Tribute to former AMCHAM President (2011-2017), Sanjeev Nanavati 1959-2023
It is with our deepest regret to inform you of the passing of Sanjeev Nanavati, former President of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), who served from 2011 – 2017. The Chamber would like to express our condolences to his wife, Aparna and daughters, Diya and Devika.
Sanjeev’s association with AMCHAM came about when he was Citibank Malaysia’s CEO and later, its Chairman. With a banking career that spanned many nations from the United States, India, Hong Kong and South East Asia in a number of different institutions. Sanjeev was very keen on being at the forefront of change.
Sanjeev Nanavati’s legacy is marked by his dedication and commitment to those he worked with and he will be dearly missed for his contributions to AMCHAM and the business community.
Antony Lee, Chairman
We would like to share some additional thoughts from fellow Board members and staff who worked side by side during his tenure at AMCHAM:
Sanjeev was president of the Chamber when I was hired to be the Executive Director in 2016; his guidance, as I entered this new role, was invaluable as we navigated the path to reengineering a new future for AMCHAM. I will forever be grateful for his straightforward advice and for the opportunity to take the helm of this wonderful organization.
It was also our distinct pleasure to host Sanjeev’s youngest daughter for a quick internship in June this year. He and his wife would be very proud of her work and promise. We wish the whole family a bright future, one that Sanjeev would be proud that they will live.
Siobhan Das, Chief Executive Officer
The passing of Sanjeev Nanavati leaves both an emotional and intellectual void in many AMCHAM staff and members’ hearts.
Sanjeev passionately and strategically led the Chamber as President from 2011 to 2017.
During his term leading the Chamber, Sanjeev structurally changed the direction of the Chamber to become the leading advocacy platform for US businesses that the Chamber has become today.
Through his systematic placing of the current leadership in both AMCHAM and Junior Achievement Malaysia, Sanjeev helped set both entities on a rapid growth trajectory that is now ensuring the long term sustainability of both entities.
Leading the Chamber and JA Malaysia with a creative mind and strong heart is how Sanjeev will be remembered. We will miss him.
Datuk Timothy Garland, Former President and current Board Member
I had the privilege to serve on the AMCHAM Board with Sanjeev and as President of the Board, he had a very strong presence amongst the American and Malaysian business community. He was steadfast in his belief that one should step-up, be recognized and make a difference. In fact, he prided himself as a coach to many senior professionals on how to create a positive business presence and not merely settle into a role. Sanjeev’s passion for leading a company, a team and solving problems was what made him tick. He certainly will be missed for the impact he brought to not just his friends, peers but also anyone he had worked with.
Anushia Soosaipillai, Treasurer
I’m lost for words hearing the passing of Sanjeev. A man of few words, a straightforward and a no-nonsense person. I’m glad I had the opportunity to work with Sanjeev throughout my years at AMCHAM.
Those who have worked with Sanjeev would agree that he set for us very high expectations, but he would not let you drown in trying to achieve them; that is how I learned so much from him.
A few years ago, I was going through a tough time when I lost my dad and I remember Sanjeev sat me down and gave me a piece of advice which I held on dearly until today; I did not quite understand what he meant at that time, but as days went by, I remembered his advice and wondered how he knew what was coming and was mentally preparing me without me knowing.
I will truly miss Sanjeev as he played a big part in my growth at the Chamber. I’m glad I had the opportunity to have one final chat with him a few months ago when I found out he was unwell; he was so positive and witty. He was a great leader and he will be missed very dearly not only by myself but other staff that had the opportunity to work with him.
Yvonne Miranda, Former Senior Manager, Membership and Engagement (2008-2023)
Mr Sanjeev would stride into the office with much aloofness and often expressionless. However, during meetings with the team or individually, that first façade would slowly disintegrate to expose the face of quite a jolly guy, a brother, father, a friend.
In my opinion, he believed that actions speak louder than words. He was a man of few words, but his positive actions were second to none. He was warm, understanding and so caring; I would say he was a man with a heart of gold.
He believed that staff welfare and their state of mind were of utmost importance to him. He would go out of his way to right the wrongs to ensure that we have a positive working environment.
I am very blessed to have worked for and with Mr Sanjeev. It was his actions and commitments that will forever be impressed on my life.
It is very hard to accept that he has left us. We have lost a great and compassionate leader.
I will miss him and I wish to say a very heartfelt thank you to Mr Sanjeev and pray he is proud of himself and his achievements, the positive memories he left behind.
Rest in Peace Sir.
Li Lee, Administrative Executive
