Who is Roshni Nadar, the only Indian among the world’s top 10 wealthiest women?

Roshni Nadar, the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, has made history as the first Indian woman to break into the top 10 list of the world’s richest women. With a staggering net worth of Rs 3.5 lakh crore (US$ 40 billion), she now ranks fifth among the wealthiest women in the world, according to the latest Hurun Global Rich List 2025.

Her rise to billionaire status was cemented when her father, Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, transferred a 47 per cent stake in the company to her. This move not only secured her place among India’s most powerful business leaders but also made her the third-richest person in the country in 2025.

But who exactly is Roshni Nadar? Here’s a closer look at her journey and achievements.

*   Born in 1982, Roshni Nadar Malhotra is currently the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, a global tech giant with a market valuation of $48 billion. In addition to leading the company, she also heads its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Board Committee of the corporation.
  
*   Nadar pursued a degree in Communications from Northwestern University, US, before earning an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management in Illinois. She stepped into her father Shiv Nadar’s shoes in July 2020, taking over the leadership of the company he founded.
    
    
        

            
            
            
            
        
    
  
*   According to a _Mint_ report, the 43-year-old is married to Shikhar Malhotra, who serves as the Vice Chairman of HCL Healthcare. The couple shares two children.

*   Beyond her corporate leadership, Nadar is deeply invested in philanthropy. She plays a key role in the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which runs various leadership and education initiatives across the country. Under her guidance, the foundation has established some of India’s top schools and colleges. She is also dedicated to wildlife conservation through The Habitats Trust.

*   Her contributions to social causes have earned her global recognition. In 2023, she was honoured with the Schaffner Award for her philanthropic efforts. Nadar is also a board member of The Nature Conservancy and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council at the MIT School of Engineering.
  
*   Since 2017, Forbes has consistently ranked her among the top 100 most powerful women in the world. In 2024, she was further recognised with France’s highest civilian honour, Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur.
  
*   She also holds key global positions, including serving as a board member of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), further strengthening ties between the two nations.

Other women on the Hurun Global rich list

This year, the Hurun Global Rich List features 561 women, with 224 of them being self-made, highlighting the increasing presence of women in top economic positions worldwide. Among the wealthiest, several names stand out.

Alice Walton (USA) – US$102 billion

Alice Walton, the richest woman in the world, is the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton. Thanks to a significant 46 per cent surge in Walmart’s share price, her fortune has skyrocketed, securing her position at the top.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers (France) – $67 billion

As the heiress to L’Oréal, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers remains one of the wealthiest women globally. However, her net worth dropped by 26 per cent due to challenges in the global cosmetics market.

Julia Koch & Family (USA) – $60 billion

After the passing of her husband, David Koch, Julia Koch inherited a significant fortune. The family’s investments in Koch Industries continue to generate substantial profits, keeping her among the world’s top billionaires.

Jacqueline Mars (USA) – $53 billion

Jacqueline Mars, the heiress to Mars Inc, saw her fortune grow by 33 per cent, largely due to the booming global pet food market, which has significantly boosted the company’s revenues.

Abigail Johnson (USA) – $32 billion

As the CEO of Fidelity Investments, Abigail Johnson has played a key role in expanding the company’s influence. With nearly $400 billion in assets under management, her wealth saw a 14 per cent increase, securing her place among the richest women.

Marilyn Simons & Family (USA) – $31 billion

Marilyn Simons, the widow of Renaissance Technologies founder James Simons, continues to manage and grow the family’s wealth through strategic investments and philanthropy, keeping their fortune strong.

Linda Stephens & Family (USA) – $30 billion

Making her debut in the top 10, Linda Stephens inherited her wealth from her late husband, Autry Stephens, the founder of Endeavor Energy Resources, a major player in the oil and gas industry.

with input from agencies