Independent Directors Arun Duggal and Meera Shankar Retired From ITC Board
Arun Duggal and Meera Shankar have ceased to be Independent Directors of ITC Limited, effective September 15, 2024, following the completion of their respective terms as Independent Directors, as approved by the shareholders.
Arun Duggal (77) joined the ITC Board as a Non-Executive Independent Director on September 15, 2014. Duggal currently serves as Chairman of ICRA Ltd., Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilisers Limited, and the International Asset Reconstruction Company. He also holds board positions at Info Edge and Jubilant Pharma Limited. Over the years, he has held various directorships, including roles at American Chamber of Commerce India, Citibank Korea, Transparency International India, Petronet LNG Ltd., Zuari Group Companies, Adani Ports & SEZ, and ReNew Power Ltd.
With a 26-year career at Bank of America, Duggal is also known for his contributions beyond banking. In 2018, he helped establish the Centre of Excellence for Research on Clean Air (CERCA) at IIT Delhi, which focusses on developing technological solutions and advocating policies to reduce air pollution in India. He also founded the “Women on Corporate Boards” program under FICCI, aimed at mentoring high-potential women through corporate leadership. Additionally, he is a visiting professor at IIM Ahmedabad and a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the institute.
Meera Shankar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1973, enjoying an illustrious 38-year career. She currently serves on the boards of JK Tyres, Adani Energy Solutions, and Pidilite Industries. From 1985 to 1991, Shankar worked in the Prime Minister’s Office, focussing on foreign policy and security matters. She later served as Minister (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy in Washington until 1995, overseeing the commercial wing. Upon returning to India, she became Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, managing the nation’s cultural diplomacy efforts. Shankar has extensive experience in South Asia, having worked on Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives as Under Secretary and Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. As Joint Secretary, she headed divisions responsible for relations with Nepal, Bhutan, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). In her role as Additional Secretary, she handled UN and international security matters.
Shankar also served as India’s Ambassador to Germany from 2005 to 2009 and to the United States from 2009 to 2011.
