Retail specialist Jethanand dies

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s retail specialist Valiram Group chairman Datuk Jethanand Utumul Valiram passed away yesterday in New York City.

Jethanand, 78, is survived by his wife Datin Champa Kirpalani Valiram and sons Sharan, Ashvin and Mukesh.

Jethanand was the patriarch of the family, whose entrepreneurial zeal and foresight has seen through the evolution of the Valiram enterprise.

After the sudden death of his father, Jethanand who was then 16, took over the family’s textile business and has since then dedicated his life to building it.

According to his eldest son Sharan, Jethanand lived a glorious life and went with much dignity. “He is a legend and his life is a grand celebration.”

Valiram Group started with humble beginnings in the textile trade and in the 1980s, it was Jethanand’s leadership that led the group’s business transformation towards yarn manufacturing and fabric and garment re-export.

In 1996, he and his sons steered the company towards the next phase as they ventured into lifestyle retail – opening the world’s first ever textile boutique at an airport.

This venture proved successful in garnering the commitment of various global brands as the group opened several new concessions at KL International Airport.

With never-ending drive, determination, commitment and progressive vision, Valiram Group is today a conglomerate of luxury and lifestyle brands with a network spanning nine countries and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur.