HSBC Innovation Banking UK Appoints Catherine Lewis La Torre As Independent Director

Amitabh Ambastha

An IIM Kozhikode alumnus and Certified Independent Director, he holds certifications like CAIIB and CALM. A bestselling author, his book on “Passion” topped Amazon charts. An Army brat and a voracious reader, he enjoys playing golf & bongo, travelling and connecting with people. Believing in self and looking ahead, he finds joy in supporting the less privileged through charity and meaningful contributions. He mentors a young aspiring engineer through an NGO.

Vibha Gawde

Former Chief Audit Officer at Suryoday Small Finance Bank (5 years). Held leadership roles at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, IndusInd Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank (32 years), specializing in financial risk assessment, audit, forex, trade finance, and treasury.

Certified Information Security Auditor (ISACA) and ESG Specialist (Institute of Directors), with an M.Com and B.Com from Mumbai University. Passionate about reading, governance compliance, mentoring, and sustainability.

Subramanya Rayaprol

An IIM Calcutta alumnus, he holds certifications in Corporate Regulations and Financial Intelligence for Directors from IICA. A Certified Independent Director, he blends regulatory expertise with governance skills. Honored as “Inspiring Board Director 2024” by the WDC & WASME, he has contributed to 300+ reported judgments. A trusted advisor to industry bodies, he excels in compliance, advocacy, and corporate strategy, making him a valuable asset to any organization.

Sandeep Chouhan

Currently, Sandeep is Group COO at Network International, UAE, driving growth, digital adoption, innovation, digital banking launches, and international expansion. He mentors fintech startups and AI initiatives, fostering future innovators. He holds a Master of Technology from IIT Delhi and certifications from the British Computer Society and the Institute of Directors, UK.

N. Shivaram

He has served as KMP in three subsidiary companies of Brigade Group and led multiple award-winning township projects and is known for his crisis management skills.

As Founder of Acumen Management Advisory, he advises realty firms on risk management, restructuring, and talent strategy, while also mentoring startups.

A Certified Independent Director, he holds credentials in Corporate Governance(Skill India/NSDC), Director Development Program(Altus Board Advisory) and a certified ESG professional (IOD) and has attended executive programs on Global Innovation in Tel Aviv and the USA.

He is a mentor, guide and a motivator to several next generation professionals.

K N Subramaniam

He is a seasoned business leader with extensive experience across diverse industries, including Automotive Parts, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Oil & Gas, and Renewable Energy.

He has led Gabriel India Ltd ., for 10 years flagship Company of ANAND Group for 10 years as President MD, CEO . He has been Board Member in Total Lubricants India, TDW India, and Federal Mogul Bearings Ltd., as President, and Board Member of Degremont India Ltd., ( now rechristened as Suez India Pvt Ltd) , besides being Chairman of Arvin Exhaust Ltd,( now part of Faurecia/Forvia Group France),Haldex India Ltd .Perfect Circle and Victor gaskets India Ltd., He is currently leading a Solar PV business, driving sustainable energy solutions.

Abhishek Raju

He has also established companies in Financial Services, covering Reinsurance, OTC Derivatives and Warranties, Islamic Insurtech, Lending, and Investment Advisory, serving as a Regulated Senior Executive Officer. He has been a member of multiple boards and has lived and worked in India, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates.

Niranjan Gidwani

With expertise in strategy, leadership development, and international business expansion, he has worked with multinational brands like Samsung, Hitachi, LG, TCL and HSBC. A firm believer in Individual Social Responsibility (ISR), he actively mentors future leaders.

A passionate traveller, writer, and cricket enthusiast, contributes insightful articles to leading publications.

He earned multiple awards, including the Best Alumni Award from his MBA institute, and helped his organizations win several awards, including the esteemed Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Excellence Award, and the Dubai Service Excellence Scheme recognition.

He was also one of the only two non-Chinese torchbearers at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.

Sweta Agarwal

She has handled roles in finance, governance and taxation with progressively increasing responsibilities over the span of my career. I have vast experience in corporate governance, strategic business development, capital re-structuring, finance business partnering, policy advocacy, Enterprise Risk Management, digital transition management, financial accounting and reporting, audits (IndAS / IFRS / US-GAAP), stakeholders management, cost management, transfer pricing and taxation strategies.

Sweta is passionate about creating equitable growth opportunities in the finance field and personally mentor female professionals to balance their career and personal responsibilities.

Shankar Dinkar Deokar

Business digital technology expertise spans multi-domain architecture e.g. Wintel, Unix, DB, and cloud solutions, ISO27K/ISO20K.

Performed pivotal roles in renowned organisations such as ATOS and IBM India Private Limited and Many other Roles in other companies.

