Nakul Anand, Executive Director, ITC Limited, retired today from his truly outstanding and memorable four decades’ plus journey in the hospitality industry. As the longest serving Board Member at ITC, Anand has been acknowledged for his vision, commitment and role as a thought leader, not just to the hospitality industry but beyond that.
In an extremely emotional and heartfelt Thank You ceremony, the highly respected and visionary leader was led by his core team down the many grand staircases of ITC Green Centre, lined on the sides by the entire staff members. As he walked down, he greeted, wished and hugged his colleagues. And when he reached the lobby, the entire hotel had come down, to give their dear and revered leader a standing ovation. It was a very emotional moment for all ITC-ites, who were practically teary-eyed, to see their most-loved leader walk past the hotel.
In his highly admirable career, Anand has been known as an icon who has helped shape the company’s strategic direction while being a driving force in unifying and promoting Indian hospitality and tourism. The G20 Summit held in New Delhi reflected this in full measure as he strategized the experiences ITC Hotels was entrusted with. Building on ITC’s ethos as an exemplar in sustainability, he has passionately advocated the imperative for a sustainable business model of hoteliering. Referred to as the architect of Responsible Luxury, he has always said, “I see red if I do not see green!” And went all out to promote Brand Bharat across all platforms through his interactions with travel trade bodies and tourism ministry.
In a recent interview with Hotelier India, where we asked him to share his success mantras, this is what the leader and a mentor par excellence said: “I have always believed in the Power of Quotes. A few words can help you re-adjust your sails, redefine your objectives or encourage you to take a life-altering decision.
“In fact, I penned this quote that really defines who I am and what I do. ‘If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me’. Couch these words in the 10 alphabet ‘DISCIPLINE’ and you will have many wins in Life.”
When great leaders retire, they will be sorely missed. But leaders like Nakul Anand, who have always been extremely committed to mentoring, will retire only to mentor and shape many a great hotelier.
