Darshan Mehta
Former President & Chief Executive, Reliance Brands
The trailblazing retailer was instrumental in shaping India’s luxury and premium fashion market over two decades.
Darshan Mehta was the president and chief executive of Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of India’s largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries Limited.
RBL is the largest player in the premium to luxury fashion and lifestyle space in India, having partnered with over 80 brands including as Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Burberry and Salvatore Ferragamo.
Mehta founded RBL in 2007 as the first employee, and the company had 750 employees working in its corporate offices and over 5,000 employees working at the stores by 2013.
In the early 2020s, Mehta spearheaded RIL’s investment spree in upmarket Indian designer labels such as Manish Malhotra, Rahul Mishra, Anamika Khanna, Abraham & Thakore, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and Ritu Kumar.
Prior to Reliance, he served as president of Arvind Brands Limited. Mehta pioneered the market entry strategy of sportswear brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Gant and Nautica in India in the early 2000s.
A qualified chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse, Mehta spent the early years of his career in advertising as part of the senior leadership at Trikaya Grey Advertising (later acquired by WPP).
Before passing away in 2025, Mehta divided his time between Mumbai, Delhi and London.
Career History
Founder
2008 - Present
1984 - 2007
VITAL STATISTICS
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The retail giant will take a 52 percent stake in fashion and homeware labels founded by one of India’s most established fashion designers.
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What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
