Yogesh Chander Deveshwar

ITC Hotels, under Deveshwar’s vision, expanded from a modest 3-hotel portfolio to a chain of 100 hotels including heritage palaces, transforming Indian luxury hospitality.

In 2004, ITC became the first Indian company to publish a sustainability report aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative, pioneering corporate environmental accountability in India.

Despite his corporate stature, Deveshwar underwent advanced hoteliering training at Cornell University, USA, highlighting his hands-on approach to growing ITC's hospitality business.

Deveshwar fundamentally reshaped ITC, steering it away from dependence on tobacco to a multi-sector powerhouse with substantial FMCG, hospitality, and agri-business interests. His leadership set new standards for corporate governance and sustainability in Indian industry, inspiring other firms to diversify and adopt responsible business practices. His tenure also elevated the stature of Indian CEOs on the global stage, showcasing Indian corporate leadership at an international level.