Remembering YC Deveshwar: A 'hands-on' leader who made ITC a diversified conglomerate

Eight months after I started covering the FMCG and retail sector in 2016, I came face to face with India's longest-serving CEO, YC Deveshwar.

I remember the day very clearly. The media had gathered around Mr Deveshwar for a quick byte after his panel at the 'Make In India' summit. I realised that it was going to be a tough task to break through the multiple reporters and cameras around him. Seeing the crowd that had gathered, Mr Deveshwar refused to give a sound byte and walked out of the auditorium. I was waiting at a side entrance to get a brief glimpse of him and also to ask a few questions. Seeing my enthusiasm and eagerness for a brief interview, he agreed. I was really lucky, as unplanned interviews with Mr Deveshwar were rare. That was the first and last time I saw him.

Down-to-earth, humble and media-shy are three attributes that best described Mr Deveshwar. His co-workers and colleagues at ITC have always described him as a "hands-on" leader.