SEC Issues A Ban On Role Shifting From Independent To Executive Directors

Prashanth Kale

Prashanth Kale is an accomplished marketing leader in India’s enterprise technology sector. He has led the charge of B2B marketing functions across AI, enterprise SaaS, and high-tech companies for over 19 years. Prashanth had solved complex brand and growth problems at companies like Sterlite Technologies, Crayon Data, Unisys, Zycus, Fidelity (FIS), Capgemini, SAP, Bridgei2i Analytics & Qyrus.

An alumnus of EDHEC Business School, France, Prashanth is known for building high-performance marketing teams & driving growth transformation programs. Though not formally on the board, he had consistently operated with the strategic clarity, reputational governance & stewardship of a seasoned independent director in his ascending tenure.

Girija Krishan Varma

Girija Krishan Varma is an internationally certified mediator and arbitrator with expertise in dispute resolution, intellectual property, and corporate-commercial laws. She has successfully mediated over 300 matters and, as an arbitrator written several awards. She represents clients before international arbitration forums like SIAC, ICC, and DIAC, she blends legal acumen with strategic insight. Her experience is across diverse sectors: entertainment, construction, pharmaceutical, Investor relations, IP-intensive industries, patent licenses, trademarks, copyrights, cross-jurisdictional issues, commercial contracts, family and corporate disputes, inheritance & succession planning. She has held senior legal roles at Microsoft, Standard Chartered, and HCL-HP, and argued landmark cases in Indian courts. She is a certified Board Member and currently is an Independent Director in the energy sector and Fintech companies.

Shrikant Sarda

Shrikant Sarda is a seasoned technology advisor with 30+ years of experience driving digital transformation across global markets. He has led large global IT initiatives and has advised 500+ board members on leveraging emerging technologies. Known for aligning IT with business goals, he mentors tech leaders and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Shrikant brings that rare combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, and hands-on leadership that enables businesses to thrive in the digital age. He is passionate about leveraging technology as a transformative force and remains committed to helping organizations build agile, resilient, and future-ready technology ecosystems.

Sunil Lulla

Sunil Lulla is known for his success in growing sustainable businesses, building enduring brands, and shaping organisational culture. With over 4 decades in leadership positions, he has ensured profitability, marketplace success, and stakeholder engagement at companies like MTV, SONY, The Times Television Network, and Diageo. As Chief Evangelist of The Linus Adventures, Sunil advises on strategy, culture, and brand building, working closely with promoters and CEOs. He brings deep insights into Indian consumers, governance principles, and board management. Sunil is also active in sports, enjoying running, squash, swimming, music, movies, and books.

Sandeep Dhingra

Sandeep Dhingra is a strategic CFO, a board member & business leader with nearly three decades of experience in adding value for multinational organizations. He is a rank-holder Chartered Accountant with qualifications in Cost Accountancy and Six Sigma, he brings deep expertise in finance operations, FP&A, governance, risk management and M&A integration. A large part of his time went in establishing & scaling GCCs and shared services. He led multi-location teams and managed P&L in hundreds of millions in dollars. A champion of innovation, mentorship and CSR, he is an active contributor to various leadership forums. He combines strategic vision with operational excellence to shape the future of finance and business.

Saloni Goel

Saloni Goel is Sr. Director – ESG Value Creation & Commercialization at Coca-Cola India for India and SouthWest Asia.

With deep expertise in policy, project management, and consultancy across Sustainability, ESG, Climate Change, Circular Economy, and Sanitation, she has led transformative projects like “Clean Kumbh” (Guinness Record, 2019). Her work at Mahakumbh 2025 has been a global sales volume and reputation driver for The Coca Cola Company in 2025.

She shaped India’s strategy for COP26 and the Net-Zero 2070 declaration. Formerly at UNDP, she led $25M EPR/CSR initiatives.

An IIT Delhi alumna with a Master’s from LSE, Saloni is a writer, mentor, and awardee of the IIT Delhi Alumni Award, KIGA, and Times Group Digital India Award.

She has served on the Board of Governors of The Doon School, Dehradun.

