Darshan Mehta, former MD & CEO of Reliance Brands and luxury retail pioneer, passes away at 64

Darshan Mehta, former managing director and founding CEO of Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has passed away at the age of 64. A pioneer in India’s luxury retail space, Mehta had stepped down as the MD of Reliance Brands before he was appointed as a non-executive director on the company board in November last year.

A chartered accountant, Mehta was among the first employees at Reliance Brands during its launch in 2007, and was instrumental in turning it into a behemoth in India's retail and fashion space, and is credited with changing how fashion is viewed by people in India.

He specifically played a big role in taking Reliance Brands global, expanding to niche segments by bringing global luxury and premium retail brands to India.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Darshan Mehta, the founding CEO of Reliance Brands and a pioneer in India’s luxury retail space. Darshan’s vision brought global icons to Indian shelves, and his leadership shaped an entire industry. His legacy will endure in every storefront and brand he helped bring to life. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and everyone touched by his wisdom and warmth," the Retailers Association of India (RAI), the apex body of retailers in India, said in a statement on X.

The companies that Reliance Brands helped foray into India include Zegna, Diesel, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, among others. Reliance Brands' current portfolio includes more than 50 brands, including Hamleys, Hugo Boss, Hunkemoller, and Jimmy Choo, among others.