The untimely passing of Ivan Menezes at the age of 63 is a devastating loss not only for his family and friends, but to the United Kingdom as well.
He was a natural leader and produced superb results for Diageo, a company he led brilliantly for close to 10 years. But what set him apart from many other CEOs was his genuine humility and graciousness.
When I wrote to congratulate him on being awarded a knighthood, he replied in part with these words: “Thank you for your kind words dear Dinny. It was most unexpected. The honour belongs to all at Diageo.” And I know he meant it. He was also an elegant and generous man, full of empathy for those that needed his help.
I was embarrassed to ask him whether Diageo could sponsor a table at the 2022 London Pratham Gala. His reply was swift. “No need to be embarrassed! Pratham are so lucky to have you in their corner. We will take a table personally for the London gala”.
Shibani, his equally empathetic and generous spouse and Ivan bought the highest-priced table themselves. No company sponsored the table for them.
Ivan had a wide network of friends from around the world. All those who knew him held him in high esteem not only for what he had achieved in a life cut short, but also for his human qualities. What a great and good man we have lost.
Dinyar Devitre is vice-chairman of the Pratham Education Foundation and former CFO of the Altria Group
Samira Ahmed
Sangita Myska 
Ritula Shah 
Rushanara Ali
Suella Braverman
Baroness Pola Uddin
Priti Patel
And ,the plaque honouring those who fought in the Battle of Kohima
