Friday, January 1, 2016

PERSONAL /COMPETITOR SPECIAL................ WHAT I LEARNT FROM MY COMPETITOR(5)

WHAT I LEARNT FROM MY COMPETITOR(5)

“Capt Nair Taught me Discipline, Biki Oberoi the Importance of Detail“
SSH Rehman, Director, ITC Ltd
CLAIM TO FAME: Joined ITC in 1979, and was at the forefront of growing ITC's hotel business. Also author of Borders to Boardroom
THE LESSON: Two people I have learnt from in my industry and at the same time were my competitors when I led ITC Hotels were (the late) Captain CP Krishnan Nair of the Leela and PRS Oberoi of the Oberoi chain of hotels. I shared a common background as Leela group founder Captain CP Nair: we both were from the armed forces. I started off in the hotels industry after my short military career. Due to my background I naturally appreciated his sense of discipline and hard work. However, what I admired and learned from him was continued humility and accessibility despite reaching the position he did in the industry of luxury. Another aspect worthy of impression was his flair for public relations both at a national and global level though he was a man accountable to himself. He had a noticeable dare to take risks though bordering sometimes on recklessness, which perhaps landed the group in difficulties.
As far as Biki Oberoi (PRS Oberoi, chairman of EIH Ltd) is concerned, I learnt and admired the unrelenting focus on quality and service from him, as well as his attention to detail and how he often stakes his personal reputation on the brand, howsoever unsettling the circumstances could be, in severe adversities and downturn.
His continued application to business with energy and stamina even at this stage is worthy of mention. Though there could be fundamental differences between us, as I am able to stop at a roadside dhaba and share a bite with my driver, which Oberoi may not do; yet he is very much closely connected to and regarded by his people. It is impressive that the Oberois continue to produce a battery of meritorious hoteliers.
(As told to Suman Layak)
ETM27DEC15


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