He was about to enter the lift when his phone rang. One look at the screen told him that it was not Naresh. The screen read Private Number. It meant that the call was from an international number. He let the lift pass and stepped aside on the corridor to take the call.
'Hi, is it Kailash Advani?' a heavily accented voice came on.
'Yes.'
'Calling from New York. Mr Bridge would like to speak to you. Should I connect you.' Tedd Bridge was the CEO of NYB globally.
'Sure. Sure.' Instinctively his hand went up to set his hair, when he realised that Tedd Bridge would not be able to see him. He cleared his throat instead.
Kailash could feel his heart pounding. He sat down on the sofa in the lobby. His legs were weak and could give way anytime. Anybody with a weak heart would have had a cardiac arrest.
'Good morning, Kailash.' Tedd Bridge's voice reverberated on the line. It was late at night in New York, but Bridge was still in office.
'Kailash, this is Tedd Bridge from New York. Hope I didn't disturb you too early in the morning.'
'No, Mr Bridge, it's an honour to receive a call from you. Wondering what I have done to deserve this call.'
'Hey Kailash. You haven't lost your touch, old man. Not changed one bit.'
Kailash had worked with Tedd Bridge when he was in New York. Being a career NYB guy, the seniors in the US knew him well.
'Kailash, a huge career opportunity has come up and hence we have decided to move Rakesh Makkar to New York.' Kailash had his heart in his hand.
'That's great for Rakesh, Mr Bridge. I am sure Rakesh will be thrilled and feel extremely challenged. What role will he be moving into?'
'Kailash, he will be moving into a strategic role. He will be driving our global strategy for emerging markets.'
'That's fabulous. He will stay engaged with India.'
'Yes, that's correct. I have just got out of a meeting with the leading team that looks after the emerging markets. Joseph Fernandes strongly felt that if Rakesh Makkar moves, you should get the top job in India. The committee discussed a few other candidates and eventually agreed with his recommendation. I just wanted to check with you if you have any reservations or concerns before I formally congratulate you on your appointment as the new CEO of NYB in India. This would, of course, be subject to regulatory approvals in India. Wanted your go ahead before we release this story to the press.'
Kailash was silent. Tedd Bridge's call had knocked the wind out of his lungs. He clutched the phone tightly lest he dropped it and the phone got disconnected.
'The press conference is in another fifteen minutes. You will have to make up your mind and call me back in the next ten minutes,' said Bridge, implying that he was disconnecting the call.
'Mr Bridge,' Kailash said hurriedly, 'It will be a matter of great pride and honour for me to lead the India team.' Kailash knew that anything could go wrong in ten minutes, if he didn't accept the offer then and there.
'That will be great, Kailash. We will make the official announcement soon. Please be discreet about it till it is formally announced. I have got to go now. Congratulations and best of luck.'
'Thank...' The line went dead even before Kailash could complete his line.
He went up the lift to his office. No one was around. He turned the key and opened the door to his room. What he saw surprised him. A smile came onto his lips. He was about to become a big man.
There was a large basket of flowers in his room. He couldn't figure out who had left it there. Who could it be? Maybe the security guys would know.
He was dialling the security extension when there was a knock at the door.
'Come in,' he thundered. He had the right to be loud, now that he was the CEO.
In walked a person who he had not expected in his wildest dreams to be there. In walked a beaming Ram Naresh.
'Kailash, I wanted to be the first one to congratulate the new CEO of India,' Naresh said and extended his hand in congratulation.
Naresh had taken the first flight out of Calcutta to be in time to congratulate Kailash. Joseph had called him a couple of hours after his call, to tell him that he had personally spoken to nearly everyone in the committee and they had all agreed to let Kailash become the CEO.
Kailash hugged Naresh and thanked him.
Naresh had swung one more deal. Now the CEO of NYB was in his pocket.
Naresh settled down on the sofa in Kailash's room and said, 'CEO saab, hope you remember our deal.'
'You will get your half-a-million dollars, my friend.'
