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Tag: Nishant Pitti

  • Easy Trip Planners makes changes at the top

    Easy Trip Planners makes changes at the top

    MUMBAI: Ease My Trip has announced a sweeping boardroom reshuffle. The online travel agency’s board, meeting on 29 August, cleared the elevation of Nishant Pitti from whole time director to chairman-cum-managing director for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval. Nishant, who co-founded the company, will now steer the business with expanded authority as it eyes growth in a competitive market.

    Alongside, the board appointed Vikas Bansal as whole time director, also for five years, signalling a fresh push to strengthen management bandwidth. Bansal’s induction marks a key addition to the leadership bench as the company looks to broaden its strategic play beyond flight and hotel bookings.

    The shuffle also saw a notable exit. Prashant Pitti, another co-founder, resigned as managing director with immediate effect. His departure trims the Pitti family’s active leadership presence, leaving Nishant firmly at the helm.

    The moves, cleared under SEBI’s listing norms, underline a generational shift in Ease My Trip’s governance and a sharper delineation of roles at a time when India’s online travel sector is recovering momentum post-pandemic and intensifying its battle for market share.

  • EaseMyTrip 2.0: Nishant Pitti plots a first-class upgrade for Indian startups

    EaseMyTrip 2.0: Nishant Pitti plots a first-class upgrade for Indian startups

    MUMBAI: Buckle up—EaseMyTrip is switching lanes. Chairman and founder Nishant Pitti has just rolled out EaseMyTrip 2.0, a turbocharged phase of growth where the travel-tech player won’t just book your holiday—it may just bankroll your next big startup.

    Announced on 2 June, the move marks a bold pivot for one of India’s most profitable online travel agencies. Rather than gunning for control or swift exits, the brand’s new strategy will focus on acquiring up to 49 per cent equity in promising businesses while letting founders retain full operational control. The model? Think co-pilot, not cockpit hijack.

    “We want to back founders who are building exciting businesses and not replace them,” said
    Nishant Pitti. “EaseMyTrip 2.0 is about combining their vision with our platform to create real, lasting scale.”

    The sectors in Pitti’s sights are as wide-ranging as a world map—from core travel segments like spiritual tourism (Ayodhya, Kedarnath, Varanasi), luxury escapes, and student travel to the more offbeat like air ambulances and intercity cabs. But there’s also a pivot to lifestyle. Wellness clinics, spa services, EMI travel payments, insurance, airport lounges and bespoke gifting are all part of the wishlist.

    This is not angel investing in yoga pants. EaseMyTrip 2.0 aims to fuse scale with soul. Founders can expect working capital, access to customers, co-branded marketing, and full freedom to operate—without ceding their vision.

    Entrepreneurs looking to hop aboard this flight can submit business plans, past financials and a three-year growth roadmap to vikash.goyal@easemytrip.com.

    Founded in 2008, EaseMyTrip has managed to do the unthinkable in the OTA space—stay bootstrapped, profitable, and pandemic-resistant. With a 47 per cent CAGR in pre-tax profits (FY20–24), a zero-convenience-fee model, and presence in 10 global markets, the company is now ready to scale new altitudes. And this time, it wants fellow fliers.

    As Pitti put it, ““We’re building an ecosystem; not just a travel company. “EaseMyTrip 2.0 is our commitment to helping India’s most promising businesses scale faster and with our expertise behind them.”

    Let the startups take off.

  • Bravo and Pollard hit replay as Legends League brings back Windies fire

    Bravo and Pollard hit replay as Legends League brings back Windies fire

    MUMBAI: The World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 2 is set to serve fans a full toss of nostalgia and firepower, with West Indies stalwarts Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard leading the charge. The dynamic duo will don the maroon once again, this time for the West Indies Champions, a franchise that blends national pride with T20 pizzazz.

    Bravo, whose last international outing was in 2021, isn’t just making a casual comeback. “Last time I left cricket, my body wasn’t prepared for what it could handle,” he shared. “Now it’s imperative that with my full attention on returning to T20 cricket, I stay committed and I perform well.”

