{"id":21050,"date":"2025-06-01T23:08:21","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T17:38:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pulseonline.co\/?page_id=21050"},"modified":"2025-06-11T11:27:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T05:57:54","slug":"voices-for-madhavan-fond-reflections-farewells","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/pulseonline.co\/index.php\/voices-for-madhavan-fond-reflections-farewells\/","title":{"rendered":"Voices for Madhavan — Fond Reflections And Farewells"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Madhavan,<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

When I invited those who have worked closely with you to share a few lines about their journey with you, I was overwhelmed by the flood of tributes that came in\u2014heartfelt, meaningful, nostalgic, humorous, and deeply moving.<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

What follows is a chorus of voices \u2014 funny, fond, and deeply grateful \u2014 from people who have worked with you through the years. These tributes are more than just words; they\u2019re snapshots of moments, memories, and the lasting mark you left on so many people.<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Each one captures the essence of a leader who has served the company with unwavering dedication and loyalty for 25 years. I\u2019m sure you will treasure every message.<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Do scroll\u00a0 all the way down, down, down this page.<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

But before you do, you might want to keep a box of tissues handy!<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
–Zarine Wadia–
\nEditor<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

<\/h4>\n

\u00a0\u201cAn Institution is the lengthened shadow of one man\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Madhavan has transformed Thomas Cook India since Fairfax acquired it in 2012. He took a 145-year-old company and grew it from $78 million in revenue and $14 million of profit before tax, to $948 million in revenue and an estimated profit before tax of $44 million. Thomas Cook India used to operate in 5 countries; it now operates in 29 countries.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

He made many acquisitions, including SOTC, Sita, and Kuoni Hong Kong. Today, we offer travel destinations all over the world. A Thomas Cook trip is a trip of a lifetime. My friends and I have experienced the fantastic service that Thomas Cook provides.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, \u201cAn Institution is the lengthened shadow of one man\u201d. It certainly applies to Madhavan Menon. We will miss him and Lili greatly.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

–Prem Watsa\u2014 Chairman & CEO <\/strong>Fairfax Financial Holdings<\/strong><\/p>\n

************************************************************<\/p>\n

An Action Packed Journey!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Madhavan, and his days at Thomas Cook India, have been nothing less than an action packed journey, filled with rewards and challenges.<\/p>\n

Each one dealt with the same amount of enthusiasm, honesty and honour.<\/p>\n

His pride and joy \u2026 are every single one of his colleagues and co-workers, \u00a0at every single level of the entire organisation.<\/p>\n

At the home front \u2026we are a small family filled with joy and pride for this tall man in our lives!”<\/p>\n

–Lili Madhavan\u2014Wife, Life-Partner, Companion and new \u201cboss\u201d!<\/strong><\/p>\n

*************************************************************************<\/p>\n

An Inspirational Leader, a Hard Taskmaster, a Compassionate and Genuinely Caring Person.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>It is always difficult\u00a0to express all you want to say, when you have known someone for 25 long years. I met MM in early 2000. Given the choice, many of us, including me would avoid coming in the way of this young, fiery and dynamic person!<\/p>\n

He may look tough, but when you get to know him really well, you will discover a soft core inside. He is the reason, I met my wife Jeni. He enjoys taking all the credit for that and rightly so! I should also mention he got me some good vices too\u2026.cheers to that!<\/p>\n

Apart from being a task master, Madhavan is a person who will always take keen interest in your family. He will never fail to ask about them, and will stand by you in case of any need– day or night! He has touched many hearts, I know this from my own personal experience, and I will always be grateful for that! He is truly a compassionate and genuinely\u00a0caring person.<\/p>\n

On the work front, Madhavan is an inspirational leader, with a never-say-die attitude. Most importantly, he will always have your back and give you the confidence to go out and achieve more. Something rare and valuable.<\/p>\n

He will be missed, but I have a deal with him, and that is \u2013 he will be on my speed dial and will pick up my call whenever I need to chat with him. Knowing Madhavan once a deal is agreed, it stays that way!<\/p>\n

I feel very fortunate I got to spend 25 long years with him. \u00a0I am sure his family will look forward to having more of him in his retired life!<\/p>\n

My best wishes and gratitude always, Madhavan.<\/p>\n

–Mahesh Iyer\u2014Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer<\/strong><\/p>\n

