Business leader Nikhil Nanda has made it clear that family legacy alone will not determine his daughter Navya Naveli Nanda’s future at Escorts Kubota. According to him, any role within the company must be earned through capability, contribution, and performance rather than inherited through a famous surname.
Speaking about succession and leadership, Nanda stressed that Escorts Kubota operates as a publicly listed company where governance standards and accountability are closely scrutinized.
He noted that while family members may represent shareholder interests in the future, operational responsibilities can only come through merit.
Nanda shared that Navya has shown a growing interest in the business and has been actively learning about the company’s operations.
A graduate of IIM Ahmedabad, she has also gained corporate experience through her previous association with Meta. He believes her exposure to technology and digital ecosystems could prove valuable as businesses increasingly embrace digital transformation.
However, Nanda emphasized that he does not intend to define a career path for his daughter. Instead, he wants her to create her own identity and demonstrate how she can add value to the organization.
Any leadership opportunity, he said, will depend on the impact she is able to make.
Drawing a comparison with his son Agastya Nanda, who has chosen a career in the entertainment industry, Nikhil said both his children are free to pursue their individual interests.
He added that he has never believed in imposing professional ambitions on them and prefers that they follow the paths they genuinely enjoy.
The industrialist also reflected on the meaning of legacy, explaining that a respected family name can create opportunities but cannot guarantee success. In his view, lasting recognition comes from one’s actions, integrity, and contributions rather than lineage alone.