    Sharing on the excitement of taking the field with Kieron Pollard in the World Championship of Legends second season Dwayne adds, “Me and Kieron have a partnership way before we started playing franchise cricket. The only experience that we are going to share now is that we are going to be representing our nation again which is also our franchise for participation in the World Championship of Legends.”

    At 40-plus, Bravo still holds the swagger of a T20 pioneer boasting a mind-boggling 631 wickets from 582 matches. He redefined death bowling and left an indelible mark on franchise cricket globally. Now, he’s out to prove that class, like a good calypso beat, never fades.

    Joining him is longtime teammate and fellow West Indian legend Kieron Pollard, whose credentials are equally stellar 600 plus appearances and 11,000 runs in T20s, along with leading West Indies’ white-ball sides between 2019 and 2022.

    Kieron Pollard also shares happiness on Bravo’s comeback for the World Championship of Legends season, he shares, “Hearing Dwayne coming back to play melts my heart. Dwayne is a true champion and the kind of cricketing career he had once, one can never argue that he has had it well and he has given back to cricket a lot.”

    West Indies Champions owner Ajay Sethi who also acquired the franchise back in 2024 shared, “It is like reliving history in all its glory. Having Bravo and Pollard return to play T20 cricket is like bringing old friendship that defined West Indies’ golden era. To see them represent their own nation again in T20 is a moment that can never be forgotten.

    World Championship of Legends founder & CEO Harshit Tomar commented on the significance of their inclusion: “The addition of Bravo and Pollard to the West Indies Legends squad marks a significant turning point for the championship’s second season. They will raise the tournament’s profile with their all rounder skills and captivating demeanor on and off the field.”

    Easemytrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti expressed his excitement about the announcement: “We are excited to welcome Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo to the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends. Fans will surely swarm the stands due to their immense star power.”

    The event, approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board, isn’t just another friendly fixture, it’s the only official T20 tournament for retired pros, and it’s taken the nostalgia market by storm. Held in England, cricket’s spiritual home, the six-franchise format pits greats from South Africa, Australia, India, Pakistan, England, and the West Indies in a format that mixes sentiment with serious skill.

    The second season of the World Championship of Legends promises high-octane action, high-stakes nostalgia, and a reminder that legends never truly retire, they just take longer warm-ups.

  • Alastair Cook returns to the crease for Easemytrip WCL glory

    Alastair Cook returns to the crease for Easemytrip WCL glory

    MUMBAI: Sir Alastair Cook is dusting off his cricket whites and stepping back onto the pitch, marking a historic return to competitive cricket. The legendary English batsman will join the England Champions squad for the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, set to take place at Edgbaston this July.

    Cook, who retired from international cricket in 2018 as England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, will reunite with his former teammate and captain Eoin Morgan, who is set to lead the England Champions in the highly anticipated tournament.

    Alastair Cook said, “It is great to be back playing for my country. I am really looking forward to being back on the field with Eoin and the other guys. The EaseMyTrip World Championship of Legends is providing the chance to be back involved with cricket at its best. I can’t wait!”
    Easemytrip WCL founder and CEO Harshit Tomar said, “Having a player of Sir Alastair Cook’s caliber join the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends will be a tremendous boost for the tournament. His legendary status will undoubtedly elevate the competition and bring immense value to the England Champions team.”

    “Sir Cook’s decision to return to cricket through the Easemytrip WCL platform demonstrates the tournament’s growing prestige and appeal to cricket icons worldwide,” Harshit Tomar added.

    England Champions owner Praveen Sharma said, “This is more than just a team announcement, it’s history in motion. With Cook and Morgan at the helm, England Champions is ready to take the Easemytrip WCL by storm.”

    Captain Eoin Morgan welcomed Cook saying, “Having Alastair back is not just about cricket, it’s about camaraderie, history, and creating new memories. We’re not just playing the game, we’re honoring it.”

    Easemytrip chairman and founder and Easemytrip WCL chief patron Nishant Pitti said, “We are thrilled to witness the return of Sir Alastair Cook to international cricket through the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends. His participation, alongside other cricket icons, perfectly aligns with our vision of supporting world-class sporting events that bring joy to millions of fans globally.”

