'Assure shareholders they will get their fair share'

BINA MODI, wife of the late industrialist KK Modi, was reappointed managing director (MD) of Godfrey Phillips India (GPI) with approval from 86.6 per cent shareholders at the annual general meeting (AGM) on September 6. Her son Samir Modi was ousted from the company's board the same day. Bina Modi talks to Bhavini Mishra in an interview in New Delhi about GPI's exit from the retail business, inheritance battle with her son, and legacy of K K Modi. Edited excerpts:

The shareholders have backed you as MD of GPI. What is the company's outlook?

We are growing everyday, our market share in the domestic business is increasing, our brands are becoming stronger, and our export of unmanufactured tobacco is expanding fast. All of this is being seen by the market in a positive manner and helping unlock value for the shareholders.

Some stakeholders are unable to come to terms with you being at loggerheads with your son. Why did things reach this point?