Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCL Technologies, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to rank among the top 10 wealthiest women in the world according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2025. With an estimated net worth of Rs 3.5 lakh crore (US$40 billion), she has secured the fifth position on this prestigious list. Her rise in the rankings is attributed to a significant 47% stake transfer from her father, Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, which has solidified her position as a leading figure in the global business landscape.
This strategic move has placed Roshni Nadar Malhotra in control of Vama Sundari Investments (Vama Delhi) and HCL Corporation, the promoter entities of HCL Technologies. As a result of this transfer, she now oversees all strategic decisions for the $12 billion technology giant, HCL Technologies, which boasts a market valuation of approximately $48 billion.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, who took over as chairperson of HCL Technologies in July 2020, has become one of India’s most powerful billionaires. The transfer of shares not only elevated her wealth but also gave her control over voting rights for Vama Delhi’s 44.17% stake and HCL Corp’s 0.17% stake in HCL Technologies, along with voting rights over Vama Delhi’s 12.94% stake and HCL Corp’s 49.94% stake in HCL Infosystems. Before this transfer, her father held a 51% stake in both entities, while Roshni owned 10.33%.
Born in 1982, Roshni Nadar Malhotra graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Communications and later earned her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. She has consistently been recognized for her leadership and philanthropic efforts. In 2023, she received the Schaffner Award for her contributions to charitable endeavors, and in 2024, she was awarded France’s highest civilian honor, the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Roshni is deeply involved in philanthropy through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which manages over $1.2 billion in leadership and education programs. Under her guidance, the foundation has established several top-tier educational institutions in India, including VidyaGyan, a leadership academy aimed at nurturing talented students from low-income backgrounds. She is also actively engaged in wildlife conservation through The Habitats Trust.
The Hurun Global Rich List 2025 highlights the growing economic influence of women, featuring 561 female billionaires, with 224 of them being self-made. This year’s list underscores the significant presence of women in top economic positions worldwide. Other notable women in the top 10 include Alice Walton, the heiress of Walmart, who tops the list with a net worth of US$102 billion, and Francoise Bettencourt Meyers of L’Oréal, who ranks second with US$67 billion despite a 26% drop in her fortune due to challenges in the cosmetics market.
Julia Koch and family hold the third position with a net worth of US$60 billion, while Jacqueline Mars ranks fourth with US$53 billion, thanks to the booming pet food market. Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments, rounds out the top five with a net worth of US$32 billion, reflecting a 14% increase in her wealth.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra’s ascent to the top of the Hurun Global Rich List is not just a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for women in business, particularly in India. Her leadership at HCL Technologies, a company that generates an estimated $12 billion in annual revenue, indicates a smooth transition of power and a commitment to sustainable business practices.
As Roshni Nadar Malhotra continues to navigate the complexities of the tech industry, her philanthropic efforts and leadership in education and conservation will likely inspire future generations of women leaders. Her story reflects the changing dynamics of wealth and influence in the modern world, where women are increasingly taking on prominent roles in industries traditionally dominated by men.
In the context of the Hurun Global Rich List 2025, India remains a significant player, with Mukesh Ambani reclaiming his title as Asia's richest person, though he ranks 18th globally. Gautam Adani, who saw a substantial increase in his wealth, is now the second-richest person in India, ranking 27th worldwide. The list features a total of 3,442 billionaires from 71 countries, marking a 5% increase in the number of billionaires compared to the previous year, with a collective wealth growth of 13%.
As the world watches Roshni Nadar Malhotra’s journey, her success serves as a reminder of the potential for women to lead and innovate in the business world, paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
