Arun Nanda
Title: Stepped down as excecutive director on the board of Mahindra & Mahindra
Age: 60
Career: He joined M&M in 1973, when he was 23 years of age, in the accounts department as a management trainee. Was promoted to the board in 1992 at the age of 40. In 1994 was put in charge of the services sector.
Education: Chartered accountant
Hobbies: Classical singing, playing golf and playing the tabla
What was the turning point for Mahindra Holidays? When did it become a good story?
I think when people started using the product, the team has put in a lot of effort tin Mahindra Holidays – our product is different. It’s a very composite business model, very different business model, very well thought through and I think – consistent delivery of service to the customer. That is something we have mastered. But the first 5 years Club Mahindra made losses. It tolk us a lot fo effort to build this institution. But look at it today, its rocking. We are already the third most valuable hospitality company, Taj, Oberoi and us, and we’re a close second to Oberoi. And I started this company with 18 crores of rupees. That’s what we put in to this company. When we did the pre IPO values last year we got a billion dollar valuation. Today its about 4300 crores in 12 years. And first 5 years we made losses. Most people didn’t know Mahindra Holidays would do this well. Its 4300 market cap, 27 resorts, 110,000 members. Its growing steadily.
(This story appears in the 05 February, 2010 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)
Hello Mr. Arun Nanda. Kudos to you on this wonderful initiative. I am a surgeon who has run a Home Healthcare for Senior Citizens in Indiranagar, Blr and know that loneliness and longevity go hand in hand in this modern faced pace era with nuclear families and NRI children. I too am working as a social entrepreneur and would like an opportunity to meet you. There is an opportunity for us to collaborate in such initiatives. Best regards, Nilima ( Dr. Nilima Kadambi )
on Apr 2, 2012I am interested in the issues Arun Nanda has discussed. Have there been any further developments? Thank you.
on May 19, 2011Did Arun Nanda go to English High School in Dadar, Mumbai? Was he also in a naval cadet corps...I forget the name now? If he did, would he please send me an email. I reside in Toronto,Canada now. Thank you. Marcia Dhruv.
on Dec 5, 2010I am retired from the service after working of 40 years from textile industry in a little post, but I am not tired. Always i have memories of my mother telling, always compare with high knowledgeble persons and with low income personalities. If need do some helpto the needy people, but dont expect any help to your personal life, till ur body exists do ur work personally. Hence i decded with the cooperation of my brothers, I moved to my little rural villagein andhra pradesh for working of develooping the facilities. I hope blessings of my parents, god veerbhadra will give stamina. I read your article it is no nice sir.
on Apr 8, 2010A very bold and supportive step to the cause of senior citizens. I can understand their problems since I am actively involved into this activity. I took voluntary retirement from business at the age of 50 for their cause. With my own funding I started a trust 'Better Life Foundation' for the welfare and well being of senior citizens which motivate them for active and productive life under SCOPE (Senior Citizens of Professional Excellence) Network. <br /> I am always there to support you Mr. Nanda.
on Feb 8, 2010Just finished reading your article in the Forbes. I am impressed with your huge plans for the senior citizens. Would like to contribute my bit for the cause. Would be glad to be a part of the movement. Great thought ....
on Feb 10, 2010