End of an era: Reliance Brands’ Darshan Mehta leaves a legacy behind

Darshan Mehta, the trailblazer who built Reliance Brands into India’s leading luxury and lifestyle powerhouse, passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 63 following a sudden heart attack. Known for his boundless energy and love for Himalayan treks and long-distance running, Mehta was much more than a corporate leader; he was a curator of culture, fashion, and global retail ambition.

As the founding force behind Reliance Brands Ltd (RBL), Mehta played a crucial role in bringing some of the most iconic international names to Indian soil. From Valentino and Balenciaga to Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Burberry, and Bottega Veneta, his partnerships turned India into a significant player on the global luxury map. He didn’t stop at international brands, Mehta also championed homegrown design talent, investing in celebrated Indian designers like Manish Malhotra, Rahul Mishra, Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, Anamika Khanna, and Abraham & Thakore.

Mehta joined Reliance Brands in 2007, when the vertical was just taking shape. Over the next 17 years, he helped transform the fledgling division into a retail juggernaut. Under his leadership, the company not only built powerful brand associations but also launched two of Mumbai’s most iconic luxury retail hubs — Jio World Drive and the sprawling 750,000-square-foot Jio World Plaza, now home to global fashion titans like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Bvlgari, and Versace. He also spearheaded the acquisition of British toy giant Hamleys in 2019, sealing a deal worth over ₹600 crore. In the process, he expanded the company’s reach far beyond fashion, into the realm of global lifestyle experiences.

In November 2023, he stepped down as Managing Director of Reliance Brands and transitioned into a mentorship and non-executive board role, continuing to guide the brand he helped build.

Early Life & Career

A chartered accountant by training, Mehta began his career at PwC India before moving on to the Lalbhai group. There, he held pivotal roles at Grey Advertising (then part of the group), Anagram Stockbroking, and eventually took over as CEO of Arvind Brands. It was at Arvind that Mehta first began shaping India’s luxury fashion scene by fostering a portfolio of high-impact international fashion collaborations.

Described by peers as a quiet force with unstoppable drive, Mehta leaves behind a legacy that will continue to influence the luxury and retail landscape in India for decades to come.