The Hinduja Group’s official profile describes GP Hinduja’s business philosophy as “common sense”, emphasizing practicality, risk management, and strategic foresight. His approach combined entrepreneurial instinct with prudent financial management, enabling the group to navigate complex global markets successfully.

Recognition and Philanthropy

GP Hinduja received multiple honorary degrees in recognition of his contributions to global business. These include an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Westminster and an honorary Doctorate of Economics from Richmond College, London.

Beyond his corporate achievements, GP Hinduja was widely known for his philanthropy, humility, and mentorship. His efforts spanned communities in the UK, India, and globally, supporting educational initiatives, healthcare projects, and other social causes. He combined a focus on business growth with a deep sense of social responsibility, ensuring that the group’s success had a wider societal impact.

Legacy and Global Impact

GP Hinduja’s passing represents the conclusion of a transformative chapter for the Hinduja Group. From its origins as a trading firm in India and the Middle East to a globally diversified conglomerate, the group under GP Hinduja has become synonymous with resilience, strategic growth, and international business acumen.

His leadership ensured that the Hinduja Group not only expanded into diverse industries—including mobility, banking, energy, technology, and media—but also maintained a strong global presence. This adaptability and foresight cemented GP Hinduja’s reputation as one of the most influential business figures of his generation.

Continuing the Family Vision

The Hinduja Group continues to be family-led, with the next generation increasingly involved in strategic and operational management. GP Hinduja’s brothers and their families manage operations in Europe, India, the Middle East, and other regions, ensuring continuity while upholding the principles and vision that defined the group under his leadership.

In Summary

Gopichand P Hinduja, as chairman of the Hinduja Group, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. His life and career exemplify the Indian entrepreneurial spirit combined with global business insight. From overseeing Ashok Leyland trucks in India to managing major banks, energy projects, and technology ventures across continents, GP Hinduja helped build a multi-billion-dollar international conglomerate that continues to influence global markets.

With a reputation for pragmatism, strategic thinking, and philanthropy, GP Hinduja’s contributions to business and society will be remembered for generations. His passing leaves a significant void, but the foundations he established ensure that the Hinduja Group’s global empire will continue to thrive, reflecting his enduring vision and influence.

From humble beginnings in Mumbai to leading a transnational conglomerate spanning over three dozen countries, GP Hinduja’s life story is a testament to visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and a legacy that transcends borders. His impact on global commerce, coupled with his commitment to community and philanthropy, will remain a lasting hallmark of the Hinduja Group for decades to come.