'Half-a-million dollars, and Sundeep back in India as Head of Retail Banking,' said Naresh, reminding him about the second part of the deal.
'Of course. How can I forget that?'
That afternoon, a message from Tedd Bridge was sent to all employees of New York International Bank
Dear New York International Bankers,
It gives me great pleasure to make this announcement today. India is a strategic market for the group and we all recognise that in the coming years, India will be one of the largest markets for the banking industry in the world. We have had a fair bit of success in this market, especially over the last few years, wherein under the able leadership of Rakesh Makkar, we have emerged as the largest foreign bank in the country.
Rakesh Makkar has lead the country admirably in the last three years, wherein revenue has more than doubled and profits have trebled to $106 Mn. However, as all good things must come to an end, it is time for Rakesh to move on. I am glad to announce that Rakesh will move to New York Global Headquarters as Senior Vice President and Head-Strategy, Emerging Markets. His role will encompass both retail and corporate banks' expansion plans.
Taking over from Rakesh will be another star, who is a career New York International Banker, Kailash Advani. Kailash has demonstrated excellent leadership and vision in all the roles that he has held across India and abroad over the last twenty-four years with the bank. Kailash will take over from Rakesh w.e.f. close of business hours today. Please join me in wishing both Kailash and Rakesh the best in their new roles. We will be announcing Kailash's replacement shortly.
Regards,
Tedd Bridge
50
Naresh called Sundeep in London that evening. Sundeep was preparing to leave for work. Sundeep confirmed that Kailash had indeed called him to check if he would be keen to move to India as Head of Retail Bank. Sundeep was obviously expecting this call and readily agreed. Kailash hung up with a commitment to announce Sundeep's appointment soon. Sundeep had tried to call Naresh, but couldn't get through since Naresh was on a flight back from Mumbai to Calcutta.
'Naresh, I have been very curious to ask you something. I have been thinking about it for the last two days. How did you get to know about Rakesh Makkar's move before anyone got wind of it? And if you knew about it, why didn't you tell Kailash yourself, why did you ask me to tell him about it?'
'Sundeep, your work is done, my friend. Enjoy yourself. Leave all these things to me,' said Naresh and hung up, leaving Sundeep struggling to figure out whether he had used Naresh or gotten used by him. But, whatever be the case, it can't be denied he had gained from it. So, what the hell!
The moment Kalpana saw the mail, she called Swami. Swami hadn't seen it yet. He was too new in India for someone else to have called to tell him about it.
'Do you think they will give you Kailash's job?'
'Don't know, Kalpana. Ideally, they should. I am the senior most guy within the system. Unless they bring in someone from outside, I should get the job.' Swami seemed confident.
Both Kalpana and Swami had expected New York International Bank to back merit and be fair. But he had not bargained for an animal called Ram Naresh who decided careers in NYB for a price.
Swami called Kailash almost immediately.
'Congratulations Kailash. This is brilliant news,' said Swami.
'Thank you, Swami. A man is only as good as his team. I am reaping the benefits of all your efforts,
which has made me look so good.' Kailash had to make the right noises.
'Kailash, have you decided on who is going to take over from you.'
'Not yet, Swami. We have been thinking of a few names.'
'Kailash, does my name figure in that list? If you recollect, I was part of the core team that started retail banking in India.' Swami was slightly embarrassed to push himself. He had never done that in the past.
'Swami, if you are lobbying for the job, I have taken note of that. But the decision has not been taken yet, and I will let you know once that's done.' Kailash was very curt. Swami was taken aback and could only mutter 'thank you' before disconnecting.
'Maybe I should not have called,' he thought to himself.
The same afternoon came a message from the outgoing CEO Rakesh Makkar to all employees of New York International Bank
Friends,
We have achieved a lot as a team over the last three years. I am proud to be part of this great and successful team. It is hence very difficult for me to leave it and move on. Change is inevitable, and the only thing about this change that makes me feel good is that I am leaving all of you in safe hands.
