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

Universal Ai University, India’s first AI university, has appointed Capt. Vivek S. Anand as Pro Vice Chancellor - Operations. A Master Mariner with more than 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.

The appointment brings extensive global maritime and corporate operating experience into the university’s leadership. Capt. Vivek spent 24 years at sea as a Master Mariner before moving into senior leadership roles with global organisations and Fortune 500 companies.

Global Experience to Strengthen University Operations

During his tenure with NYK Line, Capt. Vivek 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 professional 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 logistics networks.

His experience also includes public policy and institutional development. He 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 appointment, Tarun Anand, Founder and Chancellor, Universal Ai University, said Capt. Vivek’s leadership reflects the university’s focus on building an institution that goes beyond conventional academic administration and combines strong infrastructure, systems, safety and operational processes.

Focus on Building a Future-Ready Campus Ecosystem

“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,” said Tarun Anand.

He added that Capt. Vivek’s operational expertise would be important as UAi develops an international, technology-led campus and strengthens its infrastructure, processes and wider campus ecosystem.

Bringing Industry Expertise Into Higher Education

Capt. Vivek S. Anand, Pro Vice Chancellor - Operations, Universal Ai University, said the university is building an institution for a generation that will operate in a 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,” he said.

Drawing a comparison between his maritime experience and university operations, he said that while the scale may be different, the fundamentals remain the same, including discipline, safety, coordination and preparedness. He added that he would work with the university’s leadership to develop the systems, infrastructure and processes required to support UAi’s growth.

Experience Across Policy, Research and Professional Development

Beyond his corporate leadership roles, Capt. Vivek has authored five 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. It also reflects the university’s broader approach of bringing experienced professionals from industry and specialised domains into leadership positions that extend beyond traditional academic administration.

As UAi builds its technology-led and industry-oriented ecosystem, Capt. Vivek’s experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder operations is expected to support the development of a robust, safe and future-ready campus aligned with the university’s academic and industry-focused vision.