Rana Kapoor, Founder & Chairman, Yes Bank
Given that he runs one of India’s fastest growing private-sector banks, with a presence in 375 Indian cities, it’s not surprising that Kapoor travels extensively. He’s away from Mumbai, which is where the bank is headquartered, for about 12 days a month. His domestic travel includes major cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata. Internationally, Kapoor travels to meet investors and banking partners in London, New York, San Francisco and Singapore and to lead industry delegations to the US, UK and Dubai. And of course, there’s the annual trip to Davos for the World Economic Forum. “I believe travel plays a significant role in getting a global perspective on business,” Kapoor explains. “You can truly experience a country only if you gain an understanding of its culture, its design, monuments, museums, food and art.” And how does he get under the skin of a destination he’s visiting? “I try to squeeze in a few hours for a walking tour. I have had some memorable walks in the Silicon Valley area, Paris and Rome.” Can’t do without: “My iPad, magazines and non-fiction books.” Travel habit: “Walking for at least 45 minutes daily. My daughter recently gifted me a fitness band and an Apple Watch, which keep me motivated to follow a disciplined regimen.”
Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation
Jindal piloted the social development arm of multibillion dollar steel giant JSW Group, headed by her husband, Sajjan Jindal. Having made philanthropy and art the foundation’s pillars, she often travels to the UNESCO-recognised 14th-century ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi, the main site of the foundation’s work. Using the Jindal might and her position as a trustee of the World Monuments Fund, she’s helped restore three of Hampi’s monuments. She collaborates with London’s Tate Modern and speaks at art forums the world over. And she finds the World Economic Forum “the most engaging platform”. Favourite hotel: “The Four Seasons hotels are my second home.” Favourite airline: “British Airways, as I find it customer-centric and efficient.”
Niranjan Hiranandani, Co-founder & MD, Hiranandani Developers
“Unless you get out and walk, you will never get to know a place,” says this former president of the Indian Merchants’ Chamber, whose last name is one Mumbai’s best-recognised real estate brands. And walk Hiranandani does, for an hour or more every morning, even when he’s away on work. The reasons for his business travels are varied, ranging from speaking at events such as Horasis, a conference in Portugal on sustainable growth, to meetings of government-appointed committees in Delhi and trade events in Chennai, Dubai and London (where he enjoys catching some theatre). Hiranandani’s travels leave their mark on his work as well. “I love classical European architecture and have used some of those lines in my Powai township.” Favourite airport: “Having travelled extensively, I can now say Mumbai’s international airport is on par with the world’s best airports, if not better.” A tip to make flying easier: “Get a good snooze.”
This is the last in our 9-part series, The High Fliers, of the Business Travel Special. The full feature appears in the April–May 2016 issue of Condé Nast Traveller India.
