In a move that sets UAi apart from traditional universities, the institution brings in a Pro Vice Chancellor who has travelled to across 100 countries to shape a next-generation university.
9th Oct’ Mumbai: Universal Ai University, India’s first AI university, has appointed Capt. Vivek S. Anand as Pro Vice Chancellor – Operations. A Master Mariner with over 46 years of experience across shipping, logistics and operational leadership, Capt. Vivek will oversee key operational functions at the university, including infrastructure projects, security and safety, food services, liaison and logistics, having worked with Fortune 500 Companies.
The appointment brings extensive maritime and corporate operating experience into the university’s leadership. Capt. Vivek spent 24 years at sea as a Master Mariner before taking on senior leadership roles with global organisations. During his tenure with NYK Line, he played a key role in building and leading the company’s India operations across multiple shipping verticals and eventually headed its all-India operations. His career has taken him across approximately 100 countries and more than 500 ports, giving him experience in managing complex international operations, supply chains and large-scale logistical networks.
His experience also extends to public policy and institutional development. Capt. Vivek has served as a member of the Maritime Think Tank Advisory Panel of the Government of Andhra Pradesh and was appointed a Member of the Court of the University of Pondicherry by the President of India. He has also served on the Faculty Recruitment Panel of the Indian Maritime University.
Speaking on the PVC appointment, Mr. Tarun Anand, Founder and Chancellor, Universal Ai University, said, “Capt. Vivek S. Anand’s appointment reflects our belief that a next-generation university requires leadership that goes beyond conventional academic administration. With over four decades of experience in global shipping, logistics and complex operations, he brings a strong understanding of how large-scale infrastructure, people, safety and systems come together to create a well-functioning institution. As UAi continues to build an international, technology-led campus, his operational expertise will be important in strengthening our infrastructure, processes and campus ecosystem. We look forward to his contribution as we scale the university and create an environment that matches the ambition of our academic and industry-focused vision.”
Speaking about his new role, Capt. Vivek S. Anand, Pro Vice Chancellor – Operations, Universal Ai University, said, “UAi is building an institution for a generation that will operate in a far more technology-driven, global and interconnected world. This calls for an operational foundation that is equally progressive, disciplined and future-ready. After more than four decades in global shipping, logistics and operational leadership, I see an opportunity to bring that experience into an entirely new environment. From 500 ports of cities to one campus, the scale may be different, but the fundamentals of strong operations remain the same: discipline, safety, coordination and preparedness. I look forward to working with the university’s leadership to build the systems, infrastructure and processes that will support UAi’s growth and create an operational ecosystem that matches the scale and ambition of its academic vision.”
Beyond his corporate leadership roles, Capt. Vivek has authored 5 white papers covering maritime policy, ports and terminals, ease of doing business, multimodal logistics and sustainable development. His professional recognitions include Dynamic Logistics Professional of the Year in 2014, Mentor of the Year in 2018 and Most Exemplary Multi-Faceted Personality of the Year in 2019.
The appointment comes as Universal Ai University continues to expand its academic and campus infrastructure at its Karjat, Maharashtra campus. The appointment also reflects UAi’s broader approach to university leadership, bringing experienced professionals from industry and specialised domains into roles that extend beyond conventional academic administration. As the university develops its technology-led and industry-oriented ecosystem, Capt. Vivek’s experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder operations is expected to contribute to the development of a robust and future-ready campus.