Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja, chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen, died at the age of 85 in a London hospital after a period of illness, according to family sources. Known as “GP” in international business circles, he was admired for his low-key demeanor and strategic vision.
He is survived by his wife, Sunita, their sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita. Hinduja had assumed leadership of the multinational conglomerate in May 2023 following the passing of his elder brother, Srichand P Hinduja.
Tory peer Rami Ranger, who is a member of the House of Lords, expressed his condolences in a statement: “Dear friends, with a heavy heart, I share with you the tragic loss of our beloved friend, Mr GP Hinduja, who has departed for his heavenly abode. He was one of the most gracious, humble, and loyal friends. His passing marks the end of an era, as he was truly a well-wisher of the community and a guiding force. He has left a huge vacuum behind that will be difficult to fill. May he rest in peace in heaven. Om Shanti.”
GP Hinduja began his career in the family business in 1959, after graduating from Mumbai’s Jai Hind College. Over the years, he expanded the Group from a regional trading operation between India and the Middle East into a global powerhouse operating across sectors such as automotive, banking, finance, energy, media, IT, infrastructure, and healthcare. Key acquisitions during his tenure included Gulf Oil in 1984 and Ashok Leyland in 1987, the latter marking a significant investment by non-resident Indians in India.
Hinduja Group: From India to Global Empire with 200,000 Employees
The Hinduja Group, founded by GP’s father, Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, in 1914, initially operated in India before moving part of its operations to Iran. In 1979, the family relocated its headquarters to London, paving the way for its international expansion. Today, the Group employs around 200,000 people worldwide and controls prominent assets such as the Old War Office building in Whitehall, redeveloped into the Raffles London hotel, and Carlton House Terrace, near Buckingham Palace.
Hinduja was known for his disciplined approach to business and his ability to preserve family unity despite occasional disputes. The family was ranked as the richest in the UK by the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, with a net worth of £32.3 billion.
“Everything belongs to everyone and nothing belongs to anyone,” GP Hinduja once stated, citing a 2013 family agreement designed to maintain harmony among the brothers.
Gopichand P Hinduja’s passing marks the end of an era for one of the most influential Indian-origin business families in the United Kingdom, leaving behind a legacy of global enterprise and philanthropy.
