Darshan Mehta, Luxury Retail Pioneer and Former RBL CEO, Dies at 60

By siliconindia  |  Thursday, 10 April 2025, 10:22:14 AM IST

Darshan Mehta, Luxury Retail Pioneer and Former RBL CEO, Dies at 60
Darshan Mehta, Former Managing Director and CEO of Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL), passed away on Wednesday, 9th April at the age of 60. Known as a pioneer of India's luxury and lifestyle retailing industry in the modern era, Mehta leaves behind a lasting legacy spanning almost two decades of change leadership.
Mehta joined Reliance Brands in 2007, when the company was first set up, and stayed at its helm for 17 years. Under his leadership, RBL became a behemoth in India's premium retail universe, partnering with over 90 global fashion and lifestyle brands. With his vision and doggedness, marquee international names such as Valentino, Versace, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Muji, Zegna, Boss, and Pottery Barn made their way into Indian stores and closets.
He was not only famous for introducing country clubs-style high-end brands into the nation but also for comprehending and defining the expectations of India's emerging consumer class. Industry friends and co-workers have consistently attributed Mehta with connecting international luxury houses with the changing Indian retail scene, which allowed unprecedented partnerships and business success.
In 2024, Mehta resigned from his executive roles at Reliance Brands, and the curtain fell on an era. His relationship with the group did not, however, end there. He moved to a mentor role and remained on the RBL board as a non-executive director, providing strategic inputs and institutional wisdom.
Prior to his revolutionary tenure at Reliance, Mehta had already established himself in the fashion retail sector. From 2001 to 2007, he was President of Arvind Brands Ltd., where he was instrumental in introducing globally acclaimed sportswear brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, and Nautica to the Indian market.
A trained chartered accountant and cost & works accountant, Mehta joined his professional journey in Price Waterhouse in Mumbai. He soon took up the senior leadership position of Trikaya Grey Advertising (now with the WPP Group), gaining precious experience in building brands and communications areas that would later be crucial in his entrepreneurial activities.
Professionally, people who knew Mehta usually described him as a visionary with keen business acumen, a great regard for brand history, and a strange talent to sense changes in the market even before their time. In a business that needs creativity and discipline, Mehta was seen as a unique leader who had strengths in both areas.
His untimely death is shocking to the Indian retail and business communities, as most leaders offer deep condolences and ponder his excellent contributions.
The legacy of Darshan Mehta is not only in the businesses he introduced into India but also in the trails he blazed for the way forward in the retail industry. His impact will be felt by the industry for many years to come.

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