Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. On April 19, 2025, Mukesh Ambani, Asia's wealthiest individual and chairman of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), celebrated his 68th birthday. Over the decades, Ambani has transformed RIL into India's largest private enterprise, with a market capitalization exceeding ₹17.5 lakh crore. As he marks this milestone, Ambani continues to focus on succession planning, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership to the next generation.

Succession Strategy: Empowering the Next Generation

Mukesh Ambani has strategically positioned his three children—Akash, Isha, and Anant—in key leadership roles within RIL. Akash Ambani serves as the chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, overseeing the telecom sector. Isha Ambani leads Reliance Retail, focusing on expanding the company's retail footprint. Anant Ambani is at the helm of Reliance's new energy ventures, steering the conglomerate towards sustainable energy solutions. All three siblings were appointed to RIL's board of directors in 2023, reflecting Ambani's commitment to grooming them for future leadership. citeturn0search5

Akash Ambani: Driving Digital Transformation

Akash Ambani, an economics graduate from Brown University, joined RIL's board in 2014 and became chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm in 2022. Under his leadership, Jio has been at the forefront of India's digital revolution, pioneering advancements in 5G technology and artificial intelligence. Akash is also involved in various RIL subsidiaries, contributing to the conglomerate's digital and retail strategies.

Isha Ambani: Expanding Retail Horizons

Isha Ambani, with academic credentials from Yale University and Stanford Graduate School of Business, joined the family business in 2015. She has been instrumental in launching e-commerce platforms like Ajio and beauty retail ventures such as Tira. Isha's leadership has significantly expanded Reliance Retail's presence in food, electronics, and fashion sectors, positioning the company as a dominant player in India's retail landscape.

Anant Ambani: Pioneering Green Energy Initiatives

Anant Ambani, also a Brown University alumnus, is spearheading RIL's transition towards renewable energy. He oversees projects aimed at making Reliance a net-zero carbon company by 2035. Anant's initiatives include investments in solar energy, green hydrogen, and other sustainable technologies, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Market Share of Airlines

The involvement of reputed investors like Premji Invest and Manipal Group not only validates the potential of Akasa Air in India’s aviation sector but also reflects growing investor confidence in the country’s domestic travel market.

Legacy of Dhirubhai Ambani: From Textiles to Conglomerate

Reliance Industries was founded by Dhirubhai Ambani in 1958, starting as a textile manufacturer. Over the years, it diversified into petrochemicals, refining, oil and gas, retail, telecommunications, and media. Today, RIL operates the world's largest single-location oil refinery in Jamnagar and has a significant presence in various sectors, contributing substantially to India's economy.

Family Disputes and Business Division

Following Dhirubhai Ambani's death in 2002 without a will, Mukesh and his younger brother Anil Ambani engaged in a public dispute over the conglomerate's control. The conflict led to a division of the business in 2005, mediated by their mother, Kokilaben Ambani. Mukesh retained control of core businesses like petrochemicals and refining, while Anil took over telecommunications and power. Over time, Mukesh's ventures flourished, whereas Anil's businesses faced significant challenges.

Reliance's Diverse Business Portfolio

RIL's business interests span multiple sectors. In addition to energy and retail, the conglomerate owns Network18, a major media company, and has stakes in various digital platforms. Reliance has also ventured into sports, owning the Mumbai Indians cricket team, and has invested in luxury hospitality by acquiring properties like the Mandarin Oriental in New York. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its investments in augmented reality, drones, and other cutting-edge technologies.

Facing Future Challenges

As RIL continues to grow, it faces competition from global giants like Amazon in retail and from domestic players like the Adani Group in renewable energy. However, with a clear succession plan and diversified business interests, Mukesh Ambani has positioned Reliance to navigate these challenges and maintain its leadership in various sectors.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mukesh Ambani celebrated his 68th birthday on April 19, 2025, reaffirming his commitment to succession planning.

2. His children—Akash, Isha, and Anant—hold pivotal roles in telecom, retail, and energy sectors, respectively.

3. All three siblings were appointed to Reliance Industries' board in 2023.

4. Akash Ambani leads Reliance Jio Infocomm, focusing on digital advancements.

5. Isha Ambani oversees Reliance Retail, expanding its e-commerce and physical store presence.

6. Anant Ambani heads the new energy division, aiming for a carbon-neutral future.

7. Reliance Industries, founded by Dhirubhai Ambani, has evolved into a diversified conglomerate.

8. A family dispute post-Dhirubhai's demise led to the division of the business between Mukesh and Anil Ambani.

9. RIL's portfolio includes energy, retail, telecommunications, media, sports, and hospitality.

10. The company faces competition but remains poised for continued growth under the next generation's leadership.