VERY FEW PEOPLE can boast of a career spanning more than four decades that has seen them soar from one zenith to another, taking on bigger challenges in each successive assignment. But that's natural progression for Amitabh Kant. India's G20 Sherpa was also responsible for the Incredible India tourism campaign in the early part of this millennium and played a driving role in the country's pursuit of becoming a global manufacturing hub with the Make in India initiative.
A retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Kerala cadre, 67-year-old Kant is known for being an administrator par excellence, who has managed to thrive in diverse assignments. Known as a decisive thinker and clear speaker with a 'can do' attitude, he has worked across various ministries in his state cadre as well as at the Centre. His list of assignments includes Secretary, Kerala Tourism; CMD, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC); and Joint Secretary, Tourism in the Government of India. He has also worked as Chairman of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Development Corporation (2009-14); Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (2014-16); and the Chief Executive Officer of the NITI Aayog (2016-22).
Throughout his career, he has helped mould and take forward flagship national initiatives such as Startup India, Make in India, Incredible India, Kerala: God's Own Country and the Aspirational Districts programme.
But perhaps his most successful stint has been as India's G20 Sherpa. Kant was appointed to the role in July 2022, months ahead of India assuming the presidency of this multilateral forum from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023. He took over from Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, when the need was felt for a full-time G20 Sherpa.
BRINGING G20 TO THE PEOPLE
This story is from the March 17, 2024 edition of Business Today India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 17, 2024 edition of Business Today India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Evolving Strategies
Companies need to adapt to changing times for a strong workforce
PERKS PRESSURE
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE MONEY ANYMORE FOR EMPLOYEES. FROM FOUR-DAY WORK WEEKS, TO SKILLING ON THE JOB AND MENTAL WELL-BEING EXERCISES, COMPANIES ARE OFFERING A HOST OF BENEFITS TO RETAIN TOP TALENT. IS THIS ENOUGH?
FOSTERING PLURALISM
Axis Bank, with its initiatives and policies, is striving to make a holistic difference to people's careers and hone their skills too
In Keeping With The Times
With a slew of initiatives for its employees, Abbott India is working hard to build a diverse and inclusive workforce
A PLACE THAT NURTURES EMPLOYEES' POTENTIAL
At Amazon India, the core belief has always been this: merit and diversity can walk hand-in-hand
Turning Over a New Leaf
The integration of mortgage giant HDFC Ltd with HDFC Bank sets the stage for making the best of both worlds
THE FLEXIBILITY TO EXCEL
By offering employees multiple ways by which they can work and grow, Google has ensured that it gets the best from them
All About 'Learning & Training'
L&T provides its employees with a variety of programmes to help them grow professionally and climb the corporate ladder
KEEPING THE SPIRITS HIGH
For HUL, a motivated workforce leads to multiple advantages and the consumer giant is banking on that to bolster growth
Reaching for the Stars
Despite having a large workforce, TCS has ensured that it retains its focus on ensuring their well-being
