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Cordelia Cruises commends PM Modi’s vision for Tamil Nadu’s development
Mumbai: Cordelia Cruises, a premium cruise line, commends the significant strides made in Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure and maritime sector, as highlighted by PM Narendra Modi during the inauguration ceremony of various developmental projects.
Under the visionary leadership of the PM and the unwavering support of the union minister of ports, shipping & waterways, and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, Cordelia Cruises is set to enhance India’s position on the global cruising map. Minister Sonowal’s strategic vision for cruise tourism has paved the way for monumental growth in the sector, emphasizing infrastructure upgrades, fee rationalisation, and improved passenger facilities. Cordelia Cruises is proud to be the pioneer of this transformative journey, further catalyzing Tamil Nadu’s progress with its expansion plans in cruise tourism.
Since 2021, Cordelia Cruises has welcomed 450,000 guests and successfully operated sailings from Mumbai, Kochi, and Goa to Lakshadweep, Chennai to Visakhapatnam, and Chennai to Sri Lanka. This year, the company is set to introduce Puducherry into its list of domestic destinations from Chennai, responding to the high demand for this route. Cordelia Cruises is committed to providing its guests with memorable experiences, showcasing the stunning coastal scenery of Tamil Nadu and beyond.
“At Cordelia Cruises, we are enthused to witness the significant progress and strategic vision PM Modi has unveiled for Tamil Nadu’s development. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Centre government and the ministry of ports, shipping & Waterways for their proactive efforts in advancing cruise tourism in India. We are committed to contributing to the realization of PM Modi’s Vision 2047 for waterways and cruise tourism. Dedicated to offering exceptional value to our passengers, creating job opportunities, and promoting sustainable tourism practices, we aim to propel India towards becoming a leading cruise destination by 2047.” Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, Cordelia Cruises president and CEO Jurgen Bailom.
The launch of the first international cruise to Sri Lanka from Chennai last year and adding domestic cruises again this year marks a new era for the industry, showcasing Tamil Nadu’s potential as a burgeoning cruise destination. Cordelia Cruises is confident that its initiatives will not only bolster tourism but also create significant economic opportunities for the region.
Cordelia Cruises expresses gratitude for the support and proactive initiatives of the Tamil Nadu government, which have paved the way for its expansion and success. The company remains dedicated to providing unparalleled experiences to its guests while contributing to the socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu.
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YES Bank hands the keys to SBI veteran Vinay Tonse as it bets on a new era
Former SBI managing director appointed as YES Bank’s new MD and CEO
MUMBAI: YES Bank is done rebuilding. Now it wants to grow. The private sector lender has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as managing director and chief executive officer-designate, with RBI approval secured and a start date of April 6, 2026 confirmed. The three-year term signals the bank’s intent to shift gears from crisis recovery to full-throttle expansion.
Tonse, 60, is no stranger to scale. Most recently managing director at State Bank of India, he oversaw a retail book of roughly $800bn in deposits and advances, one of the largest in the country. Before that, he ran SBI Mutual Fund from August 2020 to December 2022, a stint that saw assets under management surge from Rs 4.32 lakh crore to Rs 7.32 lakh crore across market cycles. Add stints in Singapore and four years leading SBI’s overseas operations in Osaka, and the incoming chief arrives with a genuinely global CV.
His academic grounding is equally solid: a commerce degree from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master’s in commerce from Bangalore University.
The appointment follows an extensive search and evaluation process by the bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee. NRC chairperson Nandita Gurjar said the committee unanimously backed Tonse, citing his leadership track record, governance credentials and ability to drive the bank’s next phase of transformation.
Non-executive chairman Rama Subramaniam Gandhi was unequivocal. “I am certain that Vinay Tonse, with his vast experience as a senior banker, will propel YES Bank to its next phase of growth,” Gandhi said, adding that the bank remains focused on strengthening its retail and corporate banking franchises and expanding its branch network.
Rajeev Kannan, non-executive director and senior executive at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the bank’s largest shareholder, said Tonse’s experience across retail, corporate banking, global markets and asset management positioned him well to lead the lender. SMBC said it looks forward to working with Tonse and the board as YES Bank pursues its ambition of becoming a top-tier private sector lender anchored in strong governance and sustainable growth.
Tonse succeeds Prashant Kumar, who took the helm in March 2020 when YES Bank was in freefall following a severe financial crisis, and spent six years painstakingly stabilising the institution, rebuilding governance and restoring operational scale. Gandhi was generous: “The bank remains indebted to Prashant Kumar, who is responsible for much of what a strong financial powerhouse YES Bank is today.”
Tonse, for his part, struck a purposeful note. “Together with the board and my colleagues, I remain deeply committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” he said, pledging to build on Kumar’s foundation guided by his personal motto: Make A Difference.
Beyond the balance sheet, Tonse played cricket at college and club level and represented Karnataka in archery at the national championships — sports he credits with teaching him teamwork, situational leadership, discipline and focus. In quieter moments, he reaches for retro Kannada music, classic Hindi songs, and the crooning of Engelbert Humperdinck, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
YES Bank has its steady-handed rebuilder in Kumar to thank for survival. Now it has a scale-obsessed growth banker at the wheel. The next chapter starts April 6.
