Anupam “Tino” Puri, the first Indian American to be hired by the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, passed away at the age of 79. Joining McKinsey in 1970 after earning an M.Phil. in Economics from Oxford University, Puri was instrumental in establishing McKinsey’s presence in India. He personally recruited the initial batch of Indian consultants and built the foundation for the firm’s continued expansion in Asia and Latin America.
Notably, he was elected managing director of McKinsey in 1996 and, two years later, took charge of operations across both Asia and Latin America. His pioneering efforts helped open doors for generations of Indian American talent in the management consulting industry worldwide.
Influential advisory roles across the globe
During his illustrious career, Puri advised governments and multilateral institutions on a range of critical economic and industrial reforms. His clients included the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Australia, and institutions like the United Nations and OPEC. Among his significant projects were designing Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical development plan, restructuring the European textile and steel industries for the European Economic Community, and leading Venezuela’s oil sector overhaul.
Beyond governments, Puri also worked with a variety of corporations—large global firms to mid-sized companies—advising on strategy, organizational transformation, and capability building. His deep expertise and leadership qualities earned him a spot on McKinsey’s board of directors and the title of senior partner.
Leadership beyond consulting
After retiring from McKinsey, Puri remained active in the corporate and social sectors. He served on the boards of several prominent Indian companies, including Mahindra & Mahindra, Tech Mahindra, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, ICICI Bank, and Godrej Consumer Products. Additionally, he contributed to the advisory board of Spencer Stuart India and was a founding board member of Ashoka, a global nonprofit supporting social entrepreneurship.
He was also a member of the Corsair Advisory Board, continuing to influence business and philanthropic endeavors beyond his consulting years.
Tributes and legacy
Tributes poured in from colleagues and industry leaders following news of Puri’s passing. Amar Bhide, a former McKinsey board member who worked under Puri, praised him for his clarity and gracious leadership, recalling how Puri championed Indian professionals at McKinsey, helping pave the way for greater diversity in the industry. Bhide noted that Puri’s influence changed hiring attitudes not only at McKinsey but also among other top consulting firms.
C.P. Gurnani, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of AIonOS and former CEO of Tech Mahindra, reflected on Puri’s wisdom and humility, describing him as both an exceptional leader and a true friend. Gautam Kumra, McKinsey Asia’s Chairman, emphasized Puri’s embodiment of McKinsey’s core values and his non-hierarchical leadership style.
Personal life and education
Puri is survived by his wife, Rajika “Pin” Puri, an acclaimed Bharata Natyam and Odissi dancer, curator, and scholar. Married in 1968, the couple shared a lifetime of partnership rooted in arts and culture. Born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Rajika was educated in India and the United Kingdom.
Anupam Puri held an M.Phil. in Economics from Nuffield College, Oxford; an M.A. with Distinction in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Balliol College, Oxford; and a B.A. in Economics from Delhi University, where he graduated first in his class.
Anupam “Tino” Puri’s legacy as a pioneer in global consulting and a champion for Indian American talent remains profound. His life’s work opened paths for many and helped shape McKinsey’s global footprint, particularly in Asia and Latin America. He leaves behind a rich legacy of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to both business excellence and social responsibility.
