Indian American businessman and McKinsey's first hire, Anupam 'Tino' Puri, passes away at 79 years old
Anupam 'Tino' Puri, a former Asia Chairman at McKinsey & Company, was a trailblazing Indian figure in the global consulting and business world. His groundbreaking career at McKinsey, a prestigious global consulting firm, and his significant influence in Indian industry and technology, particularly in the Mahindra Group and Tech Mahindra, have left a lasting impact on the global landscape.
A Career Marked by Achievements
Tino Puri's career at McKinsey began in 1978, making him the first Indian to join the firm. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in leading white-collar outsourcing from US companies to India, thus bridging and fostering cross-border consulting and technology services.
Beyond his operational leadership, Puri was dedicated to hiring and promoting more Indians within McKinsey and related business arenas. This focus on diversity contributed to a shift in the global talent dynamic, elevating Indian professionals on the international consulting stage.
Later in his career, Puri became a significant figure on the boards of the Mahindra Group and Tech Mahindra, two major Indian conglomerates with extensive global operations, reflecting his ongoing impact on Indian business strategy and global presence.
A Legacy of Promoting Indian Talent
Tino Puri's work significantly contributed to the rise of Indian talent in global consulting and IT services. His pioneering efforts in white-collar outsourcing and advocacy for Indian professionals' advancement in global firms paved the way for increased Indian participation in international consultancy roles. This, in turn, promoted networking and cultural integration within multinational firms.
Puri's career mirrors the broader narrative of Indian professionals shaping global business and technology sectors through leadership and strategic vision. His role helped create a more inclusive and diverse global consulting landscape, fostering opportunities for Indian talent to thrive and contribute to the world stage.
A Life Beyond Business
Puri was not just a brilliant business mind; he was also a scratch golfer, an "Oxonian son of an Indian diplomat," and a loving husband to Rajika "Pin" Puri, an accomplished Bharata Natyam and Odissi exponent, curator, and scholar of the arts. Rajika Puri was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and educated in India and the United Kingdom.
C.P. Gurnani, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of AIonOS, described Puri as his coach and a true friend who guided him with grace and an understanding of both business and life. Gurnani's sentiments were echoed by Gautam Kumra, Asia Chairman at McKinsey & Company, who described Puri as someone who role-modeled McKinsey's core values, especially the "obligation to dissent" and the belief in a non-hierarchical culture.
Tino Puri's death was publicly mourned by Tech Mahindra in 2025, indicating his stature as a respected and towering figure in both the Indian corporate world and the diaspora's professional community. His life and career serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to fostering opportunities for others.
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In the course of his illustrious career, Tino Puri's dedication extended beyond mere business, as he played a crucial role in promoting Indian talent within global consulting firms. His pioneering work in white-collar outsourcing and advocacy for Indian professionals' advancement created a more diverse and inclusive global consulting landscape (Source 1).
Moreover, his service on the boards of the Mahindra Group and Tech Mahindra, two multinational corporations with extensive global operations, underscored his ongoing impact on Indian business strategy and global presence (Source 3). This legacy of promoting Indian talent can be seen as a significant contributing factor to the rise of Indian professionals in global consulting and IT services (Source 2).
