Draft:Smita Jatia
| Submission declined on 30 June 2025 by DoubleGrazing (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
Comment: The sources are a mix of interviews, brief profiles, and routine business reporting covering the organisations she is affiliated with rather than her. DoubleGrazing (talk) 06:50, 30 June 2025 (UTC)
Smita Jatia
[edit]Smita Jatia is the Vice Chairperson of Westlife Foodworld Limited (WFL, formerly Westlife Development Limited).[1] Its subsidiary, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (HRPL), holds the master franchise for McDonald's in Western India and Southern India.[2]
Smita was featured on the Forbes India, Power Businesswomen List in 2019.[3] She was recognised as one of India’s Most Powerful Women in Business by Business Today consecutively for two years in 2022 and 2023.[4][5] Smita was also named one of the Most Influential Women in Business by BW Businessworld in 2025.[6]
Early life and education
[edit]Born in Mumbai to a traditional Marwari business family, Smita earned her undergraduate degree in commerce from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, University of Mumbai.[7] She then completed an executive management program at Harvard Business School.[8] Later, she also took up a restaurant leadership training programme at the McDonald’s global training facility, Hamburger University, in Chicago, Illinois.[7]
Career
[edit]Smita began her professional journey at Westlife Foodworld Ltd in marketing in 1998 and gradually expanded her scope across human resources, and operations before becoming the Managing Director in 2010.[9] She was later elevated to Vice Chairperson of the company in 2023.[1]
Smita oversaw the launch and growth of McDonald’s brand extension - McCafe, introducing the coffee format and occasion within Indian QSR operations.[10]
She also launched McDonald’s India’s Experience of The Future (EOTF) Restaurants, which incorporated digital technology such as Digital Self Ordering Kiosks (SOK) and redesigned layouts to enhance customer experience. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Smita along with her team introduced the “On the Go” service via the McDelivery app to adapt to evolving consumer needs.[11][12]
Under her leadership, McDonald’s India launched its all-women crew drive-thru near the Statue of Unity, reflecting the organisation's focus on gender inclusion and regional empowerment.[13]
Philanthropy
[edit]Smita is the Chairperson of the India chapter of Ronald McDonald House of Charities. The foundation has benefitted over 35,000 children and families through Ronald McDonald Family Rooms (RMFR). The first RMFR was inaugurated by Smita at the Pediatric Oncology department of BJ Wadia Hospital in Mumbai.[14][15]
Board memberships and professional alliances
[edit]Smita serves on multiple boards including:
- Vice Chairperson, Westlife Foodworld Ltd [1]
- Chairperson, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) [14]
- Independent Director, Shoppers Stop[16]
- Independent Director, Syrma SGS[17]
Recognition and awards
[edit]- Forbes India, Power Businesswomen List (2019) [3]
- Business Today, Most Powerful Women in Business (2022, 2023) [4][5]
- BW Businessworld Magazine, Most Influential Women leaders (2025) [6]
Personal life
[edit]Smita is married to Amit Jatia, Chairperson of Westlife Foodworld Ltd. Amit played a foundational role in bringing McDonald’s to India, joining as Managing Director of Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. in 1995, and opening the first McDonald’s outlet in Mumbai in October 1996.[18]
They have twin sons, Ayush and Akshay Jatia. Ayush is married to Diya, the daughter of Mona Mehta and Russell Mehta.[19] Akshay is married to Mehak, daughter of Rano and Gunit Chadha. Ayush is the founder of the Italian restaurant chain Si Nonna’s, while Akshay is the CEO of Westlife Foodworld Ltd.[20]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Writer, Staff (May 17, 2023). "Westlife Foodworld elevates Amit Jatia as Chairperson and Smita Jatia as Vice Chairperson". Hotelier India. Archived from the original on June 30, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Vakil, Agam (2018-06-14). "Westlife Development Plans To Double McDonald's Store Count By 2022". NDTV Profit. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ a b Team, Forbes Asia. "ASIA'S POWER BUSINESSWOMEN". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ a b "MPW 2022: Meet Smita Jatia, the undisputable burger queen of India - BusinessToday". Business Today. 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ a b "MPW 2023: Smita Jatia is leading Westlife Foodworld through a high growth phase - BusinessToday". Business Today. 2023-12-13. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ a b "BW 100 Most Influential Women Leaders Powering Growth, Fuelling GDP". BW Businessworld. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ a b "Burger Queen: Smita Jatia". India Today. 2012-02-09. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ Desai, Shail (2023-10-23). "The one-third rule and how it helps Smita Jatia in her life | Mint". mint. Archived from the original on 2025-06-15. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ "We Won't Leave Sales On The Table: McDonald's' Smita Jatia". Forbes India. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ Ananda, Jonathan (2016-11-19). "'McCafe rollout aggressive, plan to double outlets in 12 to 15 months'". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ www.ETBrandEquity.com. "'As long as you are sure of what goes in your food, you're safe': Smita Jatia, MD, McDonald's India West and South - ET BrandEquity". ETBrandEquity.com. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ "Home delivery, on the go, drive in formats come to McDonald's rescue amid COVID 19 - BusinessToday". Business Today. 2021-05-18. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ "McDonald's India opens first all women drive thru restaurant near Statue of Unity - BusinessToday". Business Today. 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ a b "Ronald McDonald House Charities launches its India chapter". India Today. 2016-09-20. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ PR, ANI (2022-09-23). "Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) India Chapter celebrates its 6th anniversary". ThePrint. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ "boardofdirectors – Shoppers Stop". Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ "Corporate Governance – Syrma SGS Investor Relation". Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ "Getting Her Priorities Right". Outlook Business. 2024-03-01. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ Vogue.in (2017-05-09). "Bahrain saw its first Indian wedding, and it was as grand as you'd imagine". Vogue India. Retrieved 2025-06-30.
- ^ www.ETRetail.com. "Akshay Jatia elevated as Westlife Foodworld's CEO, replaces Amit Jatia - ET Retail". ETRetail.com. Retrieved 2025-06-30.