Akshata Murty, the wife of Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister, is a well-known businesswoman, philanthropist, and heiress. Born in April 1980, she is the daughter of Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, one of India’s largest IT companies. Her marriage to Sunak, who became the UK’s first British-Asian Prime Minister in 2022, has brought significant attention to her background, wealth, and professional ventures.
Early Life and Education
Akshata Murty was born into a prominent Indian family in the tech industry. Her father, Narayana Murthy, played a pivotal role in the Indian software revolution, and her mother, Sudha Murthy, is an accomplished author and philanthropist. Akshata was raised in Bangalore, India, and pursued her education at prestigious institutions like Claremont McKenna College in California, where she earned a degree in Economics and French. She later attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, before completing her MBA at Stanford University in 2004. It was at Stanford where she met Rishi Sunak, marking the beginning of their relationship.
Professional Ventures
Murty is a formidable businesswoman in her own right. Following her studies in fashion, she worked for Deloitte and Unilever before launching her own fashion label, Akshata Designs. Though her label did not succeed as expected, she shifted her focus to investment and entrepreneurship. She holds a stake in Infosys, her family’s company, which accounts for much of her wealth. According to financial reports, her Infosys shares have been a lucrative asset, earning her approximately £13 million in dividends in recent years.
Murty also co-founded Catamaran Ventures UK, an investment firm, alongside her husband, Rishi Sunak. Additionally, she is a director of Digme Fitness, a boutique fitness brand, and sits on the board of various other businesses, reflecting her broad influence in the corporate world.
Wealth and Financial Controversy
Akshata Murty’s net worth is estimated to be around £651 million as of 2024. Her wealth has garnered significant media attention, particularly after Rishi Sunak became the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2020 and later Prime Minister in 2022. Their combined fortune has made them one of the wealthiest couples to ever reside in 10 Downing Street.
In April 2022, Murty’s non-domiciled status came under scrutiny, leading to public criticism. As an Indian citizen residing in the UK, Murty had been benefiting from this status, which allowed her to avoid paying UK taxes on her worldwide income. Following the backlash, she voluntarily renounced her non-dom status and agreed to pay UK taxes on all her global earnings. This decision came after much media pressure, and it was seen as a move to safeguard her husband’s political career.
Personal Life
Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak tied the knot in August 2009, and the couple shares two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka. They lead a cosmopolitan lifestyle, owning properties in the UK, including a mansion in North Yorkshire, a home in Kensington, and a flat in South Kensington. They also have a penthouse in Santa Monica, California.
Despite her prominent public role, Murty largely maintains a private life, balancing her business responsibilities and family. Her style and demeanor have also caught the public’s attention, with many commenting on her graceful presence at public events.
FAQs
Who is Akshata Murty?
Akshata Murty is the wife of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a businesswoman, and the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. She holds significant wealth through her investments, including shares in Infosys.
How did Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak meet?
They met while studying for their MBA at Stanford University in 2004 and got married in 2009.
What is Akshata Murty’s net worth?
As of 2024, Akshata Murty’s net worth is estimated to be around £651 million, largely due to her shareholding in Infosys.
Why was Akshata Murty criticized for her tax status?
Murty was criticized in 2022 for her non-domiciled tax status, which allowed her to avoid paying UK taxes on her global income. After the backlash, she chose to relinquish her non-dom status and started paying UK taxes on all her earnings.
Does Akshata Murty still have connections with Infosys?
Yes, she holds a stake in Infosys, and this investment remains a major contributor to her wealth.
How many children do Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak have?
They have two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka.
What businesses is Akshata Murty involved in?
In addition to her Infosys shares, Murty has investments in various ventures. She co-founded Catamaran Ventures UK with her husband and serves as a director for several companies, including Digme Fitness.
Where do Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak live?
The couple owns several properties, including a mansion in North Yorkshire, homes in Kensington and South Kensington in London, and a penthouse in Santa Monica, California.
What is Akshata Murty’s role in the UK?
While she is not directly involved in politics, Murty’s wealth and marriage to Rishi Sunak have placed her in the public spotlight. Her philanthropic activities and business ventures also contribute to her influence.
What languages does Akshata Murty speak?
Murty speaks English, Hindi, Kannada, and French.
Conclusion
Akshata Murty is a remarkable figure whose life combines wealth, business acumen, and public interest due to her marriage to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Despite facing scrutiny over her tax status and wealth, she has significantly impacted both the UK and internationally. Murty’s background, deeply rooted in India’s tech revolution and her business ventures, showcases her as a modern, dynamic personality who continues to navigate public life alongside her husband. While she remains largely private, her decisions, such as her tax status change, reveal a willingness to adapt in the face of public expectations.
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