Wife of Asia’s richest billionaire Ambani most powerful woman in Indian media

Nita Ambani, the wife of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani. Photo from Instagram/manishmalhotra05

Emerging from the merger of Disney and the Ambani-owned Reliance Industries, this joint venture now puts Nita Ambani, 61, at the forefront of a sector with a market value exceeding US$25 billion and experiencing rapid expansion, according to CNN.

The collaboration between Disney and Reliance, expected to be finalized between late 2024 and early 2025, will emphasize sports as its main success driver. Uday Shankar, former Disney Asia Pacific president, will take on the role of vice-chairperson, contributing his strategic expertise.

This major advancement for Nita Ambani comes nearly two years after Mukesh Ambani announced a succession strategy for their vast empire Reliance Industries, which includes ventures in retail, technology, and renewable energy. It is indicated that their three children would take over the conglomerate.

When she became the first woman to be appointed to the board of Reliance Industriesin 2014, Nita’s involvement in corporate spotlight was met with skepticism by some who viewed her as a symbolic figure in response to regulatory pressures for gender diversity on corporate boards in India.

However, over the past decade, she has demonstrated her prowess across various domains, earning acclaim for her philanthropic work, involvement in sports, and contributions to the arts. Owning the Mumbai Indians cricket team and having founded The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Nita has been promoting the integration of sports and arts into India’s societal fabric.

According to India Times, her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics in Mumbai. She is also a skilled Bharatnatyam dancer.

Nita’s previous role as a teacher, along with her associations with the International Olympic Committee and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, showcase her wide-ranging influence.

She married Mukesh Ambani, 67, in 1985. The couple shares three children: a daughter Isha and two sons Anant and Akash.

As of Mar. 5, 2024, Forbeslists Mukesh Ambani’s wealth at US$117.3 billion, making him Asia’s richest and the world’s ninth richest person.