Vinayak Jadhav

He also actively contributes to the committee of the Indian Merchants Chambers . He has advised MSMEs in the solar sector and served on the board of a fintech company. An M.Com, AICWA, ACS, and MFM (JBIMS) graduate, he is also a Certified Corporate Director and Professional Coach. As a visiting faculty at JBIMS, B.K. Birla, and DY Patil, he combines his industry insight with academic excellence. His core strengths include strategic finance, mentoring, and board governance.

Bhaskar Subramanian

A Chartered Accountant, AMP graduate from Wharton, and Certified Independent Director, Bhaskar brings over three decades of expertise in finance, internal audit, governance, risk management, compliance, and transformation. He served as National President of IIA India, on IIA Global Committees, and the UNOPS Audit Advisory Committee. He has also contributed to national bodies like CII and ASSOCHAM. Deeply committed to leadership development and thought leadership, he actively engages in volunteering, mentoring, and driving impact through innovation and strategic change.

Brigadier Dr. Sanjeev Chopra PhD (Veteran)

As the architect of India’s first Integrated Joint Logistics Node and director of ₹20,000+ Cr strategic green projects, he has advanced ethical governance and digital resilience. A Certified Independent Director and expert in ESG, climate policy, and AI governance, he brings PhD in impact of Climate Change on Global Business Strategy. Dr Chopra champions stakeholder-driven leadership rooted in values, impact, and planetary responsibility. His affiliations span Corporate Governance Institute, Dublin, Ireland, Cambridge Uni, INSEAD, IICA, IISP USA, TERI SAS, ISB with LBS & Wharton immersions, and the World Foundation for Peace & Sustainability.

Monica Kalvani

As the founder of SaiYum Foods, a wellness-focused superfoods e-store, she blends entrepreneurship with purpose, championing women empowerment, sustainability, and inclusive business practices.

Now a Qualified Independent Director, her focus is on corporate governance, ESG, CSR, and digital innovation, including the role of Generative AI in marketing and in modernising business strategy.

Dharmveer Gupta

He also holds a Certified PMP credential from the Project Management Institute. His expertise spans SAP/SCM implementations across diverse industries including automobile, semiconductor, dairy, real estate, media, fertilizer, automobile ancillary, oil and gas, refinery, telecommunication, port, special economic zone (SEZ), agro-products, renewable energy, pharmaceutical, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), beverage, chemicals, medical devices, and airports.

Dipak G. Parmar

A former DPIIT IPR Chair Professor and Visiting Faculty at Mumbai University, he is the Founder of Cyber-IPR and has contributed significantly to the GI scheme for DPIIT. He has delivered keynotes at esteemed forums including ISMG’s CyberSecuity Summit and the Judicial Academy, Assam. His expertise spans IP, cyber law, domain disputes, and mediation, underpinned by qualifications including LL.M. and Company Secretary (Inter).

M.K. Sateesh

Currently, he serves as a Non-Executive Independent Director on boards such as Kirtiman Agro Genetics Ltd. ; Delta Galaxy Engineering Services Ltd and Highness MicroElectronics Limited.

Academically, he holds M.Com, MBA (Finance & Marketing), LL.B., and MBL from NLSIU, Managing HR (SWAYAM, BHU)

He brings a balanced and insightful perspective to boardrooms, making him a trusted advisor and an asset to every organization he is associated with.

Premananda Rout

Renowned for strategic insight and operational excellence, I have strengthened safety standards and optimized risk frameworks across the maritime sector.

A career highlight includes serving on the Board of a PSU, contributing to governance and strategic direction. Certified in Corporate Governance, Personal Branding (NSDC), and ESG (IICA).

Passionate about continuous learning and leadership, I bring integrity, expertise, and dedication to every role. Hobbies include mentoring, reading, and teaching.

Sumit Bhati

My qualifications include B.E. (Mechanical), Sugar Engineering (NSI), Boiler Operation Engineering, LLB, LLM, Honorary Doctorate in Administration and Corporate Law, Chartered Engineer, Certified Independent Director, and ESG/BRSR expertise. I am keen to contribute to corporate governance, sustainability, legal frameworks, and board-level strategies while engaging in meaningful professional collaboration.

Sainath Jamdadwar

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science from SRTMUN University and Master’s degree in Management Studies from Mumbai University. He has completed the certification for Independent Directors from IICA along with many other certifications in Banking & Finance, Risk Management among others.

