About Us

Honorary Consul General of India, England
Chairman, Malhotra Group PLC

Born in 1960, educated at Sacred Heart Convent School and Arya College in Ludhiana, India, Meenu Malhotra arrived in England at the age of 19. He started his career as a paper shop boy earning £30 for a 90-hour working week and soon embarked on a fledgling drapery outlet laying the foundations of a remarkable entrepreneurial journey.

From humble beginnings and a series of diverse ventures emerged what is now Malhotra Group PLC -one of the North East’s most respected corporate houses. With a national portfolio spanning commercial property, construction, leisure, finance, and care, the Group employs more than 1,500 people, playing a major role in the region’s economic growth.

His entrepreneurial vision extends across continents. Through Malhotra Realty Private Limited (MRPL) in India, he spearheads a portfolio of landmark developments that are redefining the modern landscape of his hometown, Ludhiana. Notable projects include:

• M Square, a contemporary mixed-use commercial development
• Imperial Golf Estate with 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, luxury villas, residential apartments, a five-star hotel, international school and a state-of-the-art wellness centre.
• Wilton One Stop Shop with Marriot Hotel and 600 luxury apartment, cineplex and international school and shopping mall.

These projects are among the most ambitious urban developments in Punjab today with a GDV of 1Bn USD thus reflecting not only his business acumen, but also a profound and enduring commitment to India’s growth, modernisation, and global outlook.

Meenu’s contributions extend far beyond business. Malhotra Group PLC and Malhotra Family Foundation has supported and contributed to the National Health Service supporting research, hospitals and patient care.  In cultural diplomacy, he has invested heavily in the restoration of historic and listed buildings, preserving important iconic landmarks as architecture is very close to his heart and returning them to community use.

He has always supported the Indian diaspora by mutual cooperation with civic authorities, NHS and the private sector ensuring better access, awareness and support for local communities.

Over the years, his achievements have earned significant national recognition. He was named Asian Businessman of the Year in 2009 and later recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013. In 2020, he was ranked No. 1 among the North East’s Most Influential South Asians and listed in the Northern Asian Power List.

He was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant to Northumberland in 2021 to assist Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland. A distinguished royal honour reflecting his long-standing contribution to the region.

In August 2024, he was appointed Honorary Consul General of India in England, the first appointment in the 78-year history of independent India in a tier 1 country. He has played a central role in strengthening ties between the two nations, building new partnerships between universities and leading institutions in India whilst encouraging joint research, academic exchange and collaboration. Internationally, he advises on Inward and Outward FDI between India and England.

He was made the first-ever Patron for the Asian Business Connexion (ABC) for his outstanding leadership and philanthropy in 2025.

Most recently, appointed a Member of Court at Newcastle University, he now supports the University’s civic and international engagements.

From a young migrant to a business leader, philanthropist and diplomat, he embodies resilience, generosity, and service to both nations he represents.

It is therefore with great honour that the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences Deemed to be University unanimously resolves to confer the Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) upon you on this 30^th November 2025, at its Fifth Annual Convocation.