New Delhi: Gopichand Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of the UK’s wealthiest businessmen, died on Tuesday in a London hospital at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness.

Hinduja, known as "GP" in business circles, had taken over as chairman of the multinational conglomerate in May 2023 following the death of his elder brother, Srichand Hinduja. The Hinduja Group, valued at over £35 billion, operates in 38 countries with more than 200,000 employees across various sectors, including automotive, banking, energy, media, and real estate.

Under Gopichand Hinduja’s leadership, the group expanded its global footprint, with key investments in companies such as Ashok Leyland, one of India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, IndusInd Bank, and Gulf Oil Lubricants India. The conglomerate has recently focused on electric mobility initiatives, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth.

Gopichand joined the family business in 1959 and played a pivotal role in transforming the Hinduja Group into a global industrial powerhouse. He was instrumental in acquiring Gulf Oil in 1984 and Ashok Leyland in 1987, both landmark transactions that shaped the Group’s legacy.

He is survived by his wife Sunita and three children, Sanjay, Dheeraj, and Rita. The Hinduja Group, founded in 1914 by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, now faces important succession considerations. Leadership responsibilities are shared among the remaining brothers, with Prakash Hinduja managing operations from Monaco and Ashok Hinduja based in Mumbai.