Mukesh Ambani

Early life and education
Ambani was born to Dhirubhai Ambani, who founded Reliance Commercial Corporation in 1958 after the family moved from Aden to Mumbai. Mukesh studied chemical engineering and began graduate studies at Stanford University, leaving in 1981 to join his father’s expanding textile and polyester venture. 

Business leadership and expansion
Taking charge after his father’s death in 2002, Ambani steered Reliance’s backward integration from textiles into petrochemicals and refining. He commissioned the Jamnagar refinery, the world’s largest integrated refining complex, and diversified into organized retail and telecommunications. His launch of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited in 2016 transformed India’s digital landscape, making data access widely affordable and growing to more than 500 million users. 

Wealth and influence
Ambani consistently tops India’s rich lists. In 2025 he ranked first in Forbes India’s 100 Richest with an estimated net worth of US $105 billion, placing him around 20th globally. RIL’s ventures in renewable energy and artificial intelligence signify his push toward future industries. He was 12th on Fortune’s 2024 “100 Most Powerful People in Business.” 

Family and philanthropy
Married to Nita Ambani, founder of Reliance Foundation and member of the International Olympic Committee, he has three children—Akash, Isha, and Anant—each serving as directors within Reliance business verticals. The family resides in Antilia, a 27-story Mumbai residence renowned as one of the world’s costliest private homes. Through Reliance Foundation, Ambani supports education, health care, and rural development initiatives across India. 

Global standing
Beyond India, Ambani serves on the World Economic Forum Foundation Board and as a foreign member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. His expanding portfolio in digital infrastructure and green energy cements his role as a central figure in Asia’s economic future.