Gopichand “Gopi” Hinduja was the Indian-British billionaire patriarch of the Hinduja family, Britain’s richest family, who built a £35+ billion global empire through the Hinduja Group. Before his death in November 2025, he co-led one of the world’s most powerful business dynasties spanning finance, oil, IT, automotive, healthcare, and real estate.

Who Was Gopichand “Gopi” Hinduja?

Gopichand Hinduja (1940–2025) was a UK-based Indian-born billionaire businessman and co-chairman of the Hinduja Group. He was frequently listed as Britain’s richest man, alongside his brothers, on the Sunday Times Rich List.

He played a central role in transforming a small family trading business into a global conglomerate operating in more than 48 countries.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Full Name: Gopichand “Gopi” Hinduja

• Born: 1940

• Died: November 2025, London

• Role: Co-Chairman, Hinduja Group

• Net Worth (Family): £35.3 billion (Sunday Times Rich List 2025)

• Nationality: Indian-British

The Origins of the Hinduja Family Empire

The Hinduja business empire began with P.D. Hinduja, the family patriarch, who established a trading business in India. His four sons expanded the enterprise internationally, laying the foundation for what would become one of the world’s largest privately owned conglomerates.

Gopichand Hinduja and his brothers:

• Expanded operations beyond trading

• Entered banking, energy, automotive, and technology

• Built strong commercial ties between India, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East

Their success is widely attributed to long-term strategy, conservative financial management, and family-led governance.

The Hinduja Group: A Global Conglomerate

The Hinduja Group is the core of the family’s wealth and influence. Today, it is a diversified multinational conglomerate with interests across critical global industries.

Key Sectors of the Hinduja Group

• Banking & Finance

• Oil & Energy

• Automotive & Mobility

• Information Technology

• Healthcare

• Media & Communications

• Chemicals & Manufacturing

• Real Estate & Infrastructure

The group operates in over 48 countries, employing tens of thousands of people worldwide.

Major Businesses and Assets

Ashok Leyland (Automotive)

One of India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, Ashok Leyland is led by Ashok Hinduja and is a flagship company of the group.

Banking and Financial Services

The group has long-standing interests in private banking, asset management, and financial services, particularly in India and Europe.

Real Estate: London’s Old War Office (OWO)

One of the Hinduja family’s most high-profile UK assets is London’s historic Old War Office (OWO).

• Transformed into Raffles London at The OWO

• A luxury hotel and residential development

• Symbolises the family’s deep investment in the UK economy

The Hinduja Family: Key Members Explained

Gopichand Hinduja (Gopi)

• Late patriarch and global leader of the group

• Oversaw international operations

• Known for strategic vision and discretion

Srichand Hinduja (SP)

• Eldest brother

• Passed away in 2023

• Involved in the 2001 citizenship controversy

Ashok Hinduja

• Heads Indian operations

• Chairman of Ashok Leyland

• Plays a major role in industrial and manufacturing ventures

Prakash Hinduja

• Based in Switzerland

• Manages European interests

• Faced legal scrutiny in Switzerland

The Next Generation

The family’s business leadership is transitioning to the next generation.

• Dheeraj Hinduja (Gopi’s son): Now leading the Hinduja Group

• Sanjay Hinduja: Active in group strategy and investments

This structured succession has helped maintain stability after Gopi Hinduja’s death.

How Rich Is the Hinduja Family?

The Hinduja family has consistently ranked as the UK’s richest family.

Wealth Snapshot

• Net Worth: £35.3 billion

• Source: Sunday Times Rich List 2025

• Ranking: #1 richest family in the UK

Their wealth primarily comes from:

• Long-term ownership of private businesses

• Diversified global investments

• Strategic holdings in essential industries

Business Philosophy and Family Values

Despite their immense wealth, the Hinduja family is known for:

• Vegetarian lifestyle

• Teetotal values

• Strong emphasis on family unity

• Commitment to philanthropy and social causes

Gopichand Hinduja was widely respected for upholding his father’s business principles, focusing on ethical growth and inter-generational responsibility.

Controversies and Legal Scrutiny

Like many global business dynasties, the Hinduja family has faced controversies.

The Hinduja Affair (2001)

• Involved allegations surrounding UK citizenship applications

• Linked to then-politician Peter Mandelson

• Generated major political and media attention

Swiss Court Case (2024)

• Allegations of exploitation of domestic staff in Switzerland

• Legal proceedings involved Prakash Hinduja and family members

While controversial, these cases did not significantly impact the group’s core global operations.

Gopichand Hinduja’s Death and Legacy

Gopichand Hinduja passed away in November 2025 in London at the age of 85.

His Lasting Legacy

• Built one of the world’s largest family-owned conglomerates

• Strengthened UK-India business relations

• Oversaw landmark projects like The OWO redevelopment

• Left a clear succession plan ensuring continuity

His leadership style balanced traditional values with modern international business practices.

Why the Hinduja Family Matters to the UK Economy

The Hinduja family is not just wealthy — they are strategically important to Britain’s business landscape.

Their UK Impact Includes:

• Major real estate investments

• Employment generation

• Long-term commitment to London as a business hub

• Strengthening UK-Asia economic ties

This explains why they remain closely followed by policymakers, investors, and media.

FAQs About Gopichand Hinduja and the Hinduja Family

Who was Gopichand “Gopi” Hinduja?

Gopichand Hinduja was the Indian-British billionaire co-chairman of the Hinduja Group and the patriarch of Britain’s richest family until his death in November 2025.

How did the Hinduja family make their money?

Their wealth comes from the Hinduja Group, a diversified conglomerate operating in finance, oil, automotive, healthcare, IT, and real estate across more than 48 countries.

What is the Hinduja family’s net worth?

As of the Sunday Times Rich List 2025, the Hinduja family’s net worth was estimated at £35.3 billion.

Who leads the Hinduja Group now?

After Gopichand Hinduja’s death, leadership has passed to the next generation, with Dheeraj Hinduja playing a key role.

What is the Old War Office owned by the Hinduja family?

The Old War Office (OWO) in London is a historic building redeveloped by the Hinduja Group into Raffles London at The OWO, a luxury hotel and residence.

Final Thoughts

Gopichand “Gopi” Hinduja and the Hinduja family represent one of the most influential business dynasties in modern history. With a £35+ billion fortune, global reach, and deep roots in the UK, their story reflects the power of long-term vision, family leadership, and international enterprise.

As the next generation takes control, the Hinduja Group remains a defining force in both British and global business.