PERSONALITY
OF THE MONTH
Ganesh Iyer, India’s first certified Water
Sommelier, brings nearly three decades of
expertise in the fine waters industry. Having led
global brands like Evian, Himalayan and Qua, he
now spearheads VEEN in the Indian
Subcontinent. Trained at Doemens Academy,
Munich, he champions water as a sensory,
culinary and cultural experience.
Can you elaborate on how your professional
endeavours contribute to your overall sense of
fulfilment and happiness?
For me, true happiness lies in doing what I genuinely love. Being stuck in a role without passion breeds demotivation, even depression. Purpose drives everything I do—supported by the financial stability it brings. When I became India’s first certified water sommelier nearly a decade ago, my mission was threefold:
For me, true happiness lies in doing what I genuinely love. Being stuck in a role without passion breeds demotivation, even depression. Purpose drives everything I do—supported by the financial stability it brings. When I became India’s first certified water sommelier nearly a decade ago, my mission was threefold:
1. Create awareness about the sanctity of water
in daily life.
2. Highlight water’s role in fine dining and culinary experiences.
3. Showcase how water can enhance beverage revenues for restaurants.
2. Highlight water’s role in fine dining and culinary experiences.
3. Showcase how water can enhance beverage revenues for restaurants.
Achieving these objectives has given me both
fulfilment and happiness.
Reflecting on your career trajectory, what
pivotal moment or decision stands out as a
defining factor in your success?
I see success not as a destination but as a journey, and my 30 years in the HoReCa industry have been truly fulfilling.
I see success not as a destination but as a journey, and my 30 years in the HoReCa industry have been truly fulfilling.
A defining moment came in
the late ’90s with the relaunch of Evian in India,
when I realized how something as elementary as
water could transform the culinary scene and
impact every beverage, given that 90% of them
are water-based. That curiosity became the
turning point, leading me to explore the deeper
role of water as a beverage.
Which alcoholic beverage holds a special place
as your favorite indulgence?
Indulgence to me is an addictive word and carries a negative connotation and therefore would not like to term it as indulgence but yes a nice Islay in this kind of weather coupled with vintage music is always welcome.
Indulgence to me is an addictive word and carries a negative connotation and therefore would not like to term it as indulgence but yes a nice Islay in this kind of weather coupled with vintage music is always welcome.
Share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a
memorable project or collaboration that
brought together your passion for both
beverages and another interest or field.
One memorable project was launching VEEN-the first natural mineral water in premium glass packaging in India. At the time, we didn’t realize we were setting a trend, but that initiative paved the way for hotels and brands to adopt glass bottles. In hindsight, we became the torchbearers of India’s glass water bottle industry.
One memorable project was launching VEEN-the first natural mineral water in premium glass packaging in India. At the time, we didn’t realize we were setting a trend, but that initiative paved the way for hotels and brands to adopt glass bottles. In hindsight, we became the torchbearers of India’s glass water bottle industry.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to
leave behind in the industry, both personally
and professionally?
I don’t view legacy as something to chase—it feels like hubris to worry about being remembered after we’re gone. What matters to me is whether the initiatives I’ve launched spark meaningful conversations and create impact today. If those ideas continue to resonate beyond my presence, that’s legacy enough. My true gift is sharing knowledge and purpose while I have the privilege of being here.
I don’t view legacy as something to chase—it feels like hubris to worry about being remembered after we’re gone. What matters to me is whether the initiatives I’ve launched spark meaningful conversations and create impact today. If those ideas continue to resonate beyond my presence, that’s legacy enough. My true gift is sharing knowledge and purpose while I have the privilege of being here.