Introduction
Mohsin Issa is one of the most influential self-made entrepreneurs in modern British business. Known for co-founding EG Group and co-owning the UK supermarket giant Asda, his journey reflects extraordinary ambition, sharp commercial instincts, and the ability to scale businesses across borders. His story is often celebrated as inspirational, yet it has also attracted scrutiny and criticism, making his career a mix of remarkable success and complex challenges.
Born into a working-class immigrant family, Mohsin Issa transformed early exposure to small-scale retail into a global empire. While his achievements are widely admired, his rise has not been without controversy, particularly during periods of rapid expansion and restructuring. This balanced biography explores his life, career, businesses, impact, and legacy using only verified and publicly available information.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mohsin Issa, CBE |
| Date of Birth | July 1971 |
| Age | 54 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Blackburn, Lancashire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | British of Indian Gujarati origin |
| Education | Witton Park High School, Blackburn |
| Occupation | Businessman, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-founder of EG Group, Co-owner of Asda |
| Net Worth | Estimated £6 billion (with brother, 2025) |
Early Life and Background
Mohsin Issa was born in July 1971 in Blackburn, a town in North West England known for its industrial roots. His parents migrated from Bharuch, Gujarat, India, to the UK in the 1960s, initially working in the textile industry before moving into small-scale retail. Growing up in a modest household, Mohsin was exposed early to the realities of hard work, financial discipline, and customer-focused business.
As a teenager, he helped in his family’s petrol station, gaining hands-on experience in operations and retail management. This early involvement played a crucial role in shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. While his upbringing lacked privilege, it offered something equally valuable: real-world business exposure that would later underpin his success.
Education and Early Ambitions
Mohsin Issa attended Witton Park High School in Blackburn. Unlike many corporate leaders, he did not follow a conventional university or MBA route. Instead, his education was largely practical, built through direct involvement in business activities from a young age. This non-traditional path later became part of his public narrative as a self-made entrepreneur.
His early ambition was not driven by status but by opportunity. Observing inefficiencies and untapped potential in everyday retail environments, he developed a keen interest in scaling simple business models through innovation and efficiency.
Start of Career and First Ventures
In the early 1990s, Mohsin Issa entered business formally by co-founding a plastic packaging company called Europlast. This venture marked his first significant step into entrepreneurship and provided capital, experience, and confidence for larger ambitions.
The defining moment of his career came in 2001 when he and his brother acquired a single, underperforming petrol forecourt in Bury, Greater Manchester. This purchase became the foundation of what would later grow into a global retail and fuel empire. The move was bold and risky, but it demonstrated his willingness to invest decisively when opportunity appeared.
Building EG Group into a Global Brand
The petrol station acquisition led to the formation of Euro Garages, later rebranded as EG Group. Under Mohsin Issa’s leadership, the company expanded rapidly across the UK and internationally. The strategy was simple yet powerful: combine fuel retail with high-quality food, beverage, and convenience offerings.
By partnering with globally recognised brands such as Starbucks, Subway, and Burger King, EG Group transformed traditional forecourts into high-margin retail destinations. This innovation drove growth and set new standards in the fuel and convenience sector. However, rapid expansion also brought operational complexity and financial pressure, exposing the business to criticism during periods of restructuring.
Asda Acquisition and Leadership Role
In 2020, Mohsin Issa and his brother, alongside a private equity partner, acquired Asda in a landmark deal that returned the supermarket chain to British ownership. The acquisition was widely praised as ambitious and patriotic, but it also raised concerns about debt levels and long-term sustainability.
Mohsin Issa served as Asda’s Chief Executive from 2021 to 2024, overseeing strategic changes aimed at competitiveness and efficiency. While some initiatives strengthened the brand, others faced public and industry criticism, highlighting the challenges of managing a legacy supermarket in a volatile retail environment.
Net Worth and Source of Income
Mohsin Issa’s wealth is primarily derived from his ownership stakes in EG Group and Asda. As of 2025, his combined net worth with his brother was estimated at around £6 billion. This valuation reflects asset ownership rather than fixed income, meaning his wealth fluctuates with market conditions.
His income sources are rooted in long-term equity value, business growth, and strategic investments rather than publicly disclosed salaries. This structure underscores his identity as an entrepreneur rather than a conventional corporate executive.
Recent Developments and Latest News
In 2025, Mohsin Issa stepped down from his role as Chief Executive of EG Group as the company prepared for a potential public listing. While he no longer manages day-to-day operations, he remains a significant shareholder and influential figure within the business.
This transition marked a strategic shift rather than a retreat. Supporters view it as a sign of maturity and long-term planning, while critics see it as a response to mounting pressures. Either way, it represents a new chapter in his career.
Complete Career Overview
Mohsin Issa’s career can be defined by three core phases: early entrepreneurship, aggressive global expansion, and strategic consolidation. Each phase involved calculated risk-taking, rapid decision-making, and a willingness to challenge industry norms.
While his achievements have generated admiration, they have also sparked debate around debt-driven growth and corporate governance. This duality makes his career both inspiring and controversial, reinforcing his reputation as a bold but complex business leader.
Legacy and Impact
Mohsin Issa’s legacy lies in redefining how fuel retail and convenience businesses operate at scale. From a single petrol station to thousands of sites worldwide, his journey represents one of the most significant entrepreneurial success stories in the UK.
At the same time, his career serves as a case study in the risks of rapid expansion. His impact will ultimately be judged by the long-term sustainability of the businesses he helped build. Regardless of perspective, his influence on British retail and global convenience markets is undeniable.
Conclusion
Mohsin Issa’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and transformation. He represents the power of practical experience over traditional pathways, proving that vision and execution can overcome humble beginnings. Yet his journey also highlights the pressures and criticisms that accompany large-scale success.
Whether viewed as an inspirational entrepreneur or a controversial corporate figure, Mohsin Issa has left a lasting mark on modern British business. His career continues to evolve, and its final chapter is still being written.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Mohsin Issa?
Mohsin Issa is a British businessman best known as the co-founder of EG Group and co-owner of the UK supermarket chain Asda.
What is Mohsin Issa known for?
He is known for transforming a single petrol station into a global retail and fuel business and for playing a key role in returning Asda to British ownership.
What businesses has Mohsin Issa founded?
His most notable business is EG Group, originally founded as Euro Garages in 2001.
Is Mohsin Issa still active in business?
Yes, although he stepped down from executive leadership roles, he remains an influential shareholder and strategic figure.
What is Mohsin Issa’s legacy?
His legacy is defined by entrepreneurial scale, innovation in retail formats, and a business journey that blends remarkable success with significant challenges.
