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Monday 23/02/2026

Gopichand Hinduja, Head of UK's Wealthiest Family, Passes Away at 85

Silhouette of Gopichand Hinduja with corporate buildings
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gopichand Hinduja, head of the UK's richest family, died at 85, leaving a significant legacy in the business world.
  • The Hinduja Group, co-chaired by Gopichand and his late brother Srichand, operates in 11 sectors and employs over 150,000 people globally.
  • The family topped the Sunday Times Rich List with a net worth of £35.3bn, highlighting their influence in banking, oil, and real estate.
  • Gopichand was involved in the 2001 "Hinduja affair," which led to a government minister's resignation, though no wrongdoing was found.
  • The future leadership of the Hinduja Group remains uncertain following Gopichand's passing.

Gopichand Hinduja, the influential head of Britain's wealthiest family, has died at the age of 85 in London after a prolonged illness. Known affectionately as "GP," Hinduja was a pivotal figure in the expansion of the Hinduja Group, a global conglomerate with interests spanning finance, oil, real estate, and entertainment.

A Legacy of Business Acumen

The Hinduja Group, co-chaired by Gopichand and his older brother Srichand until his death in 2023, employs over 150,000 people worldwide. The family, originally from India, moved to London in the 1970s and continued to grow their business empire, which now operates in 48 countries. Their strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Ashok Leyland and Gulf Oil, have cemented their status as business magnates.

Wealth and Influence

The Hinduja family recently topped the Sunday Times Rich List with a net worth of £35.3bn, underscoring their significant influence in the UK and India. Their real estate holdings in London include the historic Old War Office building, now a luxury development, and a mansion overlooking St James's Park.

Controversies and Challenges

Gopichand Hinduja was notably involved in the "Hinduja affair" in 2001, when he wrote to then-government minister Peter Mandelson regarding British citizenship for his brother Prakash. The family's £1m donation to the Millennium Dome project, overseen by Mandelson, led to his resignation, though an inquiry later cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Uncertain Future

The passing of Gopichand Hinduja leaves questions about the future leadership of the Hinduja Group. The youngest brother, Ashok, currently manages operations in India, including the truck manufacturer Ashok Leyland. The family has yet to announce who will take over the conglomerate's leadership.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The death of Gopichand Hinduja marks a pivotal moment for the Hinduja Group, as the family must now decide on new leadership to steer their vast business empire. With Ashok Hinduja managing Indian operations, he could potentially assume a more prominent role. However, the family's next steps remain uncertain, and any transition will likely be closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders.

The Hinduja family's influence on UK-India business relations may also face new challenges as they navigate this leadership change. Experts suggest that maintaining their stronghold in diverse sectors will require strategic planning and possibly new alliances. As the family contemplates its future, the business world will be keenly observing how they adapt to this significant transition.