Billionaire Profile
Nusli Wadia
Global Rank
#638

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Nusli Wadia

CEO, Wadia Group
IN
Real-Time Net Worth
$6B
As of December 2025
Age
81
Source
Consumer goods
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
IN

Biography

Nusli Wadia, an 81-year-old Indian businessman, is the chairman of the Wadia Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests in consumer goods, textiles, and real estate. With a net worth of $6.0 billion, his wealth stems primarily from his leadership within the Wadia Group and additional investments. He is known for his strategic business acumen and has been a prominent figure in the Indian corporate landscape for decades. Wadia's career highlights include transforming Bombay Dyeing and leading Britannia Industries.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Nusli Neville Wadia was born on February 15, 1944, in Bombay, India. He belongs to the prominent Parsi Wadia family. His father, Neville Wadia, was a businessman, and his mother, Dina Wadia, was the daughter of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. He received his early education at Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai before attending Rugby School in England, and later earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida.

Rise to Success

Wadia's career began in 1962 when he joined Bombay Dyeing as a trainee. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a managing joint director in 1970. In 1977, he succeeded his father as the chairman of the company. Under his leadership, Bombay Dyeing grew into a successful conglomerate. He also played a crucial role in the expansion of Britannia Industries.

Key Business Strategies

Nusli Wadia is known for his strategic business decisions. One of his notable achievements was preventing the sale of Bombay Dyeing. He also led the Wadia Group into diversification, including ventures in aviation, real estate, and chemicals. Wadia's strategic approach has ensured the group's continued success and resilience.

Philanthropy

While specific amounts are not readily available, the Wadia Group has historically supported charitable initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development.

Career Milestones

1962

Joined Bombay Dyeing

Began career as a trainee at Bombay Dyeing.

1970

Managing Joint Director

Appointed as Managing Joint Director of Bombay Dyeing.

1977

Chairman of Bombay Dyeing

Succeeded his father as Chairman of Bombay Dyeing.

1982

Chairman of Bombay Burmah Trading Corp

Became Chairman of Bombay Burmah Trading Corp.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Responsibility

Various Charitable Initiatives

Undisclosed

Supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development.

Controversies & Challenges

2016

Defamation Case against Tata Group

Filed a defamation case against Ratan Tata and Tata Group, later withdrawn in January 2020.