At IBM India done performance optimization and business continuity & Disaster recovery planning for Critical Business application via ensuring operational resilience and excellence in INDIA & US operation.

Satish S. Doiphode

He is also certified in Six Sigma, PMI-PMP/ACP, and 5G Implementation with AI/ML & IoT from IIT-D, and is a certified Independent Director (IICA).

Dr. Doiphode has held leadership roles at Larsen & Toubro, General Electric, L&T Infotech, and ThyssenKrupp-UHDE India.

Currently serving as Vice President at Reliance Industries Ltd., he leads RPMG – IT & Automation, driving digital transformation across Oil & Gas, New Energy, EPC, and discrete manufacturing. His expertise spans ERP, AI, big data analytics, and IT automation, delivering 30% reductions in project cycle times. Recognized with the Next100 CIO Award winner, he specializes in ERP, AI, big data analytics, and IT automation, enhancing efficiency and innovation and passionate astrophotographer, he continues to shape the future of enterprise technology.

Chidambaram Iyer

Significant experience in handling Energy projects (Thermal & Renewable) and infrastructure projects viz. Roads (Annuity & Toll Road projects), Transmission lines, Ports & SEZ in companies like Hindustan Construction Co, JSW Energy, IL&FS, Sembcorp Energy & Mytrah Energy.

In his career spanning more than two decades he has played lead roles across organisations for Fund raising for large projects and manage their finances, Driving operating excellence by effective business performance monitoring Balance sheet management & sound financial accounting practices including adoption of IND AS standards, Financial Controlling by way of Budgetary controls and forecasting.

He has been involved in Debt raise of more than INR 40,000 Crores in his career and was also involved in two large IPOs in Energy Sector. He has also successfully worked on Joint Ventures with large MNC and Public sector Enterprise, overseas coal mine acquisition etc. in his career.

Praveen Gogia

In his last role with Nomura India, for nearly 13 years, he served as an Executive Director and India COO for Global Wholesale IT Division, Group Transformation Office and Digital Company/FinTech Division, where he led some of the most complex business transformation client engagements. In addition, he also led the Vendor Management Office for Nomura India and was the Lead for Global Technology COO / Business Management Shared Services function.

He brings a breadth and depth of expertise across diverse functions such as Technology Business Management, Business Operations excellence, Digital Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, IT Governance Risk and Control, IT Finance, Financial Planning and Strategy, Cost Management and Analytics, B-A-F Management, Vendor Governance, Vendor Risk Management, Strategic Sourcing (Onshore, Offshore, In-sourcing and Outsourcing), Client Relationship Management, Sales, P&L Ownership, Business Development, Solution Architecture, Deal shaping etc.

He has a diverse experience across multiple industry verticals and businesses, albeit his predominant experience is in Banking and Financial Services organizations, in several leadership roles.

His passion lies in Human Capital Evolution – Workforce transformation, Culture of Learning, Coaching, Mentoring. He also likes to keep himself challenged by undertaking diverse areas of learning on an ongoing basis.

He is currently serving as a Board Advisor at alphaTUB Innovations, Board Advisor at Off Peak Break, Business Consultant at upGrad, Partner with The X Search and Partner with Dailoqa.

Yogesh Sharma

Mr. Sharma holds an MA in Economics, an MBA, and certifications including CAIIB, CFA Investment Foundations, and CFP. He is certified Independent Director and alumnus of IIM Calcutta, his career spans leadership and strategic roles at esteemed organizations, including SBI Mutual Fund, SBI Life Insurance, and ICICI Bank.

A skilled leader with a strategic mindset and excellent communication, Mr. Sharma is also a CRISIL-certified ESG Risk Analyst, reflecting his commitment to sustainable practices. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys golfing and playing the saxophone.

Uphaar Srivastava

His role involves overseeing strategic initiatives that enhance Siemens’ market position, explore new business opportunities, and ensure sustainable growth in South Asia.

Uphaar held various roles within Siemens, each contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations across different sectors like energy, industry, and infrastructure. His strategic projects have notably included the expansion of Siemens’ digital services, which has been pivotal in adapting to the evolving demands of Industry 4.0.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Uphaar Srivastava has established himself as a Certified Independent Director. This certification underscores his commitment to corporate governance, ethical business practices, and his ability to provide unbiased insights to various boards.

Nikhil J. Isaac

With degrees in Civil Engineering, Advanced Construction and Business Management (IMD- Switzerland), he has dived deep into strategic leadership, product innovation, and luxury branding.

As a senior member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS – Management Consulting), a LEED-accredited professional and certified Independent Director, he is always thinking about how to blend impact investing and ESG into everything. He is a TEDx speaker and the author of the upcoming book “Fabulously Financially Free”.