B. Abida Banu

My core expertise lies in cloud technologies, Automation Development and AI driven solutions with a strong focus on aligning technology initiatives with business objectives. I have successfully led global, cross functional teams to deliver complex programs, drive cost optimization and enhance customer satisfaction. I’ve launched IaaS and PaaS offerings, reduced cloud deployment times and engineered multi cloud automation tools. Passionate about innovation and operational excellence, I’m committed to leveraging technology for sustainable growth, strategic value and long term success.

Deepak Tanna

Having led innovation at leading multinational corporations, he is also a certified independent director and with additional specialized credentials from IICA to serve on startup boards. He also has ESG certification, mentors deep tech startups, and is named inventor on two US patents. He is passionate about advancing responsible innovation and strategic governance in technology-driven enterprises.

Manjit Singh Kochar

Certified Independent Director (IICA);. Pursuing Advanced Management Program in Corporate Affairs. Independent Director & Audit Committee Chair at SEL Manufacturing Ltd.; also serves on NRC, SRC, and RMC. Independent Director at Advance Agrolife Ltd.; Former Nominee Director at ISARC (SIDBI-promoted); Empanelled with IBPS (Selection Committee), IIBF (IT Subject Matter Expert), and PNB (External Credit Auditor for Large Borrowal Accounts).

Birinder Singh Jolly

Renowned for his integrity-driven leadership, as former MD & CEO of Edelmann India, he led a pivotal transformation in governance, ethics, and performance, earning global recognition within the group. As a qualified Chartered Accountant, CS, CFE and CFP, he brings deep expertise in corporate restructuring, cross-border operations, and boardroom effectiveness. Passionate about lifelong learning and societal impact, he continues to engage with boards and senior leadership teams to drive long-term value creation and responsible growth.

Hina Kamra

Currently Managing Director at Neo Wealth and Asset Management, she drives strategic initiatives from the Chairman’s Office. Her expertise spans treasury, fixed income, and real estate structured credit, with over $700M deployed. A KPMG-certified Independent Director, Columbia Graduate ( Executive Management 2018/2019), IMT-Ghaziabad( PGDBM 1993- 95) , she champions governance and sustainable growth. Hina has held senior roles at Edelweiss, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDBI, and more. She is a two-time recipient of Exchange4Media’s Women Achiever in Finance award, an active member of 100 Women in Finance, and passionate about academia, ethics, and inclusive leadership.

Shobha Shridhar

An IICA Certified Independent Director, she supports startups and SMEs in governance, restructuring, and strategic growth. She holds a PhD in Economics, MBA in HR, and M.Com. A published author and motivational speaker, she conducts workshops on self-development, stress management, and women empowerment. Deeply committed to social causes, she has served AWWA for 28 years and led national initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao, and Atmanirbhar projects. Her multifaceted contributions blend professional excellence, academic dedication, and impactful community service.

Ashok D Murthy

He has led high-impact roles at global giants like Toyota, 3M, and The Times of India, driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and digital transformation. A certified Kaizen Promoter and Silver Medalist at the Toyota Kaizen Marathon, he is known for pioneering innovative marketing and business strategies. An IIM Indore alumnus and MBA Gold Medalist, Ashok brings global acumen and deep functional expertise. Currently a Business Consultant at Shelby Management Solutions, he empowers organizations to achieve sustainable, scalable performance breakthroughs.

Sriharsha Narasimhan

As a former CTO at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, he has a proven track record of implementing mission-critical infrastructure solutions that ensure operational resilience and meet regulatory compliance. An expert in aligning technology strategies with regulatory mandates, he advises C-level executives across various industry verticals, leveraging his extensive experience to drive success and growth.

Aparna Sharma

Ms. Aparna Sharma, a TISS Mumbai alumna (PM&IR, 1996), has 28+ years of diverse HR leadership experience across industries like Banking, Pharma, Biotech, Petrochemicals & Building Materials. She has held key roles at NOCIL, Monsanto, Novartis, Deutsche Bank, Lafarge & Greaves Cotton. Currently an Independent Director on several Boards,she also mentors Boards & advises corporates on Strategic Leadership, Boardroom Effectiveness & Organization Culture.

