The travel industry is remembering Navin Sawhney.
Sawhney, who most recently served as Ponant's CEO, passed away at the age of 69, on 23MAY, after a six-year battle with cancer.
Born in 1954 in New Delhi, India, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1978 as an exchange student to attend the University of Bridgeport's MBA program after completing his LL.B. in Corporate Law from Delhi University. He lived with several local host families in Stratford and Fairfield, CT, before moving to Queens, NY, for work and eventually became a U.S. citizen in 1989.
His 40+ year career in travel and cruise began at Holland America Cruise Line, where he met his wife, Suzanne Koeln Sawhney, while serving as marketing planning manager.
He then ascended to the position of SVP of Sales and Marketing at Cunard Cruise Line, where he led global marketing initiatives for over 13 years.
Sawhney joined Tauck World Discovery as SVP of Sales and Marketing in 2006.
In 2014, he brought his international expertise to Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions, serving as CEO of Americas.
His legacy as "a pillar of wisdom, strength, and generosity," coupled with his clever quips and "charismatic way," will live on in the stories of his trips abroad, as lovingly shared by those who shared his journey.
"I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Navin Sawhney for almost 40 years, first meeting him at Cunard Line in the 80's. Over these many years, we were colleagues at several companies, including when he was at Tauck and, more recently, during his ten-year tenure at Ponant, as my company represents them," said Vanessa Lee, president of Cruise Strategies.
"Navin became a friend, and we bonded over many dinners, both work and social and had a shared love of Beatles music, agreeing that we felt Rubber Soul was the album we admired the most.
Lee continued, "Navin was an elegant man who loved fine wine and good food and was a true gentleman. Nevertheless, he did not suffer fools gladly! He was a great leader to many and had a distinct style at work, ensuring those who worked closely with him would find him a beloved boss."
"Navin was a marvellous, kind and thoughtful man who was very private about his illness and will be terribly missed by many. He was very special, and I was fortunate to be in his charismatic orbit for a long time."
A private funeral will be held for family and close friends on Saturday, 01JUN, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Bridgeport Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 9057, Bridgeport, CT 06601-9057
(www.bridgeportrescuemission.org) in memory of Navin Sawhney.
For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mullinsfh.com
