Shapoor Mistry & family

Shapoor Mistry Biography

Shapoor Pallonji Mistry is an Indian-born Irish businessman and one of the most influential figures in the construction and real estate industries. He is the chairman of Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SP Group), a diversified global conglomerate with businesses spanning construction, real estate, engineering, infrastructure, and more. Shapoor is known for his low-profile approach despite heading one of India’s largest and oldest business empires.

---

Early Life and Education

• Birth: January 1, 1964, in Mumbai, India.
• Family Background:
  • Born into the Pallonji family, which has been associated with business for over 150 years.
  • His father, Pallonji Mistry, was a billionaire businessman often referred to as the “Phantom of Bombay House” due to his significant influence on Tata Sons.
  • The family has Zoroastrian roots and is part of the Parsi community.
• Education: Shapoor studied at the prestigious Imperial College London, focusing on engineering and business management.

---

Career

Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SP Group)

• Leadership Role: Shapoor took over the reins of SP Group in 2004, succeeding his father. Under his leadership, the group expanded its global footprint and diversified into newer sectors like solar power and water treatment.
• Key Achievements:
  1. Iconic Projects:
     • SP Group is credited with constructing landmarks like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) building, The Taj Mahal Hotel, and the Palace of Sultan of Oman.
     • The company is known for high-quality engineering and construction projects in India, the Middle East, and Africa.
  2. Infrastructure Expansion:
     • Shapoor spearheaded large-scale infrastructure projects such as power plants, stadiums, and metro systems globally.
  3. Real Estate:
     • The group expanded into luxury and affordable housing in India.

Stake in Tata Sons

• The Mistry family holds an 18.37% stake in Tata Sons, making them the largest individual shareholders in the Tata Group.
• Shapoor’s younger brother, Cyrus Mistry, served as the chairman of Tata Sons from 2012 to 2016 before his controversial ousting, which drew significant media attention.

---

Personal Life

• Citizenship: Despite being born in India, Shapoor holds Irish citizenship, acquired through family ties. His family owns a large estate in Ireland.
• Family:
  • Married to Behroze Sethna and has two children.
  • Known for maintaining a low public profile, much like his father.

---

Wealth and Recognition

• The Mistry family is among the wealthiest in India, often listed in Forbes’ billionaire rankings.
• Shapoor Mistry is particularly recognized for his business acumen and ability to grow the family business without seeking the limelight.

---

Philanthropy

• The SP Group and the Mistry family have contributed significantly to charitable causes, focusing on education, healthcare, and community development.

---

Challenges and Legacy

• Tata Dispute: The family’s legal battles with the Tata Group following Cyrus Mistry’s removal as chairman attracted widespread attention, although Shapoor himself avoided direct involvement in public.
• SP Group Debt Issues: In recent years, the SP Group faced financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn, prompting discussions about selling their stake in Tata Sons.

---

Shapoor Mistry continues to be a respected leader in the Indian and global business landscapes, with his work ensuring the legacy of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group remains strong.

Would you like more details on the SP Group’s projects, the Tata Group connection, or the family’s philanthropic work?