With over 20 years in the travel industry, S.D. Nandakumar—or Nandu, as he is fondly known—is a seasoned professional who has worn many hats across MICE, Holidays, Retail, Corporate, and Ecommerce segments.
Currently serving as President & Country Head-Holidays & Corporate Tours at SOTC Travel, he leads the both the Leisure and MICE verticals with a sharp focus on strategy, service excellence, and team efficiency. Nandu’s deep understanding of the business and vast knowledge of MICE, coupled with a passion for delivering value to corporate clients, has helped shape the company’s leadership position in this space. Earlier, he headed the ecommerce division at SOTC, where he played a key role in crafting the brand’s omni channel presence.
Nandakumar’s leadership is marked by his ability to build high-performance teams, foster innovation, and deliver sustainable business outcomes. His deep understanding of market dynamics and customer behavior continues to play a pivotal role in SOTC’s growth and evolution in the Indian travel landscape.
A experienced leader, and a die-hard Formula 1 enthusiast, Nandakumar is based in Mumbai, and continues to steer the business forward with drive and determination.
In between his office activities, and busy schedule, we pinned him down to answer a few questions, so we can all get to know him better.
Here he is!
How would you define your role as a key player on the SOTC team? What positive contribution do you feel you can make to the company, in your new position as President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited. How is it different to your previous designation?
Previously, I was only handling the MICE business at SOTC, and now I oversee both the MICE and Leisure business. It is an exciting role, the changing nature of the business and its changing travel landscape – with one of the best travel brands in the country.
How many years have you been with SOTC? And are there any significant milestones that have been a part of the journey to your present position?
I’ve been with SOTC for 19 years over a few stints, significant milestones – I was part of the company when it was taken over by Kuoni, as well as when it was taken over by Thomas Cook India. So I have seen those two eras of change take place, but what has remained constant is the brand’s appeal to the Indian consumer. I am absolutely delighted that every day is a new milestone.
What are the major developments you have seen on the MICE front in recent times? How is SOTC going to adapt to, and cope with, any significant changes on the travel scene?
One of the most significant developments is the adaptation of technology in MICE, and we are responding to it by having our own MICE app, which is state-of-the-art as far as MICE is concerned, and we are further developing it by adding AI features. So we believe that as far as MICE is concerned, we will be providing cutting-edge technology.
What is your perception of the present-day Indian traveller? How does he/she differ from their counter-parts in the West? Do we cater differently to his/her demands and needs? How does SOTC woo the customer to prevent him/her from going to the competition?
The Indian consumer has always been price-conscious, they want a bang for a buck. They also want personalization and Indianization, and we at SOTC provide all of the above. To stop them from going to a competitor is to ensure we are constantly better in all these aspects.
Can you name 3 key challenges you face in your new position? How would you deal with them?
You can overcome any challenge. In my opinion I don’t think that there is anything that is so daunting that causes us to lose our sleep.
If you were given 30 seconds to answer, which are the first three words that come into your mind that best describe the company you work for?
Passionate, fair and honest
If you were employing staff for the company, what qualities, in order of importance, would you look for?
Attitude, discipline and integrity
How did you earn your first pay check, and what did you do with the money?
My first role was with a logistics company, and I made a donation to a temple with my first pay check.
Can you mention one or two influences in your life that have shaped your career, and guided some of the major decisions you have taken?
My mother and my wife, every decision in my life has been guided by these two pillars.
Your family comprises of ………..My mother, my wife and my two boys
If you were alone on a desert island and only allowed 4 essentials, you would choose…… My mother, my wife and my two boys
When you are not thinking of SOTC, you chill out by ……..When I’m not at work you could find me either chilling at home, or working at a temple.
Food you can’t help binging on is …….Sambar and rice!
On your bedside table, one would find ……My mobile
What keeps you energised is …..My responsibilities
A mantra for your team
Put in the hard yards, don’t worry about the results.