Remembering Tino Puri: A legacy that lives on in people

I first met Anupam “Tino” Puri in 1992. He had come to deliver McKinsey’s pre-placement talk at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. Back then, few of us had heard of management consulting, and McKinsey was almost entirely unknown to us. But by the time he finished speaking, everyone in the room was captivated. Tino spoke with clarity and calm assurance. His words didn’t oversell; they resonated. That hour opened my eyes to a new path – and gave me my first glimpse of the kind of leader I hoped to one day become.

Tino had that kind of presence. His conviction and thoughtfulness created their own quiet gravity. Over the years, I saw that same effect on clients, colleagues, and young professionals – many of whom were inspired by him long before they met him.

This past weekend, we lost Tino. And in the days since, I’ve heard from people across generations and geographies sharing how he shaped their lives. The stories have been filled with admiration, but also affection. Tino left a deep mark – not only through the work he did, but through the care he showed.

He was among the earliest Indian hires at McKinsey, and in 1992, he returned to India to establish the firm’s presence here. He believed that Indian talent could deliver global-standard work from within the country, and he acted on that belief. He assembled a small group of professionals and laid the foundation for what would become one of McKinsey’s most dynamic offices globally.

Tino played a central role in shaping how management consulting took root in India. But his greatest influence extended far beyond building an office. It was felt most deeply in the people he mentored and the values he lived by.

In my own journey, two memories stand out.

The first was during a project where we found ourselves debating a piece of analysis. It was just the two of us in the room – he, the senior-most; I, the most junior. Yet there was no sense of hierarchy as we debated. He listened carefully, challenged my thinking, and made it clear that what mattered most was the strength of the idea, not the seniority of the person voicing it. That moment showed me McKinsey’s core value of the “obligation to dissent” in action. It shaped how I understood leadership, and how I try to show up for others.

The second memory came after a much harder moment. I had delivered a presentation to the chairman of a large Indian conglomerate, and it didn’t go well. I left the room convinced I had failed and that my time at McKinsey might be short-lived. That weekend, Tino called. Not to tell me off, as I’d expected, but simply to check in. He reminded me that setbacks are part of every journey, and offered the kind of reassurance that made me feel seen and supported at exactly the right time. His encouragement gave me the confidence to move forward, and I never forgot how much that call meant to me.

Tino brought a quiet consistency to everything he did – his work, his relationships, and the way he carried himself. He had an unshakable moral compass, and his personal integrity guided every decision. He held high expectations but never made people feel diminished. He asked tough questions, yet welcomed alternative points of view. That combination of discipline and kindness made everyone around him better.

Clients respected him for his insight, and they trusted him for his judgment. He focused on what mattered most – building enduring relationships, solving real problems, and helping others grow in the process. In every interaction, he was fully present, deeply curious, and remarkably thoughtful. People left conversations with him feeling steadier, more centered – often clearer about what they needed to do next.

Even after retiring from McKinsey, Tino remained deeply engaged in Indian business and public life. He served on the boards of respected companies, advised leaders during periods of transition, and continued to mentor people quietly and generously. Through it all, his values never wavered.

Tino shaped a generation of leaders who now shape others in turn. What he built was never confined to a single firm or role. It lives on in the standards we uphold, the choices we make, and the people we invest in.

To his beloved wife, Rajika “Pin” Puri, and to all those who knew and loved him, we offer our heartfelt condolences. Tino’s legacy continues in the lives he touched, the culture he helped create, and the principles he modeled.

Tino, thank you for showing us what character looks like in practice. Your impact endures – in the people you believed in and the example you set for all of us.

Gautam Kumra is senior partner and chairman of McKinsey Asia (ex-China)