Universal Ai University Appoints Capt. Vivek S. Anand as Pro Vice Chancellor – Operations

Universal Ai University (UAi) has appointed Capt. Vivek S. Anand as its Pro Vice Chancellor – Operations, bringing decades of international maritime and corporate leadership experience to the university’s administrative and infrastructure management.

With more than 46 years of professional experience, Capt. Vivek will oversee key operational areas, including infrastructure development, campus safety and security, food services, logistics and institutional liaison. His appointment reflects the university’s focus on strengthening its operational capabilities as it develops its technology-oriented academic ecosystem at Karjat, Maharashtra.

A Master Mariner by qualification, Capt. Vivek spent 24 years at sea before transitioning into senior corporate leadership positions. His professional journey spans international shipping, supply chain management and large-scale operational planning, including experience with Fortune 500 companies.

From Global Shipping to University Leadership

Capt. Vivek held significant responsibilities at NYK Line, where he contributed to the development and management of the company's India operations across multiple shipping verticals. He subsequently took charge of its all-India operations, overseeing activities that required coordination across business functions, logistics networks and stakeholders.

His career has taken him to approximately 100 countries and more than 500 ports, providing extensive exposure to international trade, maritime infrastructure and complex logistical systems.

This experience is expected to support Universal Ai University as it strengthens campus operations, develops infrastructure and establishes systems designed to meet the requirements of a growing higher education institution.

The university's leadership believes that expertise in operational planning, safety management and resource coordination can play an important role in building an efficient and future-ready campus.

Experience in Maritime Policy and Higher Education

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Capt. Vivek has contributed to maritime policy discussions and institutional governance.

He has served on the Maritime Think Tank Advisory Panel of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. He was also appointed a Member of the Court of the University of Pondicherry by the President of India and has served on the faculty recruitment panel of the Indian Maritime University.

These assignments have given him experience in areas extending beyond commercial operations, including institutional processes, policy engagement and academic administration.

Capt. Vivek has also authored five white papers addressing maritime policy, ports and terminals, ease of doing business, multimodal logistics and sustainable development. His professional honours 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.

Universal Ai University Focuses on Operational Excellence

Commenting on the appointment, Tarun Anand, Founder and Chancellor of Universal Ai University, said the institution aims to build a leadership team capable of supporting its academic ambitions through strong operational management.

He highlighted Capt. Vivek's experience in global shipping, logistics, infrastructure and safety, noting that these capabilities would be valuable as the university develops its campus and institutional systems.

According to Anand, managing a modern university requires effective coordination of infrastructure, people, processes and safety standards. Capt. Vivek's appointment is intended to strengthen these functions as UAi continues to develop its technology-led and industry-oriented educational environment.

Capt. Vivek S. Anand on His New Role

Speaking about his appointment, Capt. Vivek S. Anand said Universal Ai University presents an opportunity to apply his experience in international shipping and operational leadership to the higher education sector.

He emphasised that efficient operations depend on discipline, safety, coordination and preparedness, regardless of the scale or nature of an organisation.

Drawing a comparison between managing operations across hundreds of ports and overseeing a university campus, he said the underlying principles of effective management remain consistent. He expressed his intention to work with the university's leadership to develop the infrastructure, processes and operational systems needed to support its future growth.

His responsibilities will include helping establish a coordinated campus environment in which safety, logistics, infrastructure and support services work together to meet the requirements of students, faculty and other stakeholders.

Building a Future-Ready Campus in Karjat

The appointment comes as Universal Ai University continues to develop its campus and academic infrastructure in Karjat, Maharashtra.

By bringing an experienced professional from the maritime and logistics sectors into a senior university leadership role, UAi is seeking to combine industry expertise with institutional management. The approach reflects a broader emphasis on drawing from specialised professional experience to strengthen the systems that support teaching, research and campus life.

Capt. Vivek's background in managing geographically dispersed operations, complex supply chains and multiple stakeholders is expected to contribute to the university's operational planning as it expands its facilities and institutional capabilities.

The appointment marks another step in the university's efforts to establish an operational foundation aligned with its technology-focused academic vision and long-term development plans.