Amitabh Kant Joins upGrad Board As Independent Director

Amitabh Kant has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of upGrad, an integrated learning and skilling platform.

Kant was India’s G20 Sherpa and a retired IAS officer (Kerala cadre, 1980 batch). He served as CEO of NITI Aayog (2016–2022) and Secretary, DIPP (2014–2016), where he led key national programmes like Make in India, Startup India, and the Aspirational Districts Programme. As NITI CEO, he advanced India’s efforts in electric mobility, SDGs, asset monetisation, and ease of doing business. He also chaired several key policy bodies and initiatives spanning tourism, industrial corridors, and green technologies. Kant previously held roles in the Kerala government and led campaigns such as “God’s Own Country” and “Incredible India”. He is the author and editor of books on public policy and branding and remains actively engaged in development and sustainability efforts.