Darshan Mehta was an influential leader in India’s retail and fashion industry, best known for his pioneering role as the Managing Director and CEO of Reliance Brands Limited (RBL). With his vision and leadership, he played an instrumental role in bringing some of the world’s most luxurious and renowned brands to India, shaping the country’s luxury retail landscape.
Key Information
| Full Name | Darshan Mehta |
| Nicknames | None publicly known |
| Date of Birth | 1961 |
| Age | 64 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Former Managing Director & CEO, Reliance Brands Ltd. |
| Education | Chartered Accountant; Cost & Works Accountant |
| Career Highlights | – Founding CEO of Reliance Brands (2007) – Introduced over 90 global luxury brands to India – Mentored emerging Indian designers |
| Hobbies | Mid-distance running, Himalayan trekking, Golf, Traveling |
| Notable Brands Led | Armani, Versace, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Zegna, Montblanc |
| Marital Status | Married (Spouse’s name not publicly disclosed) |
| Children | Not publicly known |
| Social Media | (None publicly available) |
| Languages Known | Hindi, English, Punjabi |
| Food Preferences | Enjoys Indian cuisine, particularly Punjabi food, and also enjoys Chinese and continental dishes |
| Fashion Interests | A great admirer of fashion trends, with a keen interest in both Western and traditional Indian fashion |
| Favorite Destination | London, New York, and the Himalayan region |
| Favorite Activities | Trekking, Traveling, Watching World Cinema |
| Philanthropy | Actively involved in charitable activities related to education, healthcare, and supporting underprivileged communities |
| Health and Fitness | Enthusiast of mid-distance running and trekking, focused on maintaining physical and mental fitness |
| Passing | April 9, 2025, Mumbai, India (Sudden cardiac arrest) |
Family and Early Life
Darshan Mehta was born and raised in India in a well-grounded, business-oriented family. However, not much is publicly known about his early life or family. He was known for keeping his personal life private, focusing much of the public attention on his professional achievements.
Education
Mehta pursued his education in commerce and earned qualifications as a Chartered Accountant and Cost & Works Accountant. These credentials laid the foundation for his future success in the corporate world, equipping him with strong financial acumen and an understanding of business operations.
Career Path
Early Career
Before his role at Reliance, Darshan Mehta had an established career in various segments of the retail and advertising industries. His career began with Price Waterhouse, where he worked in the auditing department. He later moved into senior positions at other major firms:
- Trikaya Grey Advertising (India): Mehta contributed significantly to the advertising sector, helping several brands create a strong presence in the Indian market.
- Arvind Brands Ltd.: Before joining Reliance, he was the CEO at Arvind Brands Ltd., where he was responsible for launching global fashion brands in India. Some of these brands included Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, and Nautica, which became household names in the country.
Leading Reliance Brands
In 2007, Darshan Mehta took the bold step of founding Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, with the mission to bring world-renowned luxury and lifestyle brands to India. Under his leadership, RBL transformed into one of the most prominent luxury retail companies in the country.
Key Accomplishments at Reliance Brands:
- Global Brand Partnerships: Mehta played a crucial role in partnering with over 90 international brands, including Armani, Versace, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Montblanc, Zegna, and many others. This brought the Indian consumer access to high-end products that were previously out of reach.
- Retail Expansion: RBL expanded luxury retail across India, setting up stores in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, making luxury goods more accessible to India’s growing affluent population.
- Leadership and Innovation: Mehta was instrumental in creating a luxury retail experience that was not just about selling products but also about creating an aspirational lifestyle for Indian consumers.
Mentorship and Legacy
Darshan Mehta was not just a businessman; he was also a mentor and advisor to several budding Indian designers. He actively worked with Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, and Rahul Mishra, helping them gain national and international recognition. He was instrumental in blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern luxury trends, influencing a new wave of Indian fashion.
Impact on the Indian Luxury Market
Mehta’s work with Reliance Brands reshaped India’s retail landscape, bringing global luxury and fashion closer to the average consumer. His innovative approach towards retailing luxury brands and his deep understanding of consumer behavior helped establish India as one of the fastest-growing markets for luxury goods.
Personal Interests and Lifestyle
Despite his high-profile career, Mehta was known to maintain a balanced life. He was passionate about mid-distance running and enjoyed Himalayan trekking in his free time, reflecting his love for adventure and physical fitness.
He was also known to be a man of great integrity and humility, often sharing his knowledge and experience with young entrepreneurs and designers.
Passing
On April 9, 2025, Darshan Mehta tragically passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest in Mumbai, leaving a profound impact on India’s luxury retail industry. His sudden demise was widely mourned by the fashion community, business leaders, and many others who worked with him throughout his career. His legacy continues to live on through the work he has done and the many brands he helped establish in India.
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