Why did the Hinduja family shift their headquarters from Iran to the UK?

In the world of global business empires, few stories are as dynamic and resilient as those of the Hinduja Group. With roots tracing back over a century, this Indian-origin conglomerate has weathered geopolitical upheavals, global economic shifts, and cultural transitions—emerging stronger with each chapter. What began in pre-partition India and flourished in Iran for decades eventually found its global footing in London, where the group now operates as one of the wealthiest business families in the UK.

Humble Beginnings in Shikarpur

The Hinduja Group was founded in 1914 by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, a visionary entrepreneur from Shikarpur, then in British India’s Sindh province (now in Pakistan). His journey began with trading activities between India and Persia (modern-day Iran). By 1919, he had established the group’s first international office in Iran, which soon became the hub of its operations.

Over the next six decades, Tehran served as the group’s nerve center. Iran, before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, was a country with strong ties to the West and a thriving economy—an ideal environment for business. The Hinduja's built their empire steadily, embedding themselves in the fabric of the Iranian economic landscape.

The Turning Point: 1979 Islamic Revolution

The seismic shift came in 1979. The Islamic Revolution led to the fall of the Shah and the establishment of a conservative Islamic regime. As political instability engulfed Iran, the Hinduja family made the pivotal decision to relocate their headquarters to London. This move not only safeguarded their business but also opened doors to greater international expansion.

London: A Launchpad for Global Expansion

Relocating to London proved to be a masterstroke. The UK’s strategic location, stable financial system, and global business connectivity offered the Hinduja's the perfect launchpad for the next phase of their journey. Today, the Hinduja family stands as one of Britain’s wealthiest, with an estimated net worth of £35.3 billion and in general we can say they are the billionaire Hinduja family members. Their operations span 48 countries, employing over 150,000 people across diverse sectors.

Diversification Across Industries

Over the decades, the Hinduja Group has strategically diversified into multiple sectors, establishing a strong presence across:

• Automobiles: Through Ashok Leyland, one of India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 1997, they launched India’s first CNG bus.
• Oil and Chemicals: Acquisition of the iconic Gulf brand led to the formation of Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd.
• Banking and Finance: The group entered Indian banking in 1994.
• Business Process Outsourcing: Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS) was launched in 2000, providing customer experience and IT services worldwide.
• Real Estate, Power Generation, Healthcare, Media, and Entertainment: The group’s footprint extends into numerous other vital industries.

Leadership and Legacy

Parmanand Hinduja passed away in 1971, but his legacy lived through his four sons, also known as four Indian Billionaire Hinduja family members (Hinduja Brothers)—Srichand, Gopichand, Ashok, and Prakash Hinduja—who expanded the business on a global scale. Srichand, the eldest, led the group for decades until his passing in May 2023. Gopichand Hinduja currently serves as the group’s chairman. The operations are managed by the three remaining Hinduja brothers: Gopichand Hinduja from London, Prakash Hinduja from Europe and Switzerland, and Ashok Hinduja from India.

A Legacy of Resilience and Vision

The story of the Hinduja Group is not just one of wealth and expansion—it's a tale of adaptability, foresight, and a deep commitment to family values and entrepreneurship. From the bazaars of Shikarpur to the boardrooms of London, the Hinduja family has turned challenges into opportunities and built a business empire that continues to grow across generations.

As the world changes, the Hinduja Group stands as a testament to enduring legacy and global ambition—proof that with the right vision, even the most turbulent times can lead to extraordinary success.