
A Few Words about Micky Jagtiani
Mukesh Wadhumal “Micky” Jagtiani, popularly known as Micky Jagtiani, was a prominent Indian-born businessman based in the UAE. He was the founder and chairman of the Landmark Group, a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Dubai. With humble beginnings, he transformed a single store into a diversified conglomerate, becoming a key player in the retail and hospitality sectors across the Middle East and India. He passed away in Dubai at the age of 70 following a long illness.
Mr. Jagtiani’s wife, Mrs. Renuka, serves as the CEO and chairperson of the Landmark Group. Aarti, Nisha, and Rahul, three of his children, are directors in the business and oversee different facets of the company. The Landmark Group’s fourteen brands include Spar, Home Centre, Shoe Mart, and many others.
Early Life and Background
Education and Skill Development
Micky Jagtiani was born in Kuwait and attended school in Chennai and Mumbai, India. After completing his studies in India, he enrolled in an accounting program in London, United Kingdom. He quit college and started working as a taxi driver without considering his degree. He also worked as a hotel cleaner in London.
Throughout his illustrious career, Micky Jagtiani has demonstrated a strong inclination toward learning new skills. As an entrepreneur and business leader, he understood the importance of staying relevant in a dynamic business environment. Whether it’s adapting to technological advancements, honing leadership abilities, or acquiring insights from diverse industries, his dedication to continuous learning was pivotal in his success.
Identifying Passion and Goals
The retail industry and business always interested him. His journey from operating a single store to building the Landmark Group into a prominent conglomerate suggests a strong commitment to the retail sector and a drive to succeed in the business world.
He aimed to continuously expand the Landmark Group’s presence and influence in the retail and hospitality sectors. As a visionary leader, he had aspirations to diversify the group’s portfolio, explore new markets, and adapt to emerging trends in the industry. He intended to foster a customer-centric approach and maintain the group’s reputation for quality and value.
The Pillars of Success
Overcoming Challenges
While his achievements are notable, challenges are inherent in any entrepreneurial journey. After enduring a personal tragedy in which both his parents and brother died, Mr. Jagtiani relocated to Bahrain in 1973 and took over his brother’s store. With US $6,000 inheritance money, he started working. He converted the toy business into a store selling baby supplies, which he successfully ran for ten years and expanded into six more locations.
He had to move to Dubai as a result of the Gulf War, which struck as he was setting up the stores. He founded the Landmark group there, which later expanded into the furniture, electronics, fashion, and low-cost hotel industries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Seizing Opportunities
Born in 1951 in Kuwait to Indian parents, Micky Jagtiani started his career with humble beginnings, working odd jobs to support his family. In the early 1970s, he moved to London to explore business opportunities. After some initial struggles, he eventually ventured into the retail industry, operating a small store selling baby products.
In 1973, he moved to Bahrain and founded the Landmark Group, which started as a single store called “Babyshop.” Over the years, the group diversified and expanded its presence across various retail sectors, including fashion, home, electronics, and more. The Landmark Group has become one of the biggest and most flourishing retail and hospitality conglomerates in the Middle East and India.
Hard Work and Dedication
He exhibited an unparalleled work ethic throughout his career, going above and beyond to achieve his goals and build the Landmark Group into a thriving conglomerate. His hard work and dedication have been fundamental pillars of his extraordinary success as an entrepreneur and business leader.
From operating a single store in the early days, he tirelessly worked to expand the business and diversify into various retail sectors. He consistently led by example, motivating his team and fostering a culture of hard work, excellence, and innovation within the organization.
Innovation and Adaptability
By embracing a growth mindset, he was open to gaining knowledge from various sources, such as industry experts, peers, and emerging trends. This learning-oriented approach allowed him to make informed decisions, drive innovation within the Landmark Group, and maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving retail sector.
His innovative ideas were key to the company’s growth and success, from starting with a single baby product store to expanding the Landmark Group into a diversified conglomerate.
Mr. Jagtiani’s adaptability to changing market dynamics has been critical in navigating various economic cycles and industry shifts. He showed a willingness to embrace new technologies, digitalization, and modern retail practices to stay relevant in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Achieving Success and Recognition
Under Micky Jagtiani’s leadership, the Landmark Group grew exponentially, operating numerous retail outlets across multiple countries. The company’s success is attributed to its focus on customer-centric strategies, adaptability to market trends, and a diverse portfolio of popular brands.
He received the Retail Personality of the Year title at the third annual Retail Middle East 2007 Awards. In 2008, the entrepreneur acquired a 6% share in the UK high-street store Debenhams. As a result, he was included in the Forbes list of billionaires. With a net worth of $2 billion, he quickly rose to the position of 16th richest Indian and was ranked 52nd on Forbes’ list of the 50 wealthiest people in India in 2020.
His achievements in the retail industry have earned him recognition and accolades as a prominent business figure in the UAE and the wider region.

Empowering Others and Personal Growth
Giving Back and Impact on Others
Mr. Jagtiani was involved in various charitable activities and philanthropic endeavors. He was known for his commitment to giving back to society and supporting causes that benefit underprivileged and marginalized communities. His philanthropic efforts have contributed to making a positive impact on the lives of many people across different regions.
He started LIFE (Landmark International Foundation of Empowerment) to aid underprivileged children in India. He helped to create community clinics, medical camps for slum dwellers, schools, healthcare development programs, shelters for poor children, non-formal and vocational schools, and an old age home.
Landmark and two of his foundations contributed more than $4 million to the Covid-19 relief effort. Additionally, he launched the Beat Diabetes Initiative, a global awareness campaign with 60,000 participants in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, KSA, and India, among other nations.
Reflection and Life Lessons
His tragic life experience led him to Buddhism, a religion or system of beliefs, which enabled him to make the most of hardship and use it to his advantage whenever feasible.
He believed perseverance and determination are essential to overcome challenges and achieve long-term success. According to him, failure is an inevitable part of any journey, and using it as an opportunity to reflect, learn, and improve leads to resilience and eventual success.
As per him, giving back to society through philanthropy or community initiatives fosters a sense of purpose, positively impacting others and creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
A Legacy to Remember
Micky Jagtiani’s passion for the retail industry and commitment to philanthropy were driving his endeavors. With a legacy built on resilience, adaptability, and a customer-centric approach, he navigated through challenges, always seeking new opportunities for growth and expansion. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the business world.
His success story is a testament to the transformative power of hard work and dedication in turning dreams into reality. His relentless pursuit of excellence inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating how passion and commitment can lead to remarkable achievements in the business world.