In India’s economic mosaic, the transfer of leadership and stewardship within billionaire families transcends mere inheritance of wealth; it embodies a dynamic evolution where tradition meets innovation. At the helm of these family empires, heirs like Akash and Isha Ambani and Ananya Birla emerge as pivotal figures, seamlessly blending heritage with modernity. Beyond the corridors of power and wealth, they symbolize a new breed of leaders, harnessing fresh perspectives and innovative zeal to propel their family businesses into the forefront of global commerce.
Their journeys illuminate not only the continuity of legacy but also the transformative potential inherent in youthful vision and entrepreneurial spirit, shaping the very contours of India’s economic future.
Akash, Isha and Anant Ambani
Akash and Isha Ambani, the offspring of Mukesh Ambani, occupy key roles within various divisions of Reliance Industries. Akash notably serves as a Director at Reliance Jio, the telecommunications arm that has profoundly reshaped India’s digital connectivity landscape. Meanwhile, Isha holds directorial positions at both Reliance Retail and Reliance Jio Infocomm, where she has been instrumental in expanding the company’s retail footprint and enhancing its digital services. Anant Ambani, the youngest son of India’s foremost business magnate, also plays a significant role as a Director on the Boards of Jio Platforms Limited since March 2020. Their collective strategic acumen and leadership have been pivotal in driving the sustained growth and modernization of Reliance Industries. Mukesh Ambani, who serves as the Managing Director and Chairman, stands as India’s wealthiest individual, overseeing a conglomerate that Forbes reports generates revenue exceeding Rs 9.03 lakh crore ($109.4 billion).
Karan Adani
Karan Adani, the son of Gautam Adani, is the CEO of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited. According to Adani Ports, he has been instrumental in expanding the company’s port operations and enhancing its logistics capabilities. Karan’s leadership focuses on integrating sustainable practices and expanding Adani Group’s footprint globally. Gautam Shantilal Adani, an Indian billionaire industrialist, is renowned as the founder and chairman of the Adani Group. According to Forbes, Adani group hold an estimated net worth of $77.8 billion.
Naveen Jindal
Naveen Jindal, an industrialist and BJP nominee, declared his and his wife Shallu’s assets worth about Rs 1,000 crore in his poll affidavit. An MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas, Jindal’s leadership at Jindal Steel and Power Limited has been transformative, focusing on innovative steel production and energy solutions. As reported by The Economic Times, Jindal has declared movable assets of Rs 88,673.68 lakh (nearly Rs 886 crore).
Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, daughter of Shiv Nadar, is the Chairperson of HCL Technologies. According to HCL Technologies Leadership, she has been instrumental in driving HCL’s global expansion and focusing on new technologies. Additionally, she leads the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which emphasizes education and philanthropy, furthering the family’s commitment to social causes. Dilip Shanghvi is a prominent Indian business tycoon and the visionary behind Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, the first Indian pharma company with a $5 billion valuation, as per Forbes.
Aalok Shanghvi
Aalok Shanghvi, the eldest child of Dilip Shanghvi, the Managing Director of Sun Pharma, serves as the Executive Director of the company. As noted by Forbes, Sun Pharma is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company, and Aalok has played a significant role in its growth since joining in 2006. His strategic leadership continues to drive the company forward.
Adar Poonawalla
Adar Poonawalla is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by doses produced and sold annually. According to Serum Institute of India, Adar took over from his father as CEO in 2011, significantly expanding the company’s global reach. In 2017, he was appointed by the Indian Prime Minister as Brand Ambassador for the Swachh Bharat campaign, highlighting his commitment to social causes. As per Forbes, the Serum Institute of India holds an estimated net worth of $21.3 billion.
Cyrus Pallonji Mistry
Cyrus Pallonji Mistry, son of billionaire businessman Pallonji Mistry, stands to inherit a substantial fortune. Though based in Ireland, Cyrus was born in India and has been involved in the family business, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, which has significant stakes in various industries. According to Bloomberg, he is set to inherit a fortune of $16 billion.
Ananya and Aryaman Vikram Birla
Ananya and Aryaman Birla, children of Kumar Mangalam Birla, are making their mark in different fields. Ananya is an entrepreneur and musician who founded Svatantra Microfin, supporting microfinance initiatives for rural women. She recently gave up music to focus on the business, calling it a ‘tough decision’. According to Svatantra Microfin, Aryaman has joined the Aditya Birla Group, focusing on corporate strategy and business expansion. Earlier, Aryaman embraced a variety of interests, demonstrating his adaptability. He was a successful first-class cricketer before joining the Aditya Birla Group. Numerous achievements marked his cricketing career. In 2017, he had India’s top U-23 run total. As per Forbes, June 2024, Birla Group holds a net worth of $20.9 billion.
Madhu Chandak, Manjri Chandak, and Jyoti Kabra
Madhu Chandak, Manjri Chandak, and Jyoti Kabra, associated with Radhakishan Damani’s Avenue Supermarts Limited, are involved in various aspects of the company’s operations. According to D-Mart, they manage CSR activities, merchandising, and overall business operations, reflecting the family’s collaborative business approach. The Avenue Supermarkets hold a net worth of $20.6 billion as per Forbes.
Manjri Chandak is the director of Avenue Supermarts Limited. She is currently associated with seven Companies, including Avenue Supermarts Limited. She is involved on a day-to-day basis, especially in merchandising. She is interested in consumer businesses and is guided by her father in the consumer business operation. Jyoti Kabra is also involved on a day-to-day basis in merchandising and receives guidance from her father regarding the operations of consumer businesses.
Aditya Mittal
Aditya Mittal, son of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, is the CEO of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel manufacturer. As per ArcelorMittal Innovations, Aditya has been crucial in expanding the company’s operations and integrating advanced technologies, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Lakshmi Mittal is famous for being chairman of the world’s largest steel and mining company by output. The company reported a net income of $919 million in 2023.
