Hinduja Group Chairman Gopichand P Hinduja passes away at 85

New Delhi: Hinduja Group Chairman and Indian-born billionaire Gopichand P Hinduja died in a London hospital on Wednesday at the age of 85. Gopichand P Hinduja, the eldest of the four Hinduja brothers, had been ill for a long time. Known as "GP" in the business world, Gopichand is survived by his wife Sunita, sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita. Belonging to the second generation of the Hinduja family, Gopichand took over as chairman in May 2023 after the death of his elder brother, Srichand. Indian-British billionaire and Hinduja Group chairman Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja has died at the age of 85, Tory peer Rami Ranger announced on Tuesday. Ranger, a member of the British House of Lords, expressed his heartfelt condolences in a statement. The Indian-origin MP described Hinduja as "one of the kindest, most humble, and most loyal friends," saying his passing marks the end of an era. Ranger said in his statement, "Dear friends, with a heavy heart, I share with you the sad passing of our dear friend, Mr. G.P. Hinduja, who has passed away. He was one of the kindest, most humble, and most loyal friends. His passing marks the end of an era, as he was truly a well-wisher and a guiding force for the community. He has left behind a huge void that will be difficult to fill. May he rest in peace in heaven. Om Shanti." Who was Gopichand Hinduja? According to the UK Sunday Times Rich List, GP Hinduja was the richest person in the United Kingdom for seven consecutive years. Born in India in 1940, he also served as Chairman of Hinduja Automotive Limited and took over as Group Chairman in 2023 after the death of his brother Srichand Hinduja. Gopichand Hinduja graduated from Jai Hind College in Mumbai in 1959 and also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Westminster. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate in Economics by Richmond College in London.