Jethanand Utumal Valiram, the family patriarch of the Malaysian-based Valiram enterprise, passed away on Tues (July 18). He was 78.
“He died peacefully on Tuesday, July 18 at 6.30pm in New York City, surrounded by loved ones,” the group announced in a press statement.
Jethanand started at the company at the age of 16 with the sudden death of his father.
Valiram was established in 1953 in Kuala Lumpur, originally specialising in the textile trade. Today, it is is present in the Southeast Asia in the space of luxury goods retail. Among others, it operates in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia.
“The company’s modest beginnings were in the textile trade in the 1980s, it was Mr Jethanand’s leadership that led the group’s business transformation towards yarn manufacturing and fabric and garment re-export.
“In 1996, together with his sons, he steerd the company towards the next phase of Valiram’s evolution – lifestyle retail – opening th world’s first-ever textile boutique at an airport,” the company said in the same statement.
The group represents over 200 brands across various categories from fashion to cosmetics and dining concepts. Among the brands in its portfolio are Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret.
Jathanand was also a community leader within the Sindhi community, including as vice president of the Sindhi Association of Malaysia. He is also a notable philanthropist, the statement added.
Jethanand is survived by his wife Champa Kirpalani Valiranm, sons Sharan, Ashwin and Mukesh, daughters-in-law Lavina, Monica abnd Roshan, and granchildren Neerav, Divesh, Harein, Jiya and Aarav.
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