A recipient of multiple awards, including Golden Book Award 2025 & Top 10 Global Women in HR Excellence 2024, she has authored three bestsellers, including Reality Bytes and Between U & Me .

Beyond work, she is passionate about writing, coaching, and career guidance to Gen Y & Z.

Alok Jha

A distinguished alumnus of SIBM Pune, he has held top Management HR and Business roles in organizations like LafargeHolcim, Freudenberg, Datamatics, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Siemens Atos. His expertise spans across HR domains, HR strategy, SAP consulting, HR Transformation across industries including IT, Services, Manufacturing and Management Consulting.

As a Global CEO of IPS Group, he leads IPSL, IPS Tech, IPS International, and Orgzstack HRMS, driving the strategy for growth and global expansion, positioning IPS Group as a leader in HR and technology solutions.

Dinesh Arora

An IIM-Calcutta alumnus, he holds a B.Com from Delhi University, a PG Diploma in Financial Advising, and certifications including CISA, CIA, and CAIIB. Co-founder of FTN Solutions & Advisory, he created Finnulate.ai, an AI-powered compliance management platform.

A mentor to fintech startups and a sought-after advisor, Dinesh champions digital transformation, asset quality management, and people empowerment. His insights into strategy, IT governance, and compliance make him a compelling voice at global forums on corporate governance.

Deepak Deshpande

Deepak holds a master’s degree in systems and is certified ESG professional (from IICA) and member of NAIL. He is Certified Coach (PCC), Org Excellence Expert (ASQ), he is on the Leadership Committee of CII- Leadership & HR. He is a TEDx Speaker and has delivered Keynote address at Belbin International Conference (Cambridge).

He is Sports & Fitness enthusiast, Loves Swimming and is a Scuba Diver and member of Maharashtra Badminton Association.

Tarang Goyal

A Chartered Accountant with over 28 years of experience, he has held senior roles in reputed global organizations. Since founding IPS in 2004, he has led its transformation into a leading, end-to-end HR and HR product solutions company. With a focus on strategic growth, digital innovation, and client-centric services, Mr. Goyal continues to drive IPS Group’s global expansion and success across industries like IT, Oil & Gas, HealthCare and Manufacturing. Mr Goyal shall soon be starting IPS in an EU country, catering to the European Union Markets.

Mahesh Sharma

Have led finance functions for multi-billion-dollar enterprises, spearheaded cost optimization and profitability programs, and advised boards on strategic growth and governance. My leadership spans across Finance partnering, Supply Chain Finance, Controllership, FP&A, and Risk Management—underpinned by strong compliance and stakeholder alignment.

From driving financial performance and growth initiatives at Amazon to enabling business turnaround and strengthening controllership at Nielsen, I bring a proven track record of delivering outcomes. I thrive in high-growth environments, cross-functional leadership, and mentoring high-potential talent.

Jayant Tukaram Falke

At Shunya Advisors, we specialize in supporting MSMEs and NGOs, helping them derive meaningful insights from their financial statements and use them as tools for informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

Our team comprises 12 dedicated professionals and an admin team of 2, collectively serving clients across Mumbai, Vashi, Pune, and Sambhajinagar

Aparna Ram

With expertise in strategic planning, change management, leadership, people development, and innovation management, she has been instrumental in building innovation communities, mentoring using agile innovation processes, and the design thinking principles.

She has been recognized as Innovation Champion 2023 and Women Personality of the Year 2024.

Murale Narayanan

I believe in my background and expertise [Highly accomplished technology leader with over 25 years of experience driving transformative Data & AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud solutions for global enterprises. Proven track record of delivering substantial cost savings (>$66M) and achieving significant growth (30% YoY) through strategic initiatives. Expertise in leading large-scale global teams (650+ professionals) and aligning technology with business strategy to achieve measurable outcomes, including driving >$2.8M in revenue through innovative AI platforms] align well with the requirements of many boards.

Sivakumar C

Skilled in digital transformation, lean manufacturing, ESG initiatives, and driving business growth across global markets. Successfully led Greenfield and Brownfield projects from concept to execution. Alumnus of IIM Nagpur – Senior Management Program. Brings board-ready expertise with a strong focus on business strategy, governance, and long-term value creation.

