44. Y.C. DEVESHWAR
     61, BUSINESS EXECUTIVE
 

Evidence of Obsessive Behaviour: Sending SMSes at 4 a.m. to group CEOs to check on progress.

Thorn in His Side: When he took over, they said he inherited a “crown of thorns”. Twelve years later, the thorns have given way to a bouquet of new FMCG businesses.

Is Embarrassed About: Not always living up to his nickname—Yogi.

Strange But True: Does not have an e-mail id.

 
 
 
GREEN GIANT
 

Because he has seen the future and its colour is green. Because under ITC’s social and farm forestry programme, it has provided over 28 million mandays of employment to the disadvantaged. Because the company recycles over 90 per cent of its solid waste every year. Because it is the only company in India to have presented its 2006 sustainability report under the global reporting initiative.

Because over half of ITC’s over Rs 12,000-crore turnover now comes from its non-cigarette portfolio. Because under its e-choupal initiative, the company has empowered 3.5 million farmers in 38,500 villages. Because it measures its achievements not only by financial performance but also by the transformation it has brought about in enhancing the ‘natural and social capital’ of the nation.
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