Darshan Mehta Dies: Pioneer Of Luxury Retail, Brain Behind Isha Ambani's Rs. 8.381 Lakh Crore Empire

Darshan Mehta passed away on April 9, 2025, leaving India's luxury and lifestyle retail industry at a complete standstill. Often regarded as the pioneer of this particular industry, Darshan Mehta left an enduring legacy behind, which he built over nearly two decades. Due to his exceptional vision in the luxury retail industry, he has collaborated with a series of international brands like Valentino, Versace, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Muji, Zegna, Boss, and Pottery Barn.

Not many people know that Darshan Mehta played a vital role in bringing all these luxury global brands to India. During his time at Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), he took command of so many ventures and faded the gap between global luxury houses and the Indian retail industry. According to a series of trade experts, Darshan not only brought high-end luxury brands to India but also understood the needs and aspirations of an Indian consumer. Thus, his sudden passing in the 60s shocked everyone, and it was truly a setback for the country's luxury retail industry. 

Who was Darshan Mehta? From a chartered accountant to Arvind Brands Limited's President and creating a legacy with Reliance Brands Limited

Darshan Mehta was a professional chartered accountant who is survived by his wife and a son. He kick-started his career at Mumbai's recognised firm, Price Waterhouse. After serving as a cost and works accountant there, Darshan joined Trikaya Grey Advertising, which is now a part of the WPP Group. At Trikaya, Darshan was at a senior level and learnt a lot about leading and building a brand through communication and marketing skills.

Due to his exposure to big projects, Darshan Mehta developed a strong commercial instinct and an uncanny ability to read market shifts. As time passed, his name started to reverberate across the retail industry. Courtesy of his strong market sense and everything that he knew about the consumers, he was appointed as the President of Arvind Brands Limited for six years, from 2001 to 2007. During his time at Arvind Brands, Darshan brought global sports brands like Nautica, Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more.

Everything that Darshan Mehta has done at Arvind Brands Limited became fruitful when Reliance Brands Limited offered him a crucial position. It was in 2007, and it was a brand new company. Mukesh Ambani gave its command in the hands of his daughter, Isha Ambani Piramal. With Isha leading the company, Darshan Mehta was announced as the company's CEO, who worked as a mastermind from behind the curtains.

Back in 2007, Darshan Mehta was the first employee of RBL, and as of now, the company has 750 employees in the corporate and 5000 employees in the stores. According to several reports, Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) went on to become a conglomerate of Rs. 8.381 lakh crore, and Darshan served as Isha Ambani's right hand in the company's gigantic success in all these years. After leading RBL for over a decade, Darshan stepped down from the position of President and CEO of RBL in November 2024.

According to a report in The Times Of India, after stepping down from the leading position of RBL, Darshan Mehta decided to groom the next generation of leaders. As a result, he continued working as a non-executive director on the RBL board. There's no denying that Darshan played a huge role in Reliance Industries Limited because RBL is currently one of the leading income sources. It's heartbreaking that we lost such a visionary personality who could've given so much knowledge to future generations with his work.

According to a report in Fortune, Darshan Mehta was venturing into investing and was extremely happy with everything that he was learning about his completely new trade. Unfortunately, destiny had other plans, and the man who conquered the fashion industry and mastered retail space couldn't make his mark in investing. We hope he is in a better place now.

What are your thoughts on Darshan Mehta's giant legacy in the retail and fashion industries? Let us know. 

Also Read: Mukesh Ambani's Daughter, Isha Ambani Is Leading These Seven Mega Brands Under Reliance Retail

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