Among the myths of the corporate world, one of the most enduring was this: any industrialist who becomes president of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) must pay a price in terms of business losses. This, of course, was explained by the diversion of attention to the efforts and activities of this industry confederation. Shareholders of ICICI Bank, however, need not be alarmed by their bank?s boss, KV Kamath, taking over as president. Sunil Bharti Mittal, the outgoing president, didn?t just make an eloquent speech defending his industry (and others) against charges of cartelisation, he shattered the loss-making myth quite convincingly with the stellar performance of Bharti Enterprises in 2007-08. Maybe ICICI can be more relaxed about its overseas operations.
Way of thinking
Bookshop shelves are groaning under the weight of self-help books, designed to help you change your way of thinking, working, investing, romancing and so on. Shelves are also creaking under business guides, about new sets of rules. But how about some advice on turning public sector behemoths around? Do not despair. Eavesdropper hears that a high-profile officer posted in the railway ministry is busy penning exactly that. An insider?s account of the ?turnaround story? of Indian Railways, with all its Sophoclean drama, is on its way to bookshops that will help other PSUs vacuum dry themselves of red ink. A publisher is sought for this ?bankruptcy to billions? tale.
Mere pass…
The Coca-Cola Company versus Bisleri battle over the mango-drink brand Maaza in non-Indian markets is not an opportunity off-the-wall comedians would?ve let pass. And they didn?t.
