Concentrix’s MD, Dr. Hari Saravanabhavan Anchors Key ESG Data & Analytics Discussion at Board Stewardship Huddle
At the Women’s Day Special edition of the Board Stewardship Huddle held in Bengaluru on February 27, 2026, a key panel discussion titled ‘Engineering ESG Maturity through Data and Analytics’ focused on the growing role of data and analytics in strengthening Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks. The discussion brought together top industry leaders to explore how organisations can move beyond compliance and build measurable, data-driven sustainability strategies.
The panel featured Dr. Hari Saravanabhavan, Managing Director, Global Data & Analytics, Concentrix, alongside Ritesh Sachdev, SVP & Head – Commercial Leasing, Asset Management, Sustainability & CSR, Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd; Prof. Sanjay Khare, Independent Director, ESG & Innovation Advisor, Professor of Practice at IIT Kanpur and Startup Mentor at NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore; and Cauveri Sriram, CS & Chief Compliance Officer at Swiggy.
The discussion examined how organisations are increasingly integrating advanced analytics, structured ESG metrics and technology-driven reporting mechanisms to strengthen governance frameworks and deliver transparent sustainability outcomes. The panel highlighted the shift from traditional reporting models toward integrated data ecosystems that allow boards to track ESG performance in real time.
Dr. Hari Saravanabhavan emphasised the critical role of data architecture, analytics capabilities and digital platforms in enabling organisations to measure sustainability performance effectively. He remarked, “Thank you, Board Stewardship, for this wonderful opportunity to facilitate a much-needed discussion on accelerating technology, data analytics & AI at the board level. I also had the pleasure of moderating an extremely talented leadership panel on an important board-level topic, the role of data analytics and AI in ESG. The panel was filled with insightful thoughts, learnings, and practical experiences. Nothing works better than sharing, learning, and engaging in person. A truly wow experience!”
The discussion explored how robust data governance and analytics frameworks can help boards translate ESG commitments into actionable insights, measurable outcomes and long-term value creation.
Ritesh Sachdev noted, “This panel is timely for India, as markets move from intent to implementation on ESG. ESG is no longer a parallel agenda—it is central to economic growth. As capital, regulation and markets mature, technology and data integration will be the real enablers. It will help businesses scale sustainable solutions with the same discipline and efficiency that has powered India’s digital and economic transformation.”
Sanjay Khare highlighted, “The Board Stewardship Summit ESG Panel takeaways are that India’s ESG journey is at an inflection point—shifting from compliance-led reporting to capital market and strategy-driven integration. Boards increasingly recognise ESG as a governance responsibility, where climate risk, operational KPIs, and capital allocation intersect. AI and data-driven insights are emerging as critical enablers for transparency, risk oversight, and informed boardroom decision-making.”
The panel also examined the role of cross-functional collaboration in ESG implementation, bringing together sustainability leaders, governance professionals and data specialists to ensure consistency in reporting and accountability across organisations. Participants discussed the importance of aligning ESG data strategies with global regulatory standards and stakeholder expectations.
Speaking at the panel, Cauveri Sriram mentioned, “The discussion on engineering ESG maturity underscored the growing importance of robust data governance and analytics in enabling credible ESG reporting and board oversight. As regulatory expectations and stakeholder scrutiny continue to evolve, organisations must move beyond intent and embed measurable, data-driven sustainability metrics into their governance frameworks. It was a privilege to exchange perspectives with fellow panellists and board professionals at the Board Stewardship Huddle. Platforms like these play an important role in fostering meaningful dialogue and advancing responsible stewardship, transparency, and long-term value creation in boardrooms.”
The session reinforced that organisations seeking to advance ESG maturity must build strong data foundations, integrate analytics into governance processes and develop frameworks that enable boards to monitor sustainability performance with clarity and confidence. The session formed a key part of the Board Stewardship Bengaluru Huddle, which brought together Board members, Independent Directors and senior professional leaders from across sectors to examine evolving governance responsibilities and the role of stewardship in shaping future-ready organisations.
