Considered the richest family in Asia, the Indian Ambani family made their fortune through Reliance Industries, the oil-to-telecom conglomerate. Founded by Dhirubhai Ambani in 1977, Reliance Industries was originally a fabrics and textiles company before entering the petroleum and telecommunications sectors in the 90s. Today, Reliance Industries is India’s second-largest company, with an annual revenue of $62 billion.
In 2002, Dhirubhai Ambani died without a will, sparking a rivalry between his two sons, Mukesh and Anil, who took over leadership of the company. In an agreement brokered by their mother, Kokilaben Ambani, control of Reliance’s business interests was split between the two brothers. Mukesh was given control of oil, gas, petrochemicals and refining operations; Anil took over construction, telecommunications, asset management, entertainment and power generation businesses.
Today, Mukesh Ambani is worth an estimated $42.7 billion. He is the chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries Limited. Mukesh’s wife, Nita Ambani, is the chair of Reliance Foundation, the company’s charity organisation. Their three children are also involved with the company’s operations.
Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group is worth an estimated $1.5 billion. His two sons, Anmol and Anshul, work with the company as Board directors.
