ITC chairman Y C Deveshwar passes away at 72 after a brief illness

Noted industry leader and ITC Chairman YC Deveshwar, who transformed the cigarette major into a diversified player with interests in FMCG, hospitality, IT and other sectors, passed away Saturday morning after a brief illness.

Deveshwar (72), who stepped down from executive role as chairman and CEO in 2017 but remained as a non-executive chairman, breathed his last at a private hospital in Gurugram.

"We deeply mourn the passing away of Y C Deveshwar, Chairman ITC," ITC Managing Director Sanjiv Puri said in a statement.

Deveshwar passionately championed the cause for sustainable and inclusive growth and the transformative role businesses could play in creating