    Cook’s career record speaks for itself, 161 Test matches, 12,472 runs at an average of 45.35, and 33 centuries, securing his place among the game’s greats. His return to competitive cricket is set to be a spectacle, reigniting old rivalries and bringing back the elegance of his batting to the global stage.

    As the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends gears up for its July showdown, Cook’s comeback ensures that this tournament will be more than just a nostalgic trip, it will be a thrilling contest of cricketing giants reliving their glory days.

  • EaseMyTrip takes flight with charter deal

    EaseMyTrip takes flight with charter deal

    MUMBAI: EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s leading online travel platforms, is spreading its wings. The board has given in-principle approval to acquire a 49 per cent stake in Big Charter, a key player in India’s charter aviation sector.

    This sky-high ambition marks EaseMyTrip’s first major foray into the rapidly expanding charter and non-scheduled aviation market, enabling the company to offer more bespoke, premium and flexible air travel options.

    India’s charter aviation industry, currently valued at approximately $650.5 million, is projected to soar to $1.14 billion by 2033. This growth is expected to be fuelled by increasing demand for regional connectivity, corporate travel and private flying. Globally, the sector is experiencing exceptional turbulence—the good kind—with projections indicating a market value exceeding $33 billion by 2033.

    The proposed acquisition strengthens EaseMyTrip’s position as a comprehensive travel provider, enabling the company to capitalize on high-margin segments. As corporate clients, high-net-worth individuals and event travellers increasingly charter their own course through the skies, EaseMyTrip is positioning itself to cash in on the trend.

    By integrating its cutting-edge technology into Big Charter’s existing operations, the company aims to make the booking process smoother than a first-class landing.

    Big Charter has established itself as a leader in regional connectivity, serving clients across India. In FY 2023-24, the company generated Rs 128.75 crore (approximately $15.5 million) in revenue, with significant growth potential as demand for regional and charter services continues to climb.

    EaseMyTrip  chairman & founder Nishant Pitti said: “This partnership is a crucial step toward making charter air travel more accessible across India. By combining EaseMyTrip’s cutting-edge technology with Big Charter’s established expertise, we are poised to revolutionise the way air travel is experienced. The integration of their non-scheduled operator permit (NSOP) operations will allow us to cater to a wider range of premium customers, further solidifying our commitment to driving the growth of India’s charter aviation market.”

    Big Charter director Sanjay Mandavia is equally pleased about the deal. “Partnering with EaseMyTrip marks a transformative moment for us. Leveraging EaseMyTrip’s technological expertise and vast customer base will accelerate our growth, expand our reach, and enhance the efficiency of our services,” he notes. “Together, we are positioned to offer a more accessible and seamless travel experience, strengthening our mission to provide affordable, reliable, and high-quality travel options across India.”

    With this strategic acquisition, EaseMyTrip is set to become a formidable player in the Indian charter aviation market, offering an expansive suite of travel services. This move not only positions the company for long-term growth but also contributes to bringing accessible and flexible air travel options to more people across the country—ensuring that the sky is certainly not the limit.

  • EaseMyTrip chairman & CEO Nishant Pitti departs; replaced by co-founder Rikant Pittie

    EaseMyTrip chairman & CEO Nishant Pitti departs; replaced by co-founder Rikant Pittie

    MUMBAI:  The transition has been rather smooth and easy, though we don’t know much about about the parting. Traveltech platform EaseMyTrip on New Year’s day announced that its  its chairman & chief executive officer Nishant Pitti had said ta-ta to the company on 31 December, citing personal reasons.  Media reports said that Nishant  offloaded 1.4 per cent of his stake in Easy Trip Planners – the listed parent – in  the open market for Rs 78 crore before departing. 

    The board met this morning and decided on the appointment of co-founder Rikant Pittie as his replacement for the chairman &  co-founder’s  position. In his new role, Rikant will lead the company’s strategic initiatives, drive innovation, and enhance customer experiences to further strengthen EaseMyTrip’s position in the industry. 

    What led to Nishant’s departure is not known, but a company press release emphasised on more than one occasion about Rikant’s ability to lead easemytrip going forward. 

