Mukesh Ambani Net Worth, Age, Wife, Height, Affairs, Biography
Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani (born 19 April 1957) is an influential Indian billionaire businessman, known as the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest conglomerates. Ambani is the richest person in Asia and consistently ranks among the world’s wealthiest individuals, standing 9th globally as of October 2024 with a net worth of $119.5 billion. His business empire spans petrochemicals, telecommunications, and retail sectors, establishing him as a pivotal figure in modern India’s corporate landscape.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani |
| Date of Birth | 19 April 1957 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 67 years |
| Place of Birth | Aden, Yemen |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Position | Chairman & Managing Director of Reliance Industries |
| Residence | Antilia, Mumbai, India |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Diet | Vegetarian, teetotaler |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (approx.) |
| Net Worth (2024) | $119.5 billion |
Early Life
Mukesh Ambani was born in Aden, Yemen, in 1957, to Dhirubhai Ambani and Kokilaben Ambani, and later moved to India, where his father launched a trading business. Raised in a modest two-bedroom apartment in Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar neighborhood, he grew up alongside his younger brother, Anil Ambani, and two sisters, Nina and Dipti. In the 1970s, his family moved to a larger space in Mumbai’s Colaba area, where they still live in the well-known Sea Wind building.
Education
Ambani attended Hill Grange High School in Mumbai and later graduated in chemical engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology. He began an MBA at Stanford University but left the program early at his father’s request to help build Reliance. Under his father’s mentorship, Mukesh took his first steps in business, starting with a key role in the company’s expansion into the petrochemical sector.
| Institution | Degree/Field | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hill Grange High School, Mumbai | Secondary Education | Attended with brother and close associate Anand Jain |
| St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai | Pre-university | Completed secondary education |
| Institute of Chemical Technology | BE in Chemical Engineering | Completed undergraduate studies |
| Stanford University, USA | MBA (not completed) | Withdrew in 1980 to join Reliance |
Career Highlights
Mukesh Ambani joined Reliance in the late 1970s and was instrumental in establishing Reliance Infocomm (now Reliance Communications) and constructing the Patalganga petrochemical plant. Ambani also spearheaded the development of the Jamnagar refinery, the largest grassroots petroleum refinery globally, which produces over 660,000 barrels per day.
In 2015, Ambani led the launch of Jio, a revolutionary telecommunications network that propelled India into the digital era, offering affordable 4G services. This innovation reshaped the Indian telecom market and transformed Reliance into a digital services powerhouse.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1980s | Joined Reliance Industries to support father |
| 1981 | Established Reliance’s Patalganga petrochemical plant |
| 1999 | Launched Reliance Communications (Reliance Infocomm) |
| 2010 | Established Jamnagar Refinery, the world’s largest refinery |
| 2016 | Launched Reliance Jio, transforming India’s digital landscape |
| 2018 | Became Asia’s richest person, surpassing Jack Ma |
| 2024 | Ranked Asia’s richest person with a net worth of $119.5 billion |
Ambani has also faced scrutiny over accusations of market manipulation and regulatory infringements in the past. Nonetheless, his role as a business innovator remains undisputed, with numerous achievements like establishing India’s largest private-sector conglomerate and introducing transformative technologies across the country.
Philanthropy and Influence
Ambani is known for his philanthropic contributions, ranking fifth among Indian philanthropists in 2015, according to the Hurun Research Institute. He has held several notable board positions, including a directorship at the Bank of America, marking the first non-American to sit on its board. Mukesh Ambani also supports sports in India, being the owner of the IPL team Mumbai Indians and the founder of the Indian Super League football league.
Board Memberships and Associations
- Board of Governors, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
- Chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd., Reliance Petroleum, Reliance Retail Ltd., and Reliance Exploration and Production DMCC
- Member of the Board of Trustees, World Economic Forum
Honors and Recognition
Ambani has received numerous accolades, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Asia Society’s Global Vision Award, and the Othmer Gold Medal. He was elected as a Foreign Associate to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering in 2016, recognizing his contributions to the industry.
Personal Life
In 1985, Mukesh Ambani married Nita Ambani, with whom he has three children: Akash, Anant, and Isha. The family resides in the renowned 27-story skyscraper, Antilia, in Mumbai, known as one of the world’s most expensive private residences. Built with state-of-the-art amenities, Antilia is valued at approximately $1 billion and requires a staff of 600 for maintenance.
Family Details
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Dhirubhai Ambani (Founder of Reliance Industries) |
| Mother | Kokilaben Ambani |
| Brother | Anil Ambani |
| Sisters | Nina Bhadrashyam Kothari, Dipti Dattaraj Salgaonkar |
| Wife | Nita Ambani (Married in 1985) |
| Children | Akash Ambani, Isha Ambani, Anant Ambani |
| Son-in-Law | Anand Piramal (married to Isha Ambani) |
| Daughter-in-Law | Shloka Mehta (married to Akash Ambani), Radhika Merchant (engaged to Anant Ambani) |
Mukesh Ambani has maintained a low-profile lifestyle outside of his business endeavors. Known for being a vegetarian and a teetotaler, he has, at times, opted to cap his salary in deference to company stakeholders. Despite his wealth, he remains relatively grounded in certain aspects, having forgone annual pay increases in recent years.
Recent Developments
- Acquisition of a Boeing 737 Max 9: In 2024, Ambani became the first private owner of a Boeing 737 Max 9 in India, marking a significant addition to his transportation options for long-distance travel.
- Family Events: The wedding of his son Anant Ambani to Radhika Merchant in 2024 was dubbed India’s “wedding of the year” due to its grandeur and drew worldwide attention for its scale and cultural significance.
Net Worth and Wealth Ranking
Mukesh Ambani’s financial standing has grown tremendously over the years. His net worth stood at $119.5 billion in 2024, securing him the title of Asia’s richest individual. His influence and assets encompass a range of industries, marking him as a business magnate with an indelible impact on India’s economic landscape.
Awards and Recognitions
| Year | Award/Honor | Awarding Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year | Ernst & Young India |
| 2010 | Global Vision Award | Asia Society |
| 2010 | School of Engineering Dean’s Medal | University of Pennsylvania |
| 2010 | 5th-best performing global CEO | Harvard Business Review |
| 2016 | Foreign Associate | National Academy of Engineering (USA) |
| 2016 | Othmer Gold Medal | Chemical Heritage Foundation |