Gopichand Hinduja, the publicity shy yet formidable billionaire who transformed his family’s humble trading firm into a global powerhouse spanning finance, automobiles, real estate, and energy, making him the richest man in the UK, has passed away in London at the age of 85 after a long illness, according to those familiar with the situation.
The second of the four legendary Hinduja brothers, Gopichand, fondly known as “GP”, followed in the footsteps of his late older brother, Srichand Hinduja, who died in 2023. The two younger brothers, Prakash and Ashok, survive him. A graduate of Bombay’s Jai Hind College and recipient of honorary doctorates from the University of Westminster and Richmond College, GP embodied a rare blend of vision, discipline, and understated power.
When he joined the family business in 1959, few could have imagined the scale of the empire that would rise under his and his brothers’ stewardship. Together, they built the Hinduja Group into one of the world’s most diversified conglomerates; its influence stretching from the trucks of Ashok Leyland to the banking halls of IndusInd Bank. With an estimated fortune of £35.3 billion, the Hinduja family consistently topped the Sunday Times Rich List, their wealth reflecting not just success but generations of relentless enterprise.
After moving to London in the 1980s with his late brother, GP became the quiet architect of the family’s global expansion. Reserved in demeanour but commanding in presence, his word carried weight across boardrooms from Mumbai to Mayfair. He was the strategist who preferred silence over spectacle, yet his imprint could be seen on every major deal and diversification the Group undertook.
Among his proudest achievements was the £1.4 billion transformation of London’s historic Old War Office on Whitehall into The OWO, a magnificent hotel and residences complex. “The OWO will be my greatest legacy to London,” he once told the Financial Times; a statement that now resonates as both prophecy and epitaph.
The Hinduja family, according to Financial Times, said in a statement, “He was humble and joyful, and a friend to everyone he met . . . He will also be remembered for his formidable work in building the Hinduja Group over the past 70 years into the global success it is today.”
Much like his elder brother, GP was a masterful networker, a man who moved with ease among political and business circles across the spectrum. Known for his warmth and hospitality, he hosted some of London’s most talked-about gatherings, including his annual Diwali celebration at his opulent mansion, an event regularly attended by Asian Voice.
Through triumphs and trials alike, Gopichand Hinduja remained the unflinching custodian of his family’s ethos: hard work, integrity, and solidarity. His passing marks the end of an era: the departure of a man who bridged continents, industries, and generations, leaving behind a legacy that indelibly shaped the Indo-British economic landscape. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Tributes pour in
As news of Gopichand Hinduja’s passing spread, heartfelt tributes have poured in from across the world from business leaders and political figures to friends and community members whose lives he quietly touched.
“Through his remarkable leadership, the Hinduja Group became a symbol of Indian enterprise and global excellence,” steel tycoon and Indian MP Naveen Jindal wrote on X.
N Chandrababu Naidu, chief minister of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, who was visiting London and on Monday announced $2.3bn worth of investment commitments from the Hinduja Group in his state, called Hinduja a “visionary industrialist”, according to Financial Times.
“He was instrumental in transforming the group into a truly global conglomerate,” Naidu said on X. “His leadership saw landmark achievements, from the acquisition of Gulf Oil in 1984 to the revival of Ashok Leyland.”
CB Patel, editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar said, “It is with deep sadness that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Gopichand (GP) Hinduja, a remarkable leader, visionary industrialist and humanitarian whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the global stage.
“My association with the Hinduja family dates back to November 1982 and over the decades, I have had the privilege of knowing all four brothers, Srichand, Gopichand, Prakash and Ashok Hinduja, on a personal level. Our friendship extended far beyond social circles; together, we shared a common vision and collaborated on numerous events and initiatives that focused on community engagement, philanthropy and social upliftment.
“Shri GP Hinduja’s humility, wisdom and unwavering commitment to both business excellence and human values made him an inspiration to many. His legacy will continue to guide future generations, not only within the Hinduja family but across the global Indian diaspora.
“I offer our deepest sympathies to the Hinduja family during this time of immense loss. Om Shanti.”
Lord Navnit Dholakia, paying his respects, said, “I am deeply saddened about the death of Gopichand Hinduja. He was a pioneer in developing the Hindu identity both in India and the United Kingdom. We shall always remain grateful to him for his contribution towards this end. His early days in Iran and later in the UK clearly demonstrated his attachment to Hinduism with his deep commitment in his own belief in Jainism. He has been connected with a plethora of projects towards this end. No event was complete without his presence there.
“Who can forget the key presence of cabinet ministers at his Diwali celebrations. I once said that at times it would be helpful to hold cabinet meetings at his premises in the Mall where Gopichand lived.
“His charitable work knew no bounds. No event was complete without a major contribution from the Hinduja family, No temples can complain about not receiving a visit from Hinduja family. Religious events were regularly promoted from Hinduja homestead. We all are that much religiously richer with the Hinduja’s contribution towards this end.
“We all pray ohm shanti shanti and may God give him everlasting Peace.”
Rupanjana Dutta, former President, Indian Journalists’ Association said, “GP Hinduja and family have always supported the Indian Journalists’ Association in its efforts and maintained a cordial relationship with the past Presidents.
“During my tenure as the IJA President (2020-2022), not everyone could support us as usual. Covid had affected businesses and organisations across Britain and money and resources were not in abundance. When I reached out to GP in summer of 2022, just before our annual dinner, he was in between travels. But he picked up the phone, and without hesitation and exception extended his generous support for the event and magazine, commemorating 75 years of the IJA.
“I am saddened to learn about his passing. It is a great loss for the community. My deepest condolence to his family, friends and loved ones. Om Shanti.”
Lord Rami Ranger FRSA said, “Mr GP Hinduja was one of the most gracious, humble, and loyal friends, with a passion for serving. He was a family man, a religious man, and a role model for us. His passing marks the end of an era, as we have lost a well-wisher of the community, a guiding force and a global icon.
“His arrival in the United Kingdom brought a tremendous sense of pride in the British Indians. He helped galvanise the Indian community in the United Kingdom by bringing them together. I had the privilege of knowing him over many years; his qualities were unique a tremendous sense of humour, and a commitment to the community and to his countries, India, and the United Kingdom. He always supported good causes.
“He has left an enormous vacuum behind that will be difficult to fill. While we mourn his passing, we will continue to celebrate his legacy. May he rest in peace in heaven, and may the Lord give courage to the family to bear their unfulfilling loss.”
Lord Dolar Popat also shared his condolences saying, “GP Hinduja’s passing marks the loss of a towering figure, a steadfast pillar of the British Indian community whose influence reached far beyond business.
“As Chairman of the Hinduja Group, he exemplified the spirit of enterprise, integrity, and service, making tremendous economic, social, cultural, and philanthropic contributions to Britain. His vision and leadership created opportunities, built bridges between nations, and strengthened the bonds of the British Indian diaspora.
“As a Hindu faith believer, he was deeply committed to the ideals of hard work, fairness, and compassion, GP Hinduja was also a proud advocate for British values, dedicating his life to supporting the country he called home. His generosity touched countless lives, and his unwavering belief in unity and progress inspired many.
“GP Hinduja always led by example and, his legacy will continue to shine through the institutions he built and the communities he uplifted. He was a dear friend and will be greatly missed but forever remembered with respect and gratitude.”
Sukhpal Ahluwalia, a British entrepreneur who had known Hinduja for 20 years, told Financial Times that Hinduja showed “what can be done by people with very humble beginnings.” He added that Hinduja was “jovial, the soul of the party”.
