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Meet Hamish MacDonald: The Ambani Sons' Unlikely Advisor

Houston Powell

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Hamish MacDonald is an unlikely advisor to the Ambani sons, Mukesh and Anil. A former McKinsey consultant, MacDonald has helped them navigate complex business decisions and personal challenges, and is considered a trusted confidant to the family.

MacDonald first met the Ambani brothers in 2004, when he was hired by Reliance Industries to help them develop a strategy for their telecom business. At the time, Reliance was a major player in the Indian oil and gas industry, but it was looking to expand into new businesses.

Ambani & Sons

by Hamish McDonald

4.3 out of 5

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MacDonald quickly impressed the Ambani brothers with his sharp mind and strategic thinking. He helped them develop a plan to launch a nationwide telecom network, which would eventually become one of the largest in the world.

In addition to his work on Reliance's telecom business, MacDonald has also advised the Ambani brothers on a range of other issues, including their personal finances and their charitable giving. He is also said to have played a key role in helping to resolve the bitter dispute between Mukesh and Anil Ambani in 2005.

MacDonald's relationship with the Ambani brothers is based on trust and mutual respect. He is not a yes-man, and he is not afraid to challenge them when he believes they are making a mistake. However, he is also genuinely invested in their success, and he is always willing to go the extra mile to help them achieve their goals.

In an interview with the Financial Times, MacDonald said that he believes his success as an advisor to the Ambani brothers is due to his ability to "think like an outsider." He said that he is not afraid to ask difficult questions, and he is always willing to challenge the status quo.

"I think that's what they value most about me," MacDonald said. "I'm not afraid to tell them what they need to hear, even if it's not what they want to hear."

MacDonald's unlikely relationship with the Ambani brothers is a testament to his intelligence, his strategic thinking, and his ability to build trust. He is a valuable asset to the Ambani family, and he is likely to continue to play a key role in their success for years to come.

Here are some of the key qualities that make Hamish MacDonald a successful advisor to the Ambani sons:

* Intelligence and strategic thinking: MacDonald has a sharp mind and a deep understanding of business. He is able to quickly grasp complex issues and develop sound strategies. * Independence and objectivity: MacDonald is not a yes-man. He is willing to challenge the Ambani brothers when he believes they are making a mistake. This independence and objectivity is essential for an effective advisor. * Trust and mutual respect: MacDonald has built a strong relationship with the Ambani brothers based on trust and mutual respect. This trust is essential for an advisor to be effective. * Ability to think like an outsider: MacDonald is able to think like an outsider, which gives him a fresh perspective on the Ambani brothers' businesses and personal challenges. This ability is invaluable for an advisor.

Ambani & Sons

by Hamish McDonald

4.3 out of 5