Sridhar Mahadevan

Sridhar currently mentors and advises entrepreneurs and founders both in the Commercial and Social space across areas spanning Finance and Strategy. Sridhar is presently a PartnerAdvisor of 11.2 kmps, a strategic start-up network which is a division of M/s Advantage India Consulting Pvt. Ltd.; as well as a Board member of M/s Toolbox India Foundation, which enables capacity building of NPO’s.

Atul Nigam

Holding a Masters degree from IIT Dhanbad in Industrial Engineering and Management, an Executive Strategic Management Program certification from IIM Lucknow, and a Corporate Director certification from the Institute of Directors (IOD), he combines technical prowess with a deep understanding of strategic management and governance. Throughout his career, he has successfully led large teams and managed complex operations across multiple organizations, consistently prioritizing growth and operational efficiency. His global experience, having collaborated with clients across diverse markets, has enabled him to help businesses align their strategies with long-term goals and thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic marketplace.

Sujeet Kumar Pai

Recognized by Business World among ‘Top Admired Emerging Directors’, he has driven strategic transformation, business turnarounds, and sustainable growth. With deep cross-functional expertise and global leadership experience, Sujeet is known for his strong people orientation.

He currently consults independently, helping organizations drive profitable growth, build resilience, and create long-term stakeholder value.

Udit Pahwa

Notable achievements include leading a global business excellence project deployed in 35 countries, driving IT-enabled growth from ₹4,200 Cr to ₹7,500 Cr at India’s largest Wire and Cable company, implementing ERP solutions across diverse industries worldwide. Known for raising IT operations to global standards and spearheading innovation, I co-authored “Automation for the Future Enterprise” and have been an early adopter of technologies like HCI and VDI. Passionate about delivering business goals enabled and aligned with technology, I craft agile, cost-efficient strategies that deliver measurable impact.

Sushmita Ghatak

She holds an MBA from IIM Calcutta and, as a Fulbright-Nehru-CII Fellow, completed the programme on Leadership in Management at the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University. She has ESG and Corporate Sustainability certifications from the CFA Institute, NYU Stern, and IICA.

Sushmita has consistently demonstrated desired outcomes in business leadership and strategy, finance and risk management, change management, business excellence, technology and governance.

Sandeep Arora

Currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Leadership & Strategy, Sandeep also holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, International Trade Finance, and Gamification.

Beyond his corporate roles, he has contributed meaningfully to the professional and regulatory landscape — serving as a Disciplinary Committee Member at ESOMAR, a Member of the ISSC at SEBI India, and as Past President of the MRSI. He is also an active investor in technology-driven startups.

Abhijit Kabra

He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director and an investor in tech companies, leveraging his deep expertise in scaling businesses and navigating industry disruptions.

As the former CEO of Sasken Technologies Ltd., Abhijit successfully doubled the company’s market capitalization in under two years. Previously, as Managing Director at Accenture and Barclays UK, he led large-scale technology transformations and managed multi-billion-dollar portfolios, driving operational efficiency and growth. His career also includes leadership roles at Wipro and Honeywell, where he spearheaded strategic innovation initiatives.

Beyond his executive roles, Abhijit is a Certified Independent Director and an active startup mentor, dedicated to fostering leadership development, governance excellence, and organizational growth.

Rajesh Vaidya

His distinguished career spans across prestigious organizations like Eicher, Godrej-GE, GE, ICICI Venture, Ranbaxy, and an entrepreneurial venture in Europe.

Currently, he is the CHRO and Head of Sustainability at Silox India Pvt. Ltd. (SIPL)- an Indo-Belgian JV), in the inorganic chemicals sector. His contributions continue to shape sustainable business practices and high-performance organization culture of the company. Under his leadership, SIPL has won multiple HR and CSR Excellence Awards.

Sai Shyam Mantha

Currently in a senior leadership role at a multinational corporation, he drives strategic initiatives to accelerate revenue growth, market expansion, and customer excellence. His experience spans North America, APAC, the Middle East, and Europe, where he has built sales ecosystems and strategic partnerships. Passionate about mentoring future leaders and driving social impact, he empowers businesses and individuals to thrive in a dynamic global landscape.

Ritu Mathur

Ritu is also a strong advocate for India’s soft power. She has co-founded two cultural startups and is the author of a coffee table book on Indian Calligraphy.

