In the world of Indian business, few leaders have demonstrated the ability to blend tradition with innovation as effectively as Sanjiv Puri, the Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited. Under his leadership, ITC has undergone a remarkable transformation—from a cigarette-dominated business to a diversified, future-ready conglomerate. Known for his strategic vision, commitment to sustainability, and digital-first approach, Sanjiv Puri is widely regarded as the driving force behind “ITC Next”—a bold new era for one of India’s most iconic companies.
This blog explores his background, leadership journey, business philosophy, and the impact he’s had on ITC and Indian industry at large.
Sanjiv Puri Early Life and Education
Sanjiv Puri was born in 1962 and graduated with a degree in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, one of India’s premier institutions. He later pursued an Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his analytical and strategic thinking, traits that would prove invaluable in his corporate journey.
Joining ITC and Climbing the Ladder
Puri joined ITC in 1986, starting his career in the Packaging and Printing Division. Over the decades, he held leadership positions across ITC’s various businesses—including FMCG, trade marketing, manufacturing, and operations. His ability to navigate diverse roles gave him a unique, 360-degree perspective of ITC’s business model.
Key positions he held before becoming CMD:
- Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ITC
- Executive Director
- CEO in 2017
- Managing Director in 2018
- Chairman in 2019 (after Y.C. Deveshwar’s passing)
Each promotion reflected growing confidence in his leadership from the board and shareholders alike.
ITC Under Sanjiv Puri: A New Direction
When Puri assumed leadership, ITC faced several challenges:
- Overdependence on its tobacco segment
- Sluggish growth in FMCG
- Rising competition in personal care and packaged foods
- Pressure to unlock shareholder value
1. Diversification Beyond Cigarettes
Historically, cigarettes contributed over 60% of ITC’s revenue. Under Puri’s stewardship, this dependence reduced significantly—now below 37%. He championed aggressive investment in FMCG brands, especially in food, personal care, and hygiene.
Brands that saw rapid growth include:
- Aashirvaad (flour, spices)
- Sunfeast (biscuits, pasta)
- Bingo (snacks)
- Savlon and Fiama (hygiene)
- Classmate (stationery)
The FMCG segment is now poised to become ITC’s dominant growth driver, thanks to his long-term commitment and strategic focus.
2. ITC Next: Digital and Consumer-Centric
Puri launched the “ITC Next” strategy, a comprehensive business transformation plan focusing on:
- Digital-first operations
- Agility and innovation
- Customer-centric product development
- Data-driven decision-making
- Integrated value chains
He emphasized blending the power of big data with deep consumer insights—enabling ITC to respond faster to market needs.
Focus on Sustainability and Inclusive Growth
Under Sanjiv Puri, ITC reinforced its position as one of India’s most sustainable corporations.
Key Initiatives:
- ITC became carbon-positive, water-positive, and solid waste-recycling positive for over 15 years.
- Expanded social forestry programs and integrated rural development across thousands of villages.
- Promoted inclusive agri-value chains that empowered farmers and minimized waste.
He believes strongly in creating “responsible competitiveness,” where business growth is aligned with societal and environmental well-being.
The Hotel and IT Demerger: A Bold Move
In 2023, ITC announced the demerger of its Hotel business into a separate listed entity. This move was widely lauded by investors and analysts, as it unlocked shareholder value and allowed ITC to focus more intensively on its core segments.
Similarly, ITC Infotech, the group’s IT subsidiary, expanded its footprint and secured key global clients under his leadership.
These decisions highlight Puri’s focus on capital efficiency, focused growth, and corporate governance.
Leadership Style: Thoughtful, Calm, and Focused
Puri is known for his calm demeanor and disciplined personal habits. He begins each day with 30 minutes of meditation and ends it with 45 minutes of yoga—practices that help him remain composed while managing one of India’s largest conglomerates.
He encourages leaders to:
- Reflect before reacting
- Be inclusive in decision-making
- Drive innovation through cross-functional collaboration
Colleagues describe him as a listener and strategist, who balances short-term wins with long-term vision.
Thoughts on Brand Building and Indian Innovation
Sanjiv Puri has often spoken about what it takes to build iconic Indian brands. In a recent Business Today summit, he shared three core principles:
- Conviction – Stay true to your brand’s core values and long-term goals.
- Commitment – Invest deeply in R&D, innovation, and quality.
- Perseverance – Great brands are built over decades, not quarters.
He believes Indian brands can compete globally—but only with a strong foundation in consumer relevance, quality, and trust.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Under his leadership, ITC has received several awards for innovation, sustainability, and excellence in corporate governance.
Sanjiv Puri himself was honored with:
- Business Today Best CEO Award (FMCG category)
- Forbes India Leadership Awards recognition
- Multiple features in ET’s Most Powerful CEOs in India
He also serves as Chairman of CII National Council on FMCG and has played an advisory role in India’s broader industrial policy debates.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Sanjiv Puri may not be a flamboyant or flashy CEO, but his impact on Indian business is both profound and enduring. He has reshaped ITC’s identity, reduced its reliance on tobacco, embraced digitization, and aligned its operations with national sustainability goals.
His legacy is that of a leader who quietly but effectively transformed a 100-year-old company into a modern, future-ready enterprise. For aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and brand builders in India, Puri’s journey offers valuable lessons in discipline, foresight, and purpose-driven leadership.
As ITC continues to expand under his vision, Sanjiv Puri stands tall as one of the most respected names in Indian corporate history—a true architect of transformation.
