Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is not only one of the richest men in India, but also among the wealthiest individuals in the world. Known for his sharp business acumen and innovative thinking, Ambani has transformed Reliance from a textile and polyester company into a global leader in telecom, retail, energy, and digital services.
This article explores the journey of Mukesh Ambani, his achievements, and how he built one of the most powerful business empires in Asia.
Early Life and Education
Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani was born on April 19, 1957, in Aden, Yemen, where his father, Dhirubhai Ambani, was working at the time. In the late 1950s, the family moved back to Mumbai, India, where Dhirubhai started a small textile business that would later become Reliance Industries.
Mukesh Ambani studied at Hill Grange High School in Mumbai and later graduated in Chemical Engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT). He then went to Stanford University in the U.S. for an MBA but dropped out in 1981 to join his father in expanding Reliance.
Taking Charge at Reliance
In 1981, Mukesh joined Reliance Industries Limited, which at the time focused mainly on textiles and polyester fibers. Under his leadership, the company diversified into various sectors such as petrochemicals, refining, oil & gas exploration, telecommunications, and retail.
He played a key role in establishing Reliance’s massive petrochemicals plant in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which is now the largest refining hub in the world. His vision turned Reliance into a Fortune 500 company and one of the most valuable companies in India.
Game-Changer: Jio Revolution
Perhaps Mukesh Ambani’s most talked-about achievement in recent years is the launch of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, commonly known as Jio.
Launched in 2016, Jio revolutionized the Indian telecom market by offering ultra-cheap data and free voice calls. This disrupted the industry, forcing major telecom players to lower their prices. Within a few years, Jio became the largest telecom operator in India, with over 450 million subscribers as of 2024.
The digital revolution powered by Jio also pushed Reliance into new areas such as:
- Jio Platforms – A tech holding company that attracted investments from Google, Facebook (Meta), and Intel
- JioMart – An e-commerce platform competing with Amazon and Flipkart
- 5G and beyond – Mukesh is now leading India’s charge into the future of digital connectivity
Reliance Retail: India’s Retail Giant
In addition to telecom, Mukesh Ambani has made huge strides in retail. His company Reliance Retail is now India’s largest retail chain, with thousands of stores across cities and small towns.
The company sells everything from groceries and electronics to fashion and furniture. It has partnered with several global brands and even acquired smaller Indian players to expand its reach.
In FY 2024, Reliance Retail generated revenues of over ₹2.6 lakh crore (around $31 billion USD). It is seen as a major force that could one day challenge Amazon and Walmart on a global scale.
Family and Succession Planning
Mukesh Ambani is married to Nita Ambani, who is also a well-known philanthropist and founder of the Reliance Foundation, which works in education, health, and rural development.
The couple has three children – Akash, Isha, and Anant Ambani – who are slowly taking on bigger roles within the Reliance group:
- Akash Ambani is now the Chairman of Reliance Jio.
- Isha Ambani heads Reliance Retail and JioMart.
- Anant Ambani is involved in the energy and petrochemical business.
This planned succession shows Mukesh Ambani’s focus on making Reliance a future-ready, family-run empire, while maintaining world-class corporate standards.
Wealth and Global Recognition
As of 2025, Mukesh Ambani’s net worth is estimated at over $90 billion, making him the richest person in India and among the top 15 billionaires in the world, according to Forbes and Bloomberg rankings.
He has consistently appeared on lists such as:
- Forbes World’s Billionaires
- Fortune’s Most Powerful People
- Time 100 Most Influential People
He lives in the iconic 27-story private residence “Antilia” in Mumbai, which is considered one of the most expensive homes in the world.
Green Energy and Future Plans
Mukesh Ambani has also made a bold move into green energy. Reliance is investing over $10 billion USD in renewable energy over the next decade. The company is building solar giga-factories, battery storage units, and green hydrogen plants as part of its goal to become net carbon zero by 2035.
This shift to sustainable business marks another major transformation for Reliance and shows Ambani’s commitment to the future of the planet and the company.
Final Thoughts
From a young chemical engineering student to the leader of a $200+ billion enterprise, Mukesh Ambani’s journey is truly inspiring. His bold bets on technology, retail, and energy have not only made Reliance Industries one of India’s most valuable companies but have also helped shape the economic future of the country.
With a strong next-generation leadership team in place and aggressive plans for digital and green growth, Mukesh Ambani is not just India’s richest man, but also one of its most visionary business leaders.
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