Darshan Mehta, the former managing director and chief executive officer of Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL), passed away on Wednesday, 9th April, after suffering a sudden heart attack.
Mehta, a seasoned veteran of the fashion and retail industries, was instrumental in establishing India’s premium and luxury retail landscape. He was with Reliance Brands since its founding in 2007 and its president and chief executive officer for more than 17 years.
More than 90 international fashion and lifestyle brands, such as Valentino, Versace, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Pottery Barn, Muji, Zegna, and Boss, were launched and expanded in India under his direction by RBL.
In 2024, Mehta left his position as an executive and joined the Reliance Group as a coach. As a non-executive director on RBL’s board, he remained active in mentoring up-and-coming executives and spotting fresh business prospects.
Mehta was President of Arvind Brands Ltd. from 2001 to 2007 before joining Reliance. By creating some of the first structured brand portfolios in the fashion sector, he contributed to the development of the Indian garment retail narrative when he was there.