    Rikant Pittie co-founded EaseMyTrip in 2008  with his brothers Nishant and Prashant Pitti.  With over 16 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, he has a deep understanding of market trends and customer needs. Under his leadership, EaseMyTrip has achieved significant growth, reflecting its commitment to a customer-first approach.  

    “The travel industry is at a transformative juncture where technology and personalisation are redefining how people explore the world. At EaseMyTrip, our mission goes beyond simply offering an enhanced travel experience,” said Rikant, in the release.  “It is about setting new benchmarks. We are dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that empower travellers globally. I am both honoured and thrilled to take on this role and look forward to continuing the company’s journey.” 

    Rikant has also been recognised for his exceptional contributions to the business landscape, having won the prestigious Fortune India 40 Under 40 and Entrepreneur India’s entrepreneurship of the year in service business – travel category. Notably, Rikant  is also the vice-chairman of the CII Delhi State Council for 2024-2025. Among his recent achievements, Rikant has been named among IDFC First Private & Hurun India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennium 2024, a testament to his relentless drive and entrepreneurial excellence. He was also honored with the ET Inspiring Leaders Award North 2024 for his exemplary leadership and innovation. 

  • EaseMyTrip named official travel partner for IIFA 2024

    EaseMyTrip named official travel partner for IIFA 2024

    Mumbai: EaseMyTrip.com is the ‘official travel partner’ for the prestigious IIFA Festival 2024. Through this association, EaseMyTrip extends an opportunity to its customers to attend the much-anticipated star-studded event in the Indian entertainment industry. As part of this association, EaseMyTrip is offering specially curated holiday packages at special prices. These packages provide not only the perfect getaway but also a chance to be part of the star-studded IIFA festivities. A few lucky customers will get a golden opportunity to attend the event with a IIFA pass, adding an extra dash of excitement to their journey.

    EaseMyTrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti said, “EaseMyTrip is excited to be the official travel partner for the world’s grandest celebration at the IIFA Awards. This year, the celebrations promise to be bigger and more spectacular than ever. As a part of our association, we’ve curated IIFA specific holiday packages for our customers and a chance for few lucky winners to win and attend the event. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to making travel for the event and beyond both effortless and unforgettable for all.”

    IIFA founder and director Andre Timmins stated, “As we approach IIFA’s Silver Jubilee in 2025, we’re thrilled to announce the biggest and most spectacular IIFA Festival yet, set for 27-29 September at Yas Island. This year’s IIFA will be a celebration of unprecedented scale, transcending cinematic boundaries with the convergence of Hindi Cinema and South Indian cinema, set against Yas Island’s unmatched hospitality and breath-taking backdrop as a premier international destination.”

    He added, “Expect mesmerising performances and cultural extravaganzas during the three-day celebration that will not only captivate audiences worldwide but also make a profound global impact. A true testament to the unparalleled appeal of Yas Island, IIFA 2024 festival will foster meaningful connections, offer unique networking opportunities, and celebrate the visionaries who have shaped the global entertainment landscape, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey to 2025.”

    Marking 24 years, IIFA 2024 will unite Indian cinema’s finest across five key industries. This three-day event, from 27 to 29 September 2024, at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, will highlight the diversity of Indian cinema. It will feature the IIFA Utsavam Awards, celebrating South Indian cinema, on Friday, 27 September, followed by the IIFA Awards on Saturday, 28 September, and conclude with IIFA Rocks on Sunday, 29 September. The 24th IIFA edition will showcase Hindi and South Indian cinema, OTT platforms, global stars, international dignitaries, and media, making it the biggest IIFA Festival to date.

  • EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti withdraws personal bid from GoAir acquisition process

    EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti withdraws personal bid from GoAir acquisition process

    Mumbai: In a strategic move reflecting a keen focus on long-term vision and growth objectives, EaseMyTrip founder & CEO Nishant Pitti has announced the withdrawal of his personal bid from the GoAir

    With this development, EaseMyTrip reaffirms its steadfast commitment to pioneering innovation and growth within the travel industry.