Santanu Sengupta

He has an exemplary track record of building high performing teams, driving sustainable business growth while prudently managing risks and leading transformation. Recently, Santanu has pivoted to new age business and currently serves as President & Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at a Cyber Risk Management company. His specialties include Capital Markets, Strategy, Governance & Risk Management and mentoring start up founders.

Satish Panchal

Former Managing Director with a tenure of 12+ years at a government-promoted Enviro-Infra., Company in Vadodara, backed by the Government of Gujarat and PSU. Currently the Founder of SATSANG ENVIRO ADVISOR, offering specialized environmental consultancy services to industries. Also serving as an Independent Director, contributing expertise to drive sustainable and compliant industrial practices.

Nanda Rackanchath

Though being a strategic HR leader, he has in parallel also managed roles in manufacturing, procurement, corporate communications, CSR, and business ethics. Formerly CHRO at Tata Chemicals and Tata Communications, Nanda now offers strategic advisory services in HR, ethics, and CSR, and mentors future HR leaders. He is based in Bengaluru.

Ira Agarwal

She also leads Meet Ira (IraAgarwal.com), a premier leadership and mentorship platform.

Ira serves as an Independent Director at ITCONS e-Solutions Ltd (BSE-listed) and as a Strategic Advisor to AAPNA Infotech, Team Tech EHS, and Mallawa Ventures, championing growth, governance, and ethical leadership.

Passionate about bridging technology, strategy, and impact, she redefines leadership paradigms, driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable progress.

Shardul Kshirsagar

He serves on the Board of Directors at Seed Processing Holland, Netherlands, and Westrup A/S, Denmark. Previously, he held leadership roles at VAG Valves, Thermax Ltd, and Rifox GmbH. Shardul specializes in Strategy, M&A, Risk Management, Technology Absorption and Capital allocation. A mechanical engineer from Govt engineering college Pune and an EMBA graduate from S.P. Jain Mumbai. He also mentors startups and advocates gender equality, sustainability, safety, and social causes.

Prabin Kumar Jha

Prabin Jha is an accomplished author with two published books:

Essentials of Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Managers
Essentials of Corporate Governance

His third book, Think like a CFO: Shift From Accounting to Accountability, is currently under publication.

In addition, Prabin has contributed several research papers to reputed journals, with a focus on financial concepts, business turnaround strategies, and corporate governance.

Hariraj Chouhan

He is currently SVP & Company Secretary – 63 Moons Technologies Ltd. in Mumbai and has extensive experience of around three decades in Corporate Secretarial & Legal, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, financial & legal due diligence, Corporate Strategy & Business Leadership.

Ajay Baliga

Ajay, a Chemical Engineer by qualification, is presently a freelance Management & Strategy Consultant. He has over 40 years of professional work experience, of which over 25 years were in leadership roles, culminating in end-to-end global supply solutions as the Global Supply Director-Mainstream Spirits for Diageo Plc, United Kingdom, the global leader in beverage alcohol.

Ajay’s extensive experience covers Corporate & Business Strategy, Governance, General Management, Projects & Acquisitions, Procurement & Sourcing, Supply & Planning, Regulatory & Compliance, Innovation, Technical & Operations Excellence.

Gaurav Mahajan

Gaurav has successfully advised and handled disputes related to Arbitrations laws (ad-hoc & Institutional), execution of foreign awards/decrees, cyber/information technology, data privacy & protections, e-commerce regulations and AI Ethics issues, civil, commercial, banking & IBC matters, criminal litigations, white collar crime matters, including ED, SFIO, PLMA, PMLAT, and EOW, enforcement, investigations support and preparation, mock trials and mock searches, copyright, trademark, ESG regulations (India and UK), employment laws advisory, breach of confidentiality, trade secrets, FCPA, anti-bribery & anti-corruption issues & litigation support, real estate/property and estate planning/succession/personal laws.

Pawan Singhal

Being GC, CXO and member of senior leadership team for over 2 decades, a key contributor to strategic, operational, business & Legal decisions. Mentoring, advising and supporting new-gen start-ups in nurturing innovative ideas, negotiations, funds-raise, biz modelling, ESG, data protection. His accolades include:
*On Judges’ panel at ALB India Law Awards for 2021 and 2024
*Named amongst Corporate Trailblazers Top 5 Iconic CLOs by ‘CIO Today’- July 2023
*Named in ‘GC Power List’–India (2016) released by ‘Legal 500’
*Named ‘India’s Finest In-House Counsels’ at ‘ICCA Annual International Summit’ in 2016
*Member on National Expert Committee on Corporate Affairs at ASSOCHAM
*Member of All India Management Association, New Delhi

HSBC Innovation Banking UK Appoints Catherine Lewis La Torre As Independent Director

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