Ritu is a Computer Engineer from Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology (NSIT), a recipient of Technical Scholarship from The Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AoTS), Japan and a certified Cyber Law professional from The Indian Law Institute. She has also served on the ICC for POSH compliance.

Ranjit Jatar

An Independent Director with a blue chip Listed company and as a merit lister Chartered Accountant and Graduate from SRCC, Delhi, Ranjits vast global corporate experience in PepsiCo and Eicher in Finance and in General management has resulted in a passion to help innovative founders align Governance processes with Growth in a competitive environment.

Rajkumar Rajamani

A certified SAFe 5 Agilist and ScrumMaster, Rajkumar has successfully led cross-functional teams and executed high-impact technology roadmap projects across global operations. His expertise spans CAD/CAE tools, new product development, and product lifecycle management. Recognized with multiple innovation awards, including Best Innovator at LM Wind Power, he holds multiple U.S. patents, reflecting his commitment to advancing engineering solutions through cutting-edge innovations.

Narendra Kumar Bharindwal

A Certified Independent Director (IICA), he holds an International PG Diploma in Risk Management (IIRM) and a B.Com from Bangalore University. He is also a Broker Qualified Person from NIA, Pune.

Beyond his profession, he is passionate about mentoring young professionals and advocating for insurance awareness. His leadership and vision continue to make a significant impact on the industry.

Viyom Jain

He leads a dynamic team of over 1,100 professionals and has collaborated with more than 150 clients across 25+ countries. He has played a pivotal role in delivering several multimillion-dollar digital transformation initiatives. A gold medallist at school, he is an alumnus of SRCC and IMT Ghaziabad and holds a Postgraduation degree in AI and ML from Great Lakes. He is also a Certified Independent Director (Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India) and a PMP. Committed to innovation, governance and inclusivity, he thrives on navigating complexity, transforming businesses and driving sustainable growth.

Piyush Kumar

With a customer-centric approach, he focuses on business optimization, revenue growth, and shareholder value. He excels in leading change, fostering innovation, and enhancing operational efficiency across industries. Passionate about driving sustainable success.

Dr. Pramod Sadashiv Sant

He started his career at Crompton Greaves Ltd. and dedicated 30+ years to Siemens Ltd. His academic achievements include a B.E. from Mumbai University, a Master’s from Pune University, and a Doctor of Excellence in Supply Chain.

He actively engages with CII, IMC, and FIEO. A recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, he is a Visiting Faculty at IIM Mumbai and Director General of FFFAI, shaping the industry’s future.

Shivprasad Laud

He was a Director on the Board of listed entities and a Whole-time Director at Roche India for 20+ years, led legal, tax, GDPR, and ESG, served on OPPI Committees, and later as Executive Director at the Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce India.

Currently, an Independent Director at a U.S. Group entity and Advisory Board Member at Fourteenth Degree Azimuth (India) Advisory, focusing on compliance and digital data privacy.

He holds a B.Com, LL.B., FCS, ACIS (London), a Diploma in Systems Analysis & Programming, and multiple Certifications in Directorship, CSR, ESG and Governance for Start-up Boards (IICA). He is currently pursuing a Doctorate from Swiss School of Business and Management, Geneva.

Subramanya Rayaprol

An IIM Calcutta alumnus, he holds certifications in Corporate Regulations and Financial Intelligence for Directors from IICA. A Certified Independent Director, he blends regulatory expertise with governance skills. Honored as “Inspiring Board Director 2024” by the WDC & WASME, he has contributed to 300+ reported judgments. A trusted advisor to industry bodies, he excels in compliance, advocacy, and corporate strategy, making him a valuable asset to any organization.

Amitabh Ambastha

An IIM Kozhikode alumnus and Certified Independent Director, he holds certifications like CAIIB and CALM. A bestselling author, his book on “Passion” topped Amazon charts. An Army brat and a voracious reader, he enjoys playing golf & bongo, travelling and connecting with people. Believing in self and looking ahead, he finds joy in supporting the less privileged through charity and meaningful contributions. He mentors a young aspiring engineer through an NGO.

