Indian-British billionaire and Hinduja Group chairman Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja passed away at the age of 85, Tory peer Rami Ranger announced on Tuesday.
Ranger, who is a member of the British House of Lords, issued a heartfelt condolence in a statement. Calling Hinduja “one of the most gracious, humble, and loyal friends”, the Indian-origin lawmaker said that the death marks the end of an era.
“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,” Ranger's statement said.
“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,” the statement added.
Who was Gopichand Hinduja?
GP Hinduja, as he was popularly known, was the richest individual in the United Kingdom for seven consecutive years, according to the UK Sunday Times Rich List.
{{/usCountry}}GP Hinduja, as he was popularly known, was the richest individual in the United Kingdom for seven consecutive years, according to the UK Sunday Times Rich List.
{{/usCountry}}Born in 1940 in India, he also served as the chairman of Hinduja Automotive Ltd and took over as the chairman of the group in 2023, following the death of his brother, Srichand Hinduja, from dementia.
Gopichand Hinduja graduated from Mumbai's Jai Hind College in 1959 and also held an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Westminster. He was also awarded an honorary Doctorate of Economics by London's Richmond College.
The Hinduja family business was initially set up by GP Hinduja's father, Parmanand Hinduja, in 1914. Gopichand Hinduja and his brother, Srichand Hinduja, took the business, which was primarily a trading company, and transformed it into the multi-billion-dollar conglomerate it is now.