Board Stewardship Bumper Huddle Mumbai to Focus on Purpose, Profit and Future-Ready Leadership
The Board Stewardship Bumper Huddle in Mumbai, under the theme ‘Stewardship in Boardrooms’, will be held on October 5, 2026, at Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai, with the Steward Leadership Institute (SLI), Singapore, as Principal Partner. Search Value and Crossmentors are the Gold Partners, while BoardPAC is the Knowledge Partner. The Huddle will bring together senior board members, Independent Directors and business leaders for conversations on purpose, profitable growth, boardroom effectiveness and responsible leadership.
The programme will open with a welcome address by Vikesh Wallia, Managing Director & Editor, Board Stewardship, followed by the inaugural address by Shailesh Haribhakti, Chairman, Advisory Board, Board Stewardship.
Wallia said, “The Board Stewardship Huddle is designed to create meaningful conversations among leaders on what effective stewardship means in today’s business environment. As the expectations from Boards continue to evolve, platforms such as these enable Directors and business leaders to exchange perspectives, learn from each other and strengthen the practice of responsible leadership.”
Haribhakti emphasised the importance of effective board governance and long-term value creation, stating, “Stewardship requires boards to look beyond immediate outcomes and focus on long-term value creation. The quality of boardroom dialogue, the ability to challenge constructively and the willingness to consider diverse perspectives are central to building organisations that are both responsible and resilient.”
A key highlight will be the release and reading of ‘Maximum Purpose, Maximum Profit’ by Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO, Steward Leadership Institute, Singapore, followed by a Spotlight Session. Peshawaria said, “The next decade of business will be defined by a simple test: does your company make the world better or worse for its existence? Purpose and profit are not a trade-off. When purpose is real, it becomes a company’s strongest competitive advantage.”
The event will include a panel discussion on ‘Maximum Purpose, Maximum Profit’ featuring Sunil Puri, Senior Vice President, Research & Engagement, Steward Leadership Institute, Singapore; Shailesh Haribhakti; Rajeev Peshawaria and Lakshmi Iyer, Group President-Investments, MD & CEO, Bajaj Alternate Investment Management Limited.
Puri said, “With four of the world’s ten most powerful economic entities now being companies rather than countries, Boards carry an enormous responsibility.” He stressed the importance of creating value for all stakeholders.
The Huddle will also feature a panel discussion on ‘Cross Mentoring: Leadership Imperative for the Future’, bringing together Shrijeet Mishra, former Chief Innovation Officer, Aditya Birla Group; former COO – Times of India Group, ED – HUL; PR Somasundaram, former CEO, Laxmi Vilas Bank & CEO, World Gold Council, Independent Director and Advisor; Sangeeta Tanwani, CEO, Textiles (Grasim), Aditya Birla Group; Sudarshan Sampathkumar, Independent Director, Bajaj Electricals & Bajaj Projects, former MD, Bain & Co.; and Giridhar Sanjeevi, former CFO, Taj Group Hotels, Independent Director, Board Chair & Audit Committee Chair, Amagi; Independent Director, SBI Funds Management Limited.
Somasundaram said, “The effectiveness of a Board rests less on the credentials around the table than on the quality of its conversations.” Sampathkumar highlighted the need for resilient organisations and diverse, collaborative leadership teams as AI and technology increase business volatility.
The evening will conclude with Board Stewardship Member Felicitation and professional socialising over cocktails and dinner.
The Mumbai Huddle is the first of a three-city series, followed by Delhi on October 7 and Bengaluru on October 9.
