Mukesh Ambani, who was born on April 19, 1957, in Aden, Yemen, is a giant of international business, known best for heading Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), a conglomerate business group with interests in petrochemicals, refining, oil, telecommunications, and retail. In 2025, he is among the richest people in the world, with a net worth in excess of $90 billion.
As per the reports, he is the wealthiest individual in Asia and is in the top 10 richest individuals globally.
Early Life and Education
Mukesh Ambani, who was born on April 19, 1957, in Aden, Yemen, previously called British Crown Colony. Mukesh is the older son of visionary businessman Dhirubhai Ambani and Kokilaben Ambani. The family moved to Mumbai in 1958, where Dhirubhai established the foundation of what would one day turn out to be Reliance Industries. Mukesh attended the Hill Grange High School in Mumbai with his brother, Anil Ambani. Mukesh majored in chemical engineering at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, and obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He later undertook an MBA at Stanford University but dropped it in 1980 to assist his father in expanding Reliance's business.
Career and Business Ventures
Mukesh Ambani's joining the family business was a turning point period for Reliance. Mukesh played a leading role in creating Reliance's petrochemicals and refining businesses, resulting in the world's largest grassroots petroleum refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with an over 1.2 million barrels per day capacity. After the death of Dhirubhai Ambani in 2002, Mukesh and his brother Anil inherited Reliance together. Due to different ideas, the group was split in 2005, with Mukesh keeping Reliance Industries Limited and Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited.
RIL ventured into telecommunication under the chairmanship of Mukesh through the creation of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited in 2016. Jio revolutionized the digital economy of India with its affordable 4G services, rapidly gaining more than 400 million subscribers and pushing India to the high club of data-consuming countries.
The retail industry also witnessed the strong presence of Reliance in the form of Reliance Retail, which has a gigantic chain of outlets across India that sell from grocery to electronics. The e-platform of the company JioMart also strengthened its hold in the retail space.
Board Membership and Affiliations
Mukesh Ambani's influence is not confined to Reliance. He has served on the board of directors of Bank of America Corporation and on the international advisory board of the Council on Foreign Relations. His participation in global institutions demonstrates his commitment to encouraging global business relationships.
Personal Life
Mukesh Ambani is married to philanthropist Nita Ambani, who is also the founder of the Reliance Foundation, the corporate social responsibility group of RIL. The Ambani couple has two children, Akash and Isha, and Anant is their son from a prior relationship. The Ambanis live in Antilia, a 27-story apartment in Mumbai and one of the world's costliest private residences.
Philanthropy and Social Affairs
Under Reliance Foundation, Mukesh and Nita Ambani have also pioneered social initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, rural development, and disaster relief. All these initiatives reached millions of people, demonstrating the commitment of the Ambanis towards inclusive development and the overall well-being of society.
Mukesh Ambani has, in recent years, concentrated on green energy solutions with the announcement of investment in renewable energy initiatives such as solar and hydrogen fuels.This shift in strategy is part of worldwide initiatives against climate change and positions Reliance as the green energy industry leader.
Aside from that, the Reliance-technology leaders joint venture has deluged India's digital economy. Facebook and Google investments in Jio Platforms not only poured money but also knowhow, ushering in innovation and digital penetration.
Mukesh Ambani's evolution from supporting his father's textile venture to spearheading a multinational conglomerate is the epitome of entrepreneurial success and strategic genius. His ability to adapt with changing market trends, along with a vision for technological advancement and sustainable development, has made him a visionary business leader. As Reliance Industries expands, Mukesh Ambani's contribution to India's economic development continues to be strong, motivating future generations of entrepreneurs.