Kailash Advani is a great leader, a people's man. He has a history of building great teams and successful organisations in all parts of the bank that he has worked in. I wish him all the success in his new role and hope all of you will give him complete support and commitment just as you have done to me.
With Kailash's move, there will be some changes in the retail organisation. Replacing Kailash will be our very own Sundeep Srivastava, the current Head of NRI Business. Sundeep, who is currently based in London, will be relocating to India by the end of this month. Till that time Kailash will be directly running the retail business.
Pranoy Lai, currently managing the NRI business in South East Asia, will move to London to take over the NRI business from Sundeep Srivastava. Rajendran, Head of Credit, Swaminathan, Head of Distribution, Pranoy Lal, and Amit Suri, Head of Cards, will report to Sundeep in his new role.
I would like to welcome Sundeep back to India and wish him all the best as he takes charge of his new role.
Regards,
Rakesh Makkar
Swami was shocked when he saw the message. He thought he deserved the role more than Sundeep. He had no ill feelings for Sundeep, was rather happy for him. That was Swami. He would never think ill for anyone. He just had no clue why Kailash did this to him. He decided to bide his time. He had wanted this move back to India. The organisation helped him when it mattered the most. He had to demonstrate his commitment towards the organisation and so he decided not to take up this issue with Kailash. Such was Swami. He opened his laptop and typed a message.
Sundeep,
Just saw this message from Rakesh. Congratulations. It's a great move and we wish you all the best in your new assignment. We look forward to welcoming you, Natasha, and the kids back to India.
Regards,
Swami and Kalpana
51
That evening, when Akshay and Anindyo Roy went out for a drink, their gossip was dominated by Kailash, Swami, and Sundeep.
'Amazing luck that guy has.' Bhalla was referring to Sundeep.
'Yeah. But his coming back will be good for us.'
Bhalla nodded. 'Life was a bit boring with Swami around.' It was a different issue that Swami had hardly been around long enough. Swami bashing and idolising Sundeep was the flavour of the discussion.
'I was talking to Sundeep when he was here in India a few days back and he told me, with Swami coming in, the bank will now move in slow motion,' said Anindyo and both of them burst out laughing.
Two things would have been very clear to anyone hearing the discussion. One, Swami lacked acceptance in the team despite his very good intent and great intellect. And, two, Sundeep had still not forgotten or forgiven Swami for his successes over him, including the biggest one—marrying Kalpana, and had been badmouthing him at every forum.
With Sundeep coming back, Swami would have to battle his own team to work with them. It was not going to be an easy time for him and he had no inkling of what was in store for him.
52
New York
'Sundeep, you have a meeting in fifteen minutes with Tedd and Michelle,' said Louisa, walking into Sundeep's room.
Sundeep looked at her blankly. 'What's the time, Louisa?'
'Just about three-thirty. Michelle just called me to remind you about the meeting. She said that the meeting would be in the board room at three-forty-five.'
'The moment of truth has arrived,' Sundeep thought. There was little he could do. He was responsible for things reaching this state.
'Can we postpone it, Louisa? Can you check with Michelle if she can give me some more time? I am not in a proper frame of mind to meet Tedd Bridge.'
'Sure, Sundeep,' said Louisa and disappeared for about a minute.
Returning, she said, 'Sundeep, the latest they can wait is six this evening. Apparently Tedd is travelling from tomorrow for the next one week and wants to settle this issue before he goes out. Should I confirm for six?' asked Louisa and walked out as Sundeep nodded.
He had got an extension of a couple of hours. For whatever they were worth!
53
Sundeep came back to India in August 2002. For him, it was a return to home territory, the fulfillment of a dream, a victory of sorts. He had come back as the head of the business that he and Swami had started along with Aditya. That Swami was going to work for him was the icing on the cake.
