The world of global business has lost one of its towering figures. Gopichand Hinduja, who became the UK’s richest man through a sprawling family empire, has died at the age of 85 following a long illness.
Known affectionately as ‘GP,’ Hinduja leaves behind a legacy that reshaped industry, philanthropy, and London’s skyline.
From Humble Beginnings to a Global Empire
Gopichand, alongside his three brothers, transformed Hinduja Group from a small trading operation in carpets, tea, and spices into a global conglomerate spanning banking, healthcare, real estate, oil, and entertainment.
Their combined fortune, estimated at £35.3 billion in 2024, marked the largest ever recorded by the Sunday Times Rich List.
The family moved to London in the 1970s, co-chairing the group and expanding its influence worldwide.
Gopichand’s younger brothers, Prakash and Ashok, took on key roles in Geneva and Mumbai respectively, overseeing the group’s diverse international operations, which today employ around 200,000 people.
Family Life at the Heart of Success
Despite their wealth, the Hinduja brothers were known for a grounded lifestyle.
Gopichand, a teetotal vegetarian, married Sunita Gurnani in 1963 and had three children: Sanjay, Dheeraj, and Rita.
Unusually, he and his family shared a home with his brother Srichand’s family in a 67,000-square-foot apartment block on London’s Carlton House Terrace, fostering a close-knit household while staying near the group’s Haymarket headquarters.
Public Figure and Family Spokesman
While the Hindujas were famously private, Gopichand was often the more outgoing of the siblings, frequently representing the family in public and business matters.
He balanced family harmony with global business demands, though tensions arose in 2015 when disputes over ownership of Hinduja Bank in Switzerland led to years of litigation between the brothers.
Srichand later developed dementia, but by late 2022, the family announced that matters regarding his care and welfare had been resolved amicably, ensuring that Gopichand could focus on both family and business until his passing.
Controversies Along the Way
Gopichand’s life wasn’t without controversy. He was embroiled in the 2001 ‘Hinduja Affair,’ which contributed to Lord Peter Mandelson’s resignation over a passport issue linked to charitable donations.
The family also faced scrutiny in 2024 when several members, including his brother Prakash, were convicted in Geneva over mistreatment of domestic workers—a judgment that is currently under appeal.
Legacy in London and Philanthropy
Beyond business, Gopichand was proud of the Hinduja family’s impact on London’s landscape.
He oversaw the £1.4 billion refurbishment of Winston Churchill’s Old War Office near Whitehall into a luxury hotel, describing it as his “greatest legacy to London.”
The family also contributed generously to cultural and charitable causes, including the V&A Museum, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and scholarships at Cambridge University.
A Lasting Memory
Gopichand Hinduja is survived by his wife, Sunita, and their three children.
Remembered as humble, joyful, and a friend to many, his influence extended far beyond business.
As the Hinduja family continues to navigate both empire and legacy, Gopichand’s mark on London, philanthropy, and global enterprise remains indelible.