*************************************************************<\/p>\n

A Tribute to Madhavan\u2014 Executive Chairman, Mentor and Friend.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>As Madhavan Menon approaches his well-earned retirement, it is difficult to put into words the depth of gratitude and admiration I feel \u2014 not only on behalf of Private Safaris, but from me personally.<\/p>\n

Appointed by Madhavan in the wake of the global upheaval caused by COVID, I was given not just a role, but a renewed sense of purpose. His unwavering belief in me at a time of uncertainty will forever remain one of the most meaningful moments in my career.<\/p>\n

But Madhavan has been far more than an Executive Chairman. He has been a true mentor \u2014 wise, patient, and always present with thoughtful guidance. In every conversation, he brought clarity and calm, always steering us with conviction, integrity, and that signature wit, that made even the toughest days a little lighter!<\/p>\n

To me personally, he has also been a fellow foodie and wine enthusiast \u2014 someone with whom I could not only strategize, but also savour great meals, laugh over family stories, and debate the merits of a good life. These moments of connection are memories I will cherish long after he hangs up his boots.<\/p>\n

For Private Safaris, he has been our rock. Through challenging times and triumphs, his steady leadership has anchored us and helped shape the resilient, proud company we are today. His legacy is not only in the results we have achieved but in the people he has nurtured and inspired \u2014 myself proudly among them.<\/p>\n

Madhavan, thank you for your wisdom, your generosity, your humour, and your heart. We will miss you dearly at the helm, but your presence will always echo through the culture and spirit of this company.<\/p>\n

I wish you a retirement filled with family, good food, excellent wine, and the joy of knowing just how much of a difference you have made.<\/p>\n

With deepest respect and gratitude,
\nGini <\/strong><\/p>\n

–Virginia Barnard\u2014CEO Private Safaris, South Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n

***************************************************************************<\/p>\n

Nothing Short of Exemplary<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As a leader, Madhavan has been nothing short of exemplary\u2014 fair, guided by an innate wisdom, and always anchored in his unwavering commitment to his people. Over the years, his steadfast support has been a source of strength not just to me but to the entire TCI India & South Asia team.<\/p>\n

But what truly sets him apart is his\u00a0joie de vivre<\/em>\u2014a zest for life that brought energy into every room, every meeting, and every meal that we enjoyed together!<\/p>\n

Madhavan, thank you for your all that you have taught us over the years. You retire with our admiration, respect, and heartfelt gratitude.<\/p>\n

—Dipak Deva<\/strong>\u2014TCI MD & CEO<\/strong><\/p>\n

**********************************************************************<\/p>\n

Envisioning the Bigger picture<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong>I am a bit sad to see Madhavan leave into retirement since I have enjoyed working with him very much. He is a visionary. A visionary who not only sees the bigger picture but who understands what it means to turn vision into reality. I have enjoyed conversations with Madhavan on matters that I am involved in on a daily basis but which he had to learn from scratch, and was amazed on how quickly he understood the essence and context of such subjects. His advice was invaluable and guided me in taking decisions that were of crucial importance. He has a gift that not many people have, and that is to guide people along a new path even if the destination is not clearly known, to give support and encouragement also in tough times, and quite simply to just to be there for you. I have also enjoyed the times of just sitting down with him over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine without an agenda, and contemplate to change the world. I wish him only the very best for his future, a happy life surrounded by his loving family, and for him to do the things he always wanted to do but had no time for. That starts with a relaxing stay in Thailand with the mobile phone turned off. All the best Madhavan and thank you for always having been there for me and my team.<\/p>\n

–Laurent Kuenzle- CEO Asian Trails<\/strong><\/p>\n

*********************************************************************<\/p>\n

Words of Assurance for Me and My Team<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I have had the honour and privilege of having Madhavan Menon on my board at Sterling, and working closely with him during our transformation stage, for the last 4 years. What I am stating about him, is something, I have mentioned to him as well.<\/p>\n

I shall never forget the words he told me when I took over as the MD & CEO of Sterling Resorts.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay focussed, and do what it takes to turn Sterling around. We are solidly behind you\u201d.<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t thank him enough for those words of reassurance that gave me, and my team, the zest and courage to do the same. Thank you, Madhavan, for your leadership and for your timely intervention and advice, whenever I needed it<\/p>\n

–Vikram Lalvani\u2014MD & CEO Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.<\/strong><\/p>\n

**************************************************************<\/p>\n

I have many fond memories working with Madhavan.\u00a0 A few that stand out include:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n