Vibha Gawde

Former Chief Audit Officer at Suryoday Small Finance Bank (5 years). Held leadership roles at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, IndusInd Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank (32 years), specializing in financial risk assessment, audit, forex, trade finance, and treasury.

Certified Information Security Auditor (ISACA) and ESG Specialist (Institute of Directors), with an M.Com and B.Com from Mumbai University. Passionate about reading, governance compliance, mentoring, and sustainability.

Sandeep Chouhan

Currently, Sandeep is Group COO at Network International, UAE, driving growth, digital adoption, innovation, digital banking launches, and international expansion. He mentors fintech startups and AI initiatives, fostering future innovators. He holds a Master of Technology from IIT Delhi and certifications from the British Computer Society and the Institute of Directors, UK.

N. Shivaram

He has served as KMP in three subsidiary companies of Brigade Group and led multiple award-winning township projects and is known for his crisis management skills.

As Founder of Acumen Management Advisory, he advises realty firms on risk management, restructuring, and talent strategy, while also mentoring startups.

A Certified Independent Director, he holds credentials in Corporate Governance(Skill India/NSDC), Director Development Program(Altus Board Advisory) and a certified ESG professional (IOD) and has attended executive programs on Global Innovation in Tel Aviv and the USA.

He is a mentor, guide and a motivator to several next generation professionals.

K N Subramaniam

He is a seasoned business leader with extensive experience across diverse industries, including Automotive Parts, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Oil & Gas, and Renewable Energy.

He has led Gabriel India Ltd ., for 10 years flagship Company of ANAND Group for 10 years as President MD, CEO . He has been Board Member in Total Lubricants India, TDW India, and Federal Mogul Bearings Ltd., as President, and Board Member of Degremont India Ltd., ( now rechristened as Suez India Pvt Ltd) , besides being Chairman of Arvin Exhaust Ltd,( now part of Faurecia/Forvia Group France),Haldex India Ltd .Perfect Circle and Victor gaskets India Ltd., He is currently leading a Solar PV business, driving sustainable energy solutions.

Abhishek Raju

He has also established companies in Financial Services, covering Reinsurance, OTC Derivatives and Warranties, Islamic Insurtech, Lending, and Investment Advisory, serving as a Regulated Senior Executive Officer. He has been a member of multiple boards and has lived and worked in India, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates.

Niranjan Gidwani

With expertise in strategy, leadership development, and international business expansion, he has worked with multinational brands like Samsung, Hitachi, LG, TCL and HSBC. A firm believer in Individual Social Responsibility (ISR), he actively mentors future leaders.

A passionate traveller, writer, and cricket enthusiast, contributes insightful articles to leading publications.

He earned multiple awards, including the Best Alumni Award from his MBA institute, and helped his organizations win several awards, including the esteemed Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Excellence Award, and the Dubai Service Excellence Scheme recognition.

He was also one of the only two non-Chinese torchbearers at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.

Sweta Agarwal

She has handled roles in finance, governance and taxation with progressively increasing responsibilities over the span of my career. I have vast experience in corporate governance, strategic business development, capital re-structuring, finance business partnering, policy advocacy, Enterprise Risk Management, digital transition management, financial accounting and reporting, audits (IndAS / IFRS / US-GAAP), stakeholders management, cost management, transfer pricing and taxation strategies.

Sweta is passionate about creating equitable growth opportunities in the finance field and personally mentor female professionals to balance their career and personal responsibilities.

Shankar Dinkar Deokar

Business digital technology expertise spans multi-domain architecture e.g. Wintel, Unix, DB, and cloud solutions, ISO27K/ISO20K.

Performed pivotal roles in renowned organisations such as ATOS and IBM India Private Limited and Many other Roles in other companies.

At IBM India done performance optimization and business continuity & Disaster recovery planning for Critical Business application via ensuring operational resilience and excellence in INDIA & US operation.

Satish S. Doiphode

He is also certified in Six Sigma, PMI-PMP/ACP, and 5G Implementation with AI/ML & IoT from IIT-D, and is a certified Independent Director (IICA).

Dr. Doiphode has held leadership roles at Larsen & Toubro, General Electric, L&T Infotech, and ThyssenKrupp-UHDE India.

Currently serving as Vice President at Reliance Industries Ltd., he leads RPMG – IT & Automation, driving digital transformation across Oil