A huge reception awaited him as he walked out of the Delhi airport. Akshay, Anindyo, their key team members, and Ram Naresh were at the airport to receive Sundeep and Natasha. As they stepped out of the airport, a band started playing victory beats. A red carpet led them to a waiting car. Naresh had hired a Merc to receive him. Akshay took over the luggage trolley and pushed it all the way to the car. Those guys were willing to do just about anything to get his attention. It was a reception that would befit a head of state. Sundeep was floored. His chest puffed up a few inches. He liked these things, though Natasha was a bit embarrassed. She took the kids and went directly to the hotel. On the way she saw a large hoarding on the roadside, New York International Bank welcomes Sundeep Srivastava back to India. Somehow she didn't get a good feeling.
Sundeep's parents in Delhi were very happy that they were now back in India. They could now spend more time with their grandchildren. After a few days in Delhi, Sundeep and Natasha left for Mumbai.
The first thing Natasha did on landing in Mumbai was to call Kalpana. The two hadn't met for over four years. They had remained in touch, though, despite the strong undercurrents between Sundeep and Swami. They promised to meet that evening and hung up.
Sundeep walked into the plush office in Bandra Kurla Complex. New York International Bank had inaugurated this new office only a month back. As he walked into his large four hundred square feet cabin on the third floor, a sense of déjà vu set in. He felt like he had again walked into Aditya's room the way he had done many years ago. But now it was he, Sundeep, who was the Country Head of a large retail business. He had arrived in life.
Natasha spent the first few days in Mumbai house hunting. After her stint in London, Natasha was very particular about the type of house they would be staying in. She saw over a hundred apartments before she settled on one. Sundeep had his hands full on taking over charge of the Indian retail business from Kailash. On top of that, both Sundeep and Natasha had to attend a killing number of felicitations and welcome parties. The special one, of course, was a party hosted by Aditya. Apart from Sundeep and Natasha, the only other invitees were Swami and Kalpana.
'Sundeep, you now have a job that I held several years ago. It's a big job now. The lives of a number of individuals depend on you. You have to make sure that you do everything honestly, keeping the interests of your people and your customers in mind,' Aditya had said as they left.
'Aditya, everything has changed in the
last ten years. I am sure I will be able to do a better job than you did,' said Sundeep, much to Aditya's surprise. Natasha was not amused, but she had learnt to deal with the egocentricities of a successful husband.
Sundeep indeed was a business-focused leader. He was a taskmaster, and a tough one at that. He reached out to the frontline sales directly and he dispassionately drove all businesses to ramp up the numbers. He travelled like crazy. He oozed infectious levels of energy. He would be on the road half the month. After a full day's work, he would set out at 1.00 a.m. to personally inspect all the ATMs of NYB. His approach would keep all his teams constantly on their toes. Productivity increase was only a matter of time.
He was also a lot more visible to the frontline staff as compared to say Kailash. He would review business performance directly with the business managers like Akshay, Vivek and Anindyo. Swami started getting marginalised, but didn't complain.
Sundeep wanted success at any cost. The mantra in New York International Bank became sell, sell and sell more... the customer be damned. Sundeep instructed all his sales managers to send him SMSs on his mobile phone every night, giving him details of daily sales versus targets. Anyone not meeting targeted numbers would get humped by Sundeep.
All this put tremendous pressure and stress on the frontline sales teams. Sundeep didn't imagine that he could be wrong. This was a costly mistake. The sales teams now wanted to do their numbers at any cost. It became acceptable to make wrong commitments to the customer as long as you closed a sale. The evening SMS was sacrosanct. You couldn't miss your target. Deals had to be done, by hook or by crook. Swami was totally against such an approach. But he was no match for Sundeep's aggression.
While Sundeep pushed people a lot, he would also celebrate success in a big way. The parties and celebrations that were in vogue when Suneel Dutt was around made a reappearance. But now, Naresh would organise the parties. And he made his secretaries an essential ingredient of the fun on offer. Sundeep's parties would start at 11.00 p.m. and go on throughout the night. He would be the last to leave the party in the wee hours of the morning.
If God Was A Banker Page 13
