From Ajio to Tira beauty: Meet woman who is behind Reliance Retail's success

 Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries has footprints in almost all sectors, including retail, telecommunications, and petrochemicals among others. It's subsidiary, Reliance Retail, is on a tremendous growth path under a visionary woman who led its expansions into new categories, geographies and formats. 

Reliance Retail reported an almost flat net profit at Rs 2,453 crore in the June quarter of 2024-25 (Q1FY25) as per reports. It’s success is attributed to Isha Ambani’s business acumen. She has helped build a strong foundation for the unique omnichannel retail model enabling the business to service a vast, heterogeneous customer base.

Born on October 23, 1991, Isha Ambani did her schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School. She graduated in 2013 with a double major in Psychology and South Asian Studies. She earned an MBA in 2018 from Stanford University. 

She began to make a significant impact when she joined the boards of both Reliance Retail and Reliance Jio in 2014. She was the brain behind the launch of Jio 4G. She also launched Ajio, and Tira Beauty, successful additions to Reliance Retail’s portfolio. 

Beyond business, Isha is deeply involved in philanthropic initiatives under the Reliance Foundation. She also contributes to her mother Nita Ambani's cultural hub-Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai.

Isha began her marital life with Anand Piramal, a businessman from another influential Indian business family. The couple tied the knot at a grand wedding ceremony that took place in December 2018. In the same year, she was listed in Forbes among Asia’s most powerful upcoming businesswomen.

Isha welcomed her twins Aadiya Shakti and Krishna with Anand Piramal via In-vitro fertilisation in 2022. She emphasized the importance of normalizing IVF and the need to not feel isolated or ashamed about it.

Isha also has a great influence on social and media events besides dominating the business industry. She is often seen bonding with her close friends Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Kiara Advani on several occasions. 

Isha's presence in Hurun’s Under 35 list in 2023 highlights her growing influence in the business world. She recently announced Reliance Retail's targets to double its business in the next 3-4 years.