Amitabh Kant To Join ITC As Independent Director; Hemant Malik Reappointed As Whole-Time Director
Amitabh Kant has been appointed as an Independent Director of ITC Limited with effect from January 1, 2026.
Hemant Malik has been reappointed as Whole-Time Director of the company with effect from August 12, 2026.
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.
Malik is the Divisional Chief Executive of ITC’s Foods Business Division. Over the years, he has held leadership roles, including Chief Executive of TM&D and Divisional Chief Executive of the India Tobacco Division. He currently also serves as Chairman of the Food Processing Committee of FICCI. He joined ITC in 1989 and brings over 35 years of diverse experience across tobacco, foods, and trade marketing & distribution (TM&D). He played a key role in building ITC’s Foods Business, leading the creation of brands such as Aashirvaad, Sunfeast, Bingo!, YiPPee!, and Kitchens of India. He is a graduate in economics from Delhi University (DU) and holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta.




