Gopichand P. Hinduja, chairman of the Hinduja Group, passes away at 85

Gopichand P Hinduja, chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of the most influential figures in global business, has passed away at the age of 85 in a London hospital, according to a PTI news report. Fondly known as 'GP' in business circles, Gopichand had been unwell for the past few weeks, the report added, citing people in the know.

Who was Gopichand P. Hinduja?

The second son of Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, Gopichand, was born in 1940. Parmanand Hinduja, who was from Sindh then part of India, established the family business in 1914.

Gopichand was one of the four brothers who built and expanded the family’s business empire across continents. The eldest, Srichand, died in 2023, while the two surviving brothers, Prakash and Ashok, continue to lead the group’s vast operations.

Gopichand graduated from Mumbai’s Jai Hind College in 1959. He also received honorary doctorates from the University of Westminster and Richmond, The American International University in London, in recognition of his contribution to global industry and philanthropy.

Belonging to the second generation of the Hinduja family, Gopichand succeeded his elder brother, Srichand, as chairman of the Hinduja Group following his passing in May 2023.

Gopichand is survived by his wife, Sunita; sons, Sanjay and Dheeraj; and daughter, Rita.

Gopichand P. Hinduja passes away: Tributes pour in

Condolences poured in from political and business leaders around the world for Gopichand.

UK lawmaker Rami Ranger described the Indian-origin business magnate as “one of the most gracious, humble, and loyal friends”, adding that his death “marks the end of an era”.

“I had the privilege of knowing him over many years; his qualities were unique—a tremendous sense of humour, commitment to the community and country, India—and he always supported good causes. He has left a huge vacuum behind that will be difficult to fill. May he rest in peace in heaven. Om Shanti," Ranger's statement added.

Gopichand P. Hinduja: From Trading to Global Conglomerate

Known affectionately in business circles as “GP,” he joined the family enterprise in 1950. Under his stewardship, the Hinduja Group evolved from its beginnings as an Indo-Middle Eastern trading house into a diversified multinational conglomerate operating across multiple sectors and geographies.

Gopichand P. Hinduja's Diversified Empire

Today, the Hinduja Group operates across 11 sectors, including automotive, banking and financial services, information technology, healthcare, real estate, power, and media and entertainment.

Its flagship companies—Ashok Leyland, IndusInd Bank, and NXTDIGITAL Limited—stand as enduring symbols of the group’s innovation, resilience, and global footprint.

The billionaire Hinduja brothers' bitter family feud

In 2022, the billionaire Hinduja family agreed on a worldwide truce after a prolonged legal battle over the future of its global business empire. The resolution followed a protracted dispute centred on the health and affairs of Gopichand’s elder brother, Srichand P. Hinduja, who was suffering from dementia at the time.

The Court of Appeal in London largely rejected an appeal over restrictions on reporting the dispute, which was contested in a specialist court in a case which centred on the health of 86-year-old patriarch Srichand Hinduja.

Srichand's younger brother Gopichand had challenged the legitimacy of a lasting power of attorney granted to Srichand's wife Madhu and later his daughters, Vinoo and Shanu, in the Court of Protection, which makes decisions on financial or welfare matters for people unable to do so.

"The Hinduja family matter regarding the health and welfare of SP [Srichand] has already been resolved amicably between all parties and today's judgment solely concerned whether those matters should remain private," a spokesperson for the Hinduja family said in an emailed statement.

The London Court of Appeal confirmed that all ongoing proceedings—including cases in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Jersey—had been withdrawn after the family agreed to end “all disputes existing between them in all jurisdictions”.