An industry gentleman who quietly thought years ahead of his time

There are people you meet in business who remain professional acquaintances. And then there are those rare individuals who quietly shape your thinking, your approach to work and even your understanding of leadership. Irshad Mecca belonged firmly to the second category.

His untimely demise has left a deep void in the Indian footwear fraternity particularly among those who had the privilege of working closely with him during the formative years of India’s export journey. I first met Irshad in 1998, when I was heading sourcing for Groupe André, the renowned French retail conglomerate, through its buying office in Delhi. At the time, we sourced men’s footwear from Farida Shoes and what immediately stood out was that Irshad himself was always directly involved. No layers, no theatrics, no corporate distance. He interacted personally, dealt directly and carried himself with a rare blend of warmth, sharpness and discipline.

He was an amazing personality intensely hardworking, deeply committed and remarkably health-conscious long before “wellness culture” became fashionable boardroom vocabulary. Yet beyond the businessman, there was the gentleman. Looking back today, I realise how many subtle traits of grace, humility and leadership I unconsciously learnt simply by observing him.

One conversation with him remains etched in memory.

We were discussing how China’s manufacturing ecosystem at the time appeared far more consistent and labour-efficient than India’s. Instead of complaining about the challenge, Irshad spoke about systems. About psychology. About motivation on the production floor. He explained how he had stopped assigning workers intimidating daily production targets of 1000-1200 pairs a day. Instead, inspired by one-day cricket matches, he broke down targets into hourly goals, much like calculating a required run rate per over. A massive daily number, he observed, discouraged workers psychologically. But a smaller, achievable hourly number created momentum, confidence and rhythm. It was simple. Elegant. Practical. And visionary.

Long before management consultants began packaging behavioural productivity theories into expensive presentations, Irshad was quietly implementing them on shoe lines in Ambur.

Another memory reveals a completely different side of the man.

During one factory visit to Ambur, his young daughter was spending her school break at the facility. While meetings and production continued around him, Irshad would occasionally glance toward the lawns where the little girl was happily gardening and playing. There was something profoundly human about that moment, the industrialist, exporter, negotiator and strategist suddenly becoming simply a doting father enjoying the innocence of childhood unfolding beside a busy factory.

That image stayed with me.

Years later, when I left my corporate role in 2009 to venture into publishing and launch Shoes & Accessories magazine, Irshad was among the very first people who encouraged me wholeheartedly. I will always remember his words:

“Amit, you are the smartest of us all. You have moved on from production headaches and exports into retail. India is going to be a booming market. Branding and retail is the future.”

At the time, I perhaps did not fully grasp the depth of that statement. Today, looking at the transformation of India’s consumer and retail landscape, it is evident that Irshad was not merely a successful exporter he was a forward-thinking businessman with an instinctive understanding of where the industry was headed. That was his gift. He could see tomorrow while remaining deeply grounded in the realities of today.

The Indian footwear industry has lost not just an entrepreneur, but a thinking mind, a mentor to many and above all, a gentleman whose legacy will continue through the countless lives he influenced, often quietly and without seeking recognition.

Some people leave behind companies. Some leave behind memories. A rare few leave behind perspective. Irshad Mecca did all three. I shall deeply miss him.

May his soul rest in peace.

Amit Chopra, Shoes & Accessories Magazine
Former Head of Sourcing India, Groupe André (France)