  • World Championship of Legends announces EaseMyTrip as its presenting partner

    World Championship of Legends announces EaseMyTrip as its presenting partner

    Mumbai: EaseMyTrip, an online travel platforms, has announced its partnership as the presenting partner of the prestigious World Championship of Legends (WCL). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the world of sports and entertainment, uniting two influential entities to enhance the cricketing experience for fans worldwide.

    The World Championship of Legends is known for its outstanding contributions to cricket, and with EaseMyTrip as its presenting partner, the league is poised for further global recognition and engagement.

    EaseMyTrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti shared his thoughts about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to serve as the presenting partner of the World Championship of Legends. This partnership underscores our unwavering dedication to championing sporting excellence and curating unforgettable experiences for cricket enthusiasts around the globe.”

    Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who has also invested in the World Championship of Legends, expressed his support, saying, “I welcome EaseMyTrip as the main presenters of the World Championship of Legends and am happy that we are on a path of creating new entertaining moments with our legendary cricketing heroes.”

    Harshit Tomar, the visionary founder and CEO of the World Championship of Legends, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “EaseMyTrip is the second-largest travel company in India and from cricket to tennis to kabaddi, EaseMyTrip has been associated with numerous sports leagues. I am confident that with EaseMyTrip on board, WCL will significantly strengthen”

    Suresh Raina, a cricketing icon and valued member of the World Championship of Legends, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled to join India Champions in WCL! With EaseMyTrip as the powered by sponsors, the foundation of WCL is stronger than ever. Can’t wait to get back on the field alongside other cricketing legends and compete at Edgbaston. See you all there!”

    Harbhajan Singh, another revered figure in cricket, echoed Raina’s sentiment, saying, “I am excited to join Indian Champions in WCL. Things are going in perfect direction , Getting ECB approval, huge response for ticket sales and now getting respected brands as sponsors. It strengthens the structure of WCL.”

    The World Championship of Legends kicks off on the 3 July at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, UK. Six teams will be vying for glory, including India Champions, Australia Champions, Pakistan Champions, England Champions, South Africa Champions, and West Indies Champions.

    Legendary players such as Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, Brett Lee, Ian Bell, and Daren Sammy will grace the field, adding to the excitement and prestige of the tournament.

    With EaseMyTrip as the presenting partner and the shared excitement of cricketing legends and investors, the World Championship of Legends is set to captivate audiences and solidify its position as a premier cricketing event.
     

  • EaseMyTrip acquires ETrav Tech Ltd

    EaseMyTrip acquires ETrav Tech Ltd

    Mumbai: EaseMyTrip.com, an online travel tech platforms, has announced making a strategic investment in ETrav Tech Ltd consisting of 4.94 per cent (post allotment) paid-up equity share capital of ETrav Tech Ltd. As a part of the brand’s expansion strategy to diversify its portfolio, the acquisition translated as a cash deal.

    ETrav Tech Ltd offers a diverse array of travel-related services, ranging from Flight API, and holiday packages to Hotel API, white label, Bus API, and visa applications. The primary objective of this strategic investment is to acquire a minority interest and strengthen EaseMyTrip’s B2B segment offerings, catering to the diverse requirements of its corporate clients.  

    EaseMyTrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti said, “We are aiming at diversifying our portfolio in the non-air segments. After investing in hotels, we now intend to enhance our services for our corporate clientele, and investment with ETrav Tech Ltd will be pivotal in the same. Leveraging their tech capabilities and expertise in dealing with B2B clients, we are confident to service our corporate clients better with improved offerings. Strategic decisions like these mark a milestone in our journey and fortify our commitment to providing seamless travel experiences for our customers, backed by innovation and technology.”    

    Etrav Tech Ltd MD Henil Ruparelia responded, “We are delighted to collaborate with EaseMyTrip, a prominent player in the travel industry. Their strategic focus on diversifying into non-air segments aligns perfectly with our vision for expansion and innovation. By combining EaseMyTrip’s investment with our tech capabilities and B2B expertise, we aim to deliver unparalleled services to corporate clients. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing seamless travel experiences, driven by technology and customer-centricity. We believe that our combined strengths will enable us to create value-added solutions for corporate travelers, further solidifying our position in the market. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and look forward to achieving mutual success and growth.”