Journey with no fixed agendas turns out to be fun: Puma's Rajiv Mehta

PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sport Lifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. Rajiv Mehta equipped with a double Masters’ in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and in Business Management from the prestigious INSEAD, Singapore took on the mantle to head PUMA in India in the year 2005. Today, he is the Managing Director, PUMA South Asia whose contribution is recognized as instrumental in establishing PUMA as the creative leader of Sport Lifestyle in the country. Today, the company has a brand presence across more than 60 cities in India with a retail presence of over 200 stores. With over 11 years of work experience, Rajiv’s first role was Chief Process Engineer in BOC, New Jersey where he was responsible for driving research, design and development.

Being a professional in his domain Rajiv has an adventurous side to him too as he is a sports enthusiast and a P2 certified level certified pilot for paragliding. Water sports, particularly white water rafting, bungee jumping and skydiving are amongst his adventure sports passions.

Fox Traveller Diaries caught up with Rajiv Mehta to know more about his adventurous side and how he makes the most of his holidays. Following are the excerpts of the conversation:

Fox Traveller Diaries (FTD):  If there is one place you can keep going back to for a holiday, where would it be?

Rajiv Mehta (RM): I love going to Capetown, SA

FTD: Tell us three good things about travelling.

RM: One is that there is no one to disturb you, second is you get to experience new culture, people and food which is interesting and I think third is that you completely unwind yourself, relax and come back.

FTD:  When you travel, what is a must carry for you?

RM: My running shoes.

FTD: When and where did your best holiday happen?

RM: It was my honeymoon with my wife in New Zealand, the ideal blend of nature, adventure sports and the fact that we were there together.

FTD: As a traveller, what’s your tip for the others?

RM: Carry an open mind and a big heart to embrace everything that comes your way.

FTD:  A colleague/co-worker from your industry with whom you would like to go on a holiday.

RM: I would like to go with Adidas CEO, as we share similar passions.

FTD: Have you ever been surprised by the taste of food, outside India? Where?

RM: I think in Capetown where I tried Ostrich and different kind of meat. It was not surprising but the opportunity that I got fascinated me.

FTD: What and where has been your best bazaar bargain so far?

RM: I picked up one GUCCI bag, which is nice and has a vintage look. The person selling it had no idea that the bag was original and not a fake and  I too realized  later that in that cost I had bought an original GUCCI.

FTD: Which has been the most unique destination that you have ever visited?

RM: Turkey, as the place has loads of culture and heritage and is yet very modern.

FTD: Tell us how you have managed to make a journey fun.

RM: I never plan my journey, I rent a car when I travel and don't have any fixed agenda.

FTD: A gourmet gaffe that you would like to share.

RM: None.

FTD:  What has been your worst travel moment? Why?

RM: I went to US to meet my brother and I lost my luggage
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FTD: What is the best souvenir you have ever bought for anyone?

RM: The  GUCCI bag which was not expected. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed are purely in the personal capacity of Rajiv Mehta as a travel buff and has no bearing and/or correlation with his official role; Images, courtesy: Rajiv Mehta