Darshan Mehta, the former Managing Director and CEO of Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), passed away on Wednesday at the age of 64 due to a sudden heart attack. The unexpected demise of the business veteran has sent shockwaves across India’s fashion and retail sectors, where Mehta was regarded as a transformative figure.
A Pioneering Force in Indian Luxury Retail
Darshan Mehta was not just another corporate leader—he was the architect behind the premium and luxury retail revolution in India. His association with Reliance Brands began in 2007 when the company was formed under the larger umbrella of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). Over the span of 17 years, Mehta led RBL with vision and ambition, introducing a wide array of global fashion and lifestyle labels to the Indian market.
Brands like Valentino, Balenciaga, Tiffany & Co., Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, and Burberry became accessible to Indian consumers due to Mehta’s efforts. He was the key force behind creating a market for high-end retail in a country that was just beginning to embrace luxury as a lifestyle statement.
Bridging the Gap Between India and the Global Fashion Arena
Mehta’s contributions didn’t stop with international brands. He was deeply invested in the Indian fashion scene and took it upon himself to elevate homegrown talent onto global platforms. Under his leadership, RBL collaborated with leading Indian designers such as Manish Malhotra, Rahul Mishra, and Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla. These strategic partnerships played a vital role in merging Indian craftsmanship with global sensibilities, positioning Indian fashion on an international pedestal.
Transition to Mentor and Legacy Builder
Though Mehta stepped down from the role of Managing Director in November of last year, his connection with RBL remained intact. He transitioned into a non-executive director role, continuing to guide and mentor the leadership team with his vast industry knowledge and experience.
During his time at Reliance, he was also instrumental in developing two luxury retail hubs in Mumbai—Jio World Drive and Jio World Plaza. These centres have now become symbols of aspirational living and upscale shopping experiences, reflecting Mehta’s deep understanding of evolving consumer trends.
The Man Behind Major Acquisitions
In addition to building partnerships and establishing luxury spaces, Mehta led some of Reliance’s strategic acquisitions. One of the most notable was the acquisition of Hamleys, the iconic UK-based toy retailer, in 2019. This move was part of Reliance’s broader ambition to create a diversified retail empire that spanned categories and age groups.
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A chartered accountant by qualification, Mehta’s career journey was marked by constant evolution. He began at PwC India and went on to hold leadership roles at the Lalbhai Group, Grey Advertising, and Arvind Brands. At Arvind, he helped shape the company’s brand portfolio, further cementing his reputation as a brand visionary.
An Outpouring of Tributes
News of Mehta’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance across social media, especially from the fashion and business communities. Many paid tribute to his leadership, humility, and pioneering spirit. Colleagues, designers, and industry peers remembered him as a man of impeccable taste, clarity of thought, and unmatched dedication to the world of retail.
Darshan Mehta's passing marks the end of an era for Indian luxury retail. However, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. His vision will continue to guide the path for future generations of fashion and retail entrepreneurs in the country.