Luxury Retail Pioneer Jethanand Valiram Passes
Malaysian luxury retail specialist, Valiram announced the passing of its chairman, Datuk Jethanand Valiram today. He died in New York on Tuesday, July 18, 6:30 p.m. (Wednesday, July 19, 6:30 a.m. Malaysian time), surrounded by loved ones. He was 78.
Datuk Jethanand Utumal Valiram
A pioneer in the luxury retail business, Jethanand himself did not expect his business to grow into a multibillion dollar entity after he took over the reins in the 1980s.
The sudden death of his father threw 16-year-old Jethanand headfirst into the task of leading the family’s textile business.
But despite his tender age, Mr Jethanand steered the business with commitment and a progressive approach that proved successful.
In the mid 1990s, a fortuitous encounter with an official from the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd would be the catalyst to the Valiram family’s foray into the luxury goods market — they were invited to open a fabric shop at Subang Airport, a first in airport retail.
Following the shop’s success, they opened up more retail space, now carrying globally recognised brands like Dunhill. Business expanded when their operations moved to a newly opened KLIA, solidifying Valiram’s fate as a formidable luxury empire.
Up until his time of passing, Jethanand has been at the decision-making forefront, alongside his three sons, Sharan, Ashvin and Mukesh, who are executive directors in the company.
Together, they have overseen a portfolio of about 50 brands, over 340 stores and a presence in 9 countries. Some of the brands under the Valiram luxury conglomerate include Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors and Tumi, as well as original and innovative retail concepts including Swiss Watch Gallery and The Flying Emporium. A Star report quotes Sharan confirming that Valiram’s sales hit RM2 billion in 2015.
Jethanand’s personal causes include philanthropic work with the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Lions Club and the Rotary Club. A recognised leader within the Sindhi community, he also served on the management committees of the KL and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce, and the Sindhi Association of Malaysia.
He is survived by wife Datin Champa Kirpalani Valiram, sons Sharan, Ashvin and Mukesh, three daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. In a press statement, eldest son and Valiram executive director Sharan said: “He lived a glorious life and went with much dignity. He is a legend and his life was a grand celebration.”
The funeral will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2017. Well wishers can pay their final respect between 11am and 3pm at the Grand Ballroom, Xiao En Centre, 1 Jalan Kuari, Cheras.
