SP, Hinduja group chairman, family patriarch, dies at 87

Srichand Parmanand Hinduja, (SP) chairman of the $70 billion Hinduja Group, who was deemed to be the family patriarch as eldest among the four Hinduja brothers, and a man whose life across India, Iran and the UK was dotted with success, controversy and tragedy, died in London on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 87.

- Satish John

“Gopichand, Prakash, Ashok and the whole Hinduja family, with a heavy heart, regret to announce the passing away of our family patriarch, and chairman of the Hinduja Group, Mr S.P. Hinduja today," a spokesperson for the family said in a statement. “He was a visionary and mentor to the family, bestowing the founding principles and values of our late father, P.D. Hinduja. He played a very important role alongside his brothers in building a strong relationship between his host country, the UK and his home country, India."

During the last few years, SP battled illness and was under nursing care. He had long been the face of the family, having built the group along with his brothers, collectively known for their formidable networking prowess and business acumen. They grew their family business, which includes commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland and private bank IndusInd, to several businesses across 38 countries, in sectors such as oil lubricants, chemicals, energy and IT. The group employs more than 200,000 people.

The Hinduja family, founded by Parmanand Hinduja, had modest beginnings before SP and his brothers steered the group to chase larger ambitions and become one of the earliest Indian billionaires to have made money abroad.

The Hinduja family’s origins can be traced back to the Sindh region, home to many intrepid traders. They made a mark by trading in spices, textiles and dry fruits with Iran.