BY STAFF REPORTER, TORONTO: Key leaders from the South Asian Canadian community gathered to celebrate their success stories and provided leading insights into the ingredients for success. The event at the Holiday Inn in Mississauga was organized by Jai Kalra, creator and Host of the Stories of Success, Kahaniyan Kaamyabi Ki, and a renowned actor from Indian Film and Television Industry best known for playing the role of Vikram Shergill in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, and had several of the leaders in attendance.
As a risk taker, Pavi Binning, president of Wittington Investments, holding company of Weston Group that owns Loblaws, Shoppers Drugmart, No Frills, PC Financials and Holt Renfrew,began his career in the UK, after which he moved to Canada where he began to make his mark. He quoted the strong foundation of good governance principles as well as other significant keys to success
“Integrity and respect for individuals forms a very important base in an organization that has over 200k employees,” he said. “Family values and the importance of talent management have helped to develop and grow employees.”
“Whatever we have achieved it is important to share that with the next generation. There is no definite formula for success. However there are several key factors including hard work, putting in that extra degree of effort, surrounding yourself with the right people and sacrifices made along the way,” said Steve Gupta, President & CEO, Easton’s Group of Hotels and The Gupta Group, who is being profiled in the upcoming series.
These leaders will be part of a 14 episode Television Series on SONY Pictures International’s South Asian Hindi Channel, ATN-SONY. The one hour episode on these leaders will be broadcast at Primetime on Sundays at 6 PM with repeat broadcast on Primetime Saturdays at 6 PM on ATN-SONY beginning November 2018.
ABOUT THE LEADERS:
Mr. Steve Gupta, President & CEO, Easton’s Group of Hotels and The Gupta Group. Easton’s Group of Hotels operates 29 hotels in GTA under the flagship chains of hotels such as Holiday Inn, Marriott, Westin and many more.
Mr. Pavi Binning, President, Wittington Investments which is the holding company of Weston Family that own high street brands such as Loblaws, Shoppers Drugmart, No Frills, Holt Renfrew and many more
Mr. Carl Rodrigues, Founder, President & CEO, SOTI Inc., an IT company based out of Mississauga with global operations in more than 100 countries
Mr. Ali Kizilbash, Founder, President, TWI Foods, owns the famous Crispy Brand. It is a front runner in ethnic markets with its product lines of Crispy Naan Breads, Cake Rusks, Flatbreads, cookies and many more. They have won many recognition including one of the best export companies of Ontario
Mr. Raj Kothari, Vice-Chair PwC Canada is one of the first partners of South Asian origins on Bay Street. In an illustrious career, Raj is the Vice Chair of PwC Canada and sits on prestigious boards likes Aga Khan Foundation, Toronto General and Western Hospital and many more
Ms. Adrienne Batra, Editor in Chief, Toronto Sun
Ms. Lata Pada, Recipient of Order of Canada for her contribution to Indian Classical Dance. She was also awarded the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman, an honor given to Oversees Citizens of India
Mr. Raman Dua, President & Founder of Savemax – Savemax is one o the leading real estate brokerages in Mississauga and Brampton area with sales of over $2 billion since their inception 9 years ago.
Gaurav Upadhya, Chief Actuary, Forestors Financials
Rahul Bhardwaj, CEO & President, Institute of Corporate Director, Canada and ex-CEO of Toronto Foundation
Surjit Babra, CEO & Founder, Skylink Capital Corp.
Dr. Y. Raja Rampersaud, MD, FRCS(C), Spine Surgeon and Professor, University of Toronto, Divisions of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery.