Indian billionaire Ambani’s son becomes sustainability professor at UK university

Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani has been appointed a professor of practice in sustainability at Newcastle University, drawing criticism from conservationists, environmentalists and university staff, The Guardian reports.

The university said the appointment recognised Ambani’s work in conservation, biodiversity protection, animal welfare and environmental stewardship, as well as his contributions towards a more sustainable future.

Ambani, 31, is a member of the Reliance Group’s executive board, where he leads on renewable energy. He has also established Vantara, a 1,400-hectare private wildlife facility in Gujarat that reportedly houses more than 150,000 animals, including lions, leopards and crocodiles.

The appointment has faced strong criticism from several conservation and academic figures. Ramachandra Guha, a prominent Indian environmentalist and author, questioned the decision and said many scientists and conservation experts had made more substantial contributions to environmental sustainability.

Bhuvan Mangalore, an Indian investigator researching illegal wildlife trade, also questioned the appointment, while Prof Matt Perry, chair of the University and College Union branch at Newcastle, said university staff had raised environmental concerns about it.

Prof Lyla Mehta of the University of Sussex’s Institute of Development Studies warned that declining public funding could create a risk of billionaire and corporate influence over universities. She argued that universities should scrutinise powerful corporations rather than give them academic legitimacy.

Vantara has previously faced questions from conservation groups over the sourcing of some endangered animals. The Guardian reported that a 2025 investigation raised concerns about animals arriving through countries with opaque wildlife-trading networks. However, Vantara has denied allegations of wildlife trafficking, and an Indian Supreme Court investigation in 2025 cleared the zoo’s operators of wrongdoing.

In April, Ambani also launched Vantara University, described as a global university dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary science.

Newcastle University defended the appointment, saying the professorship recognised Ambani’s work with Vantara and his role in Reliance Group’s transition towards green energy.