Isha Ambani: Young visionary behind Reliance Retail’s rapid expansion

Isha Ambani, the daughter of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, is quickly becoming a prominent figure in India’s retail and business sectors.
She was recently named in Hurun’s Under-35 list, which features150 outstanding entrepreneurs under the age of 35
Isha has made notable contributions to Reliance Retail and other ventures within the Ambani business empire. Her work has been key in driving the rapid growth of Reliance Retail, which is now India’s largest retailer by revenue.
Isha Ambani was born on October 23, 1991, in Mumbai, into one of India’s wealthiest families. She is the twin sister of Akash Ambani and has a younger brother, Anant Ambani.
Her father, Mukesh Ambani, is the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, while her mother, Nita Ambani, is known for her philanthropic efforts and is the founder of Dhirubhai Ambani International School.
Isha’s strong academic background has helped her navigate the complexities of managing a large business. She attended Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai before pursuing higher education at Yale University in the US.
At Yale, she completed a double major in Psychology and South Asian Studies, graduating in 2013. Following this, she went on to earn an MBA from Stanford University in 2018. Her education has played a crucial role in shaping her approach to business and leadership.
Isha holds key positions within Reliance Industries, including directorships in Reliance Retail and Reliance Jio.
Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the business, particularly in the retail and telecom sectors. She joined the boards of both Reliance Retail and Jio in 2014, and since then, has made a significant impact.
Reliance Retail reported a gross revenue of Rs 3.06 lakh crore (approximately $36.8 billion) for the financial year ending March 31, 2024, marking a growth of 17.8% compared to the previous year.
At Reliance Industries’ Annual General Meeting (AGM), Isha announced the company’s ambitious goal to double its business within the next three to four years. She expressed confidence in achieving this target, stating, “With the strong foundation we have built, I am confident that we will achieve our goal of doubling our retail business in the next 3-4 years.”
Isha was also behind the launch of AJIO, Reliance Retail’s multi-brand e-commerce platform, which offers a mix of Western and traditional Indian fashion. AJIO has been a successful addition to Reliance’s retail portfolio, and it continues to grow.
Reliance Retail has become a major player in India’s retail industry, offering a wide range of products across multiple sectors, from fashion to grocery and electronics.
Apart from her role in expanding Reliance Retail, Isha is also involved in the company’s quick-commerce efforts, which aim to offer fast delivery services for everyday essentials. This initiative is part of Reliance’s broader strategy to capture a larger share of India’s growing e-commerce market.
Beyond business, Isha is deeply involved in various philanthropic initiatives under the Reliance Foundation.
One of her key focusses is promoting digital education across rural India, aiming to provide resources and training for teachers and students. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bridge the digital divide in India’s rural areas.
In 2023, Isha played a crucial role in launching the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai, a cultural hub that promotes arts and culture in India.
In 2018, Isha married Anand Piramal, a businessman from another influential Indian business family. The couple welcomed twins, Krishna and Aadiya, in November 2022. Despite her busy professional life, Isha is known for her love of sports and music. She played soccer during her time at university and is a trained pianist.
Isha’s achievements have been widely recognised. In 2018, Forbes listed her among Asia’s most powerful upcoming businesswomen. Her inclusion in Hurun’s Under 35 list in 2023 highlights her growing influence in the business world.