London: Hinduja Group chairman Gopichand P Hinduja, popularly known as ‘GP’, died at the age of 85 in the UK on Tuesday.

The Indian-origin business tycoon, among the world’s wealthiest persons, took over chairmanship of the group in May 2023 following the death of his elder brother, Srichand P Hinduja (SP Hinduja).

Rami Ranger, an Indian origin lawmaker from Conservative Party, described Hinduja as “one of the most gracious, humble and loyal friends” whose death “marks the end of an era.”

“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 politician-businessman’s statement added.

Born in 1940 in India, ‘GP’ graduated from Mumbai’s Jai Hind College and held an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Westminster. He was also awarded honorary Doctorate of Economics by London’s Richmond College.

The Hinduja family business was set up by his father, Parmanand D Hinduja, in 1914. He moved its base to London in the late 1970s after operating for some time from Iran.

GP and his brother Srichand took over the trading company business and transformed it into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate.

Just recently, the Hinduja clan retained the top spot on The Sunday Times Rich List 2025 as the wealthiest family in the UK. The family’s fortune was reported to be in excess of £35 billion.