“We are living in times of exponential changes. The world is changing, the world is innovating, and if we are to survive in this fast-changing world, we too must innovate. So, for everyone present here today: Be ready to embrace the change.”
A graduate from Yale University with a double major in Psychology and South Asian studies, she completed her MBA from Stanford University in 2018. Before joining Reliance Industries, Isha previously worked as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company in 2014.
Executive Director of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, Isha Ambani has played a crucial role in the advancement of Reliance Retail, which now has over 18,500 stores in India.
Under Isha’s guidance, Reliance Industries is currently operating in sectors like fashion, groceries, electronics and healthcare. A few well-known brands by Reliance are AJIO, Tira, Dunzo, Netmeds, Reliance Digital, and Reliance Trends. She was also the one behind conceptualising and launching Jio in India back in 2016. She was also actively involved in the launch and operations of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai.
Also a part of the advisory Board of the Yale Schwarzman Center, she is on the Board of Trustees of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Jio MAMI, and the Dia Art Foundation.
Expanding Tira
Headquartered in Mumbai, India, Reliance Retail launched its e-commerce cosmetics venture Tira Beauty around April 5th, 2023.
Founded by Isha Ambani, the venture aims to be at the top of the shopping experience. In a previous press conference, Isha expressed her enthusiasm and said,
“We are excited to bring the Tira experience to our Indian customers. With Tira, we aim to break down barriers in the beauty space and democratize beauty for consumers across segments. Our vision for Tira is to be the leading beauty destination for accessible yet aspirational beauty, one that is inclusive and one that harbours the mission of becoming the most loved beauty retailer in India.”
Tira made its debut with a 4,300-square-foot store in Mumbai’s BKC area, located in the Jio World Drive Mall. With several stores across Maharashtra and Delhi, Tira has expanded its online reach to over 100 cities.
Unlike the other beauty and shopping stores in the market, Tira has distinguished itself by introducing some unique features that are exclusive to customers buying from Tira Stores. The prices of the products are on par with those of their competitors. In fact, there are heavy discounts, if nothing more, to get more customers to try their products.
One of Tira’s standout features would be the electronic vending machine that dispenses free product samples with a simple OTP. The system has particularly gained traction among customers, as not many competitors offer these benefits.
Major Wins
Till now, Isha has been featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia (2015), Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen (2020), Twelve Most Powerful Upcoming Businesswomen of Asia by Fortune India, and The Economic Times’ Most Powerful Women in Business. Some other recognitions include The Times Power List, GenNext Entrepreneur Award – Forbes India Leadership Awards (2023), Maharashtrian of the Year (2024), TIME100 Next List, Hurun India Under-35 (Rank 31), and Icon of the Year – Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards (2024).
Moving forward, Isha is looking forward to bringing the best of fashion to Indian consumers. Moreover, Isha is confident that they will be doubling their retail business in the next 2 years.
Some advice she has for future entrepreneurs is,
“Be prepared to take up Science & Technology as a career option because Science & Technology hold the key to the future. The majority of future jobs are going to be in those realms. So, break the shackles of tradition, challenge yourself, and be the changemaker.”
