Minor International: A Resilient Journey toward Aligning Growth and Sustainability

Abstract

In early 2024, Dillipraj Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International (MINT), reflected on the bold strategic path ahead after presenting the company's ambitious post-COVID recovery and expansion targets. With operations spanning over 63 countries and a planned scale-up to 780 hotels and 3700 food outlets by 2027, MINT stood at a pivotal moment. Despite record profits in 2023, Rajakarier knew that the company's long-term success would hinge not just on global growth, but on whether it could authentically integrate its sustainability vision - including its 2050 net-zero goal - into everyday business practices. This teaching case explores how MINT evolved from its roots in entrepreneurial ambition and philanthropy to a leading multinational integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into core operations. It provides insight into the pressures and opportunities facing companies in the tourism and hospitality sector, especially amidst rising stakeholder expectations, workforce transformations, and intensifying ESG regulations. The case challenges learners to assess how MINT can manage complex trade-offs - between rapid expansion and sustainability, investor demands and cultural alignment, financial goals and human capital needs - while building an enduring purpose-driven culture. Learners are invited to examine MINT's historical resilience, ESG strategy evolution, stakeholder dynamics, and operational dilemmas across diverse geographies. Ultimately, the case encourages strategic decision-making and organizational analysis, asking: how should MINT move forward to align its growth ambition with meaningful, measurable sustainability?