R afique Malik is the chairman of Metro Brands, one of India's largest and most successful footwear specialty retailers. He inherited a single shoe store in Mumbai from his father in the 1970s and transformed it into a nationwide retail empire. Under his visionary leadership, Metro Brands expanded its portfolio to include in-house labels like Mochi and Walkway, while also becoming the partner of choice for international brands entering India, such as Crocs.

Malik modernized the family business by professionalizing its management and adopting a robust franchise and distribution model. He successfully took the company public in December 2021, a milestone that unlocked significant value and cemented his status as a billionaire. Today, the day-to-day operations are largely managed by his daughter, Farah Malik Bhanji, though he continues to provide strategic guidance as chairman.