Early in Isha Ambani’s life, parents Mukesh and Nita Ambani instilled in her the importance of hard work. Today, when it comes to project execution and business expansion, Isha believes in working on details right from the drawing board. She worked for launch of Jio in 2016 along with her twin brother Akash right from start and is now overseeing the entire strategy of Reliance Retail—expansion, acquisitions, tie-ups and marketing. The 30-year-old MBA from Stanford University believes in customer-centricity. Reliance Retail, the largest retailer in the country, recorded 26.7% rise in gross revenue to ₹1.99 lakh crore, despite Covid-19 restrictions. Net profit rose 28.7% to ₹7,055 crore. Isha was also instrumental in expanding the digital commerce business—Ajio and JioMart.
Isha, who also steered the $6.4 billion fund-raising by Reliance Retail, has led the company’s recent acquisitions and tie-ups. The retailer has so far acquired around 20 companies, including Zivame, Urban Ladder, Netmeds and Just Dial, in last couple of years. Her desire to bring global brands to India has seen the retailer sign exclusive partnerships with over 50 international brands, including Armani, Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo. — Nevin John