In a landmark move that reshapes India’s corporate landscape, Roshni Nadar Malhotra has ascended as the third richest person in the country following a significant transfer of stakes from her father, HCL founder Shiv Nadar. With this strategic succession, Roshni, already an influential figure in the IT sector, is set to play an even more critical role in shaping the future of HCL Technologies and its affiliated entities.
Shiv Nadar, known for his visionary leadership in the Indian IT sector, gifted 47 per cent of his stake in HCL Corp and Vama Delhi—the group’s primary promoter entities—to his daughter through a well-planned transition strategy. This move strengthens the family’s control over the multinational IT services giant while ensuring stability and continuity in leadership.
The Rise of a Corporate Titan
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, aged 44, is no stranger to corporate leadership. She has been serving as the chairperson of HCL Technologies since 2020, a position she took over after her father stepped down. Before assuming this role, she had been the managing director of HCL Corporation, overseeing key strategic decisions. Her elevation in wealth rankings places her just behind business moguls Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, further solidifying her status among India’s top business leaders.
Net Worth & Market Influence
According to Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List 2025, Roshni’s father, Shiv Nadar, holds a net worth of USD 34.4 billion, making him the 52nd richest person globally. The flagship entity, HCL Technologies, boasts a market capitalization of Rs 4.22 lakh crore, with promoters collectively holding a 60.81 per cent stake.
As per Bloomberg’s Billionaires – India list, Mukesh Ambani leads the rankings with a net worth of USD 88.1 billion, followed by Gautam Adani at USD 68.9 billion. Prior to the transfer, Shiv Nadar occupied the third position with a net worth of USD 35.9 billion. With this latest transition, Roshni Nadar Malhotra now ranks as India’s third richest individual, following Mukesh Ambani, and Gautam Adani. Her influence over HCL Infosystems and HCL Technologies is expected to further enhance her wealth and decision-making power in the global IT sector.
The succession plan has now placed Roshni in this elite category. Her influence over HCL Infosystems and HCL Technologies is expected to further enhance her wealth and decision-making power in the global IT sector.
The Succession Blueprint
The recent stock transfer includes:
- A 12.94 per cent voting equity stake in HCL Infosystems through Vama Delhi.
- A 49.94 per cent stake in HCL Corporation, which controls HCL Technologies.
- A 44.71 per cent stake in HCL Tech via Vama Sundari Investments.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted her an exemption from making an open offer, allowing for a seamless transition in ownership without regulatory roadblocks. This exemption facilitates a smooth handover of power while maintaining market confidence in HCL’s leadership structure.
A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy
Roshni Nadar Malhotra’s ascent is not merely about wealth accumulation; she is deeply involved in philanthropic ventures. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, she has championed education initiatives, helping establish some of India’s leading schools and colleges. Additionally, her passion for environmental conservation is reflected in her leadership of The Habitats Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting endangered species and ecosystems.
The Future of HCL Under Roshni’s Leadership
As the world watches this historic leadership transition unfold, industry analysts predict that Roshni’s tenure will focus on technological innovation, global expansion, and sustainable growth. Her educational background—a degree in Communications from Northwestern University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management—equips her with a strategic mindset to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
With her growing influence in the corporate and philanthropic worlds, Roshni Nadar Malhotra is poised to leave a lasting legacy in India’s business landscape. As she steps into her expanded role, her leadership decisions will shape not only HCL’s trajectory but also the broader IT industry in India and beyond.
