In the upper echelons of global wealth, few names shine as brightly as Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, the Indian steel magnate who commands a place among the world’s wealthiest individuals. Within the Mittal family, besides the illustrious father, there is another luminary – Vanisha Mittal. In this exclusive feature, we delve into the life and accomplishments of Vanisha Mittal, who holds a pivotal role as the non-independent director of the industrial juggernaut, ArcelorMittal.
Vanisha’s journey into the world of corporate governance commenced in June 2004 when she was handpicked to join the board of directors at LNM Holdings. Her professional prowess shone in the procurement department, where she spearheaded various pioneering initiatives. Her dedication and acumen led to her appointment as a director on Mittal Steel’s Board of Directors in December 2004, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the global steel industry.
Born in the year 1980, Vanisha Mittal earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree from the prestigious European Business School. Her career trajectory took an exciting turn in April 2011 when she assumed a pivotal role within Aperam, a notable global player in the steel industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Vanisha Mittal made headlines for her opulent wedding ceremony in 2004, an event that captured the world’s attention. The grand celebration, which took place at The Palace of Versailles in France, was a spectacle of extravagance. Her father, Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, spared no expense, lavishing an astounding $55 million, equivalent to over Rs 550 crore in today’s valuation, on the wedding. This extravagant celebration ranks among the most expensive weddings in history.
The six-day festivity featured a star-studded guest list, including an enchanting 30-minute performance by the renowned artist Kylie Minogue, who reportedly received a fee of $330,000. Bollywood luminaries, including Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Rani Mukherjee, Saif Ali Khan, and Aishwarya Rai, also graced the occasion with their remarkable performances. The wedding’s choreography was orchestrated by the talented Farah Khan, while a play written by Javed Akhtar took center stage, performed by the Mittal family.
As for the family patriarch, Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, his financial standing is nothing short of remarkable. The executive chairman of ArcelorMittal boasts a staggering net worth exceeding Rs 1.38 lakh crore. In 2020, ArcelorMittal reported a substantial revenue of $53 billion, with Mittal retaining an approximate 38% stake in the global enterprise. In the world of steel and business, the Mittal family remains a prominent and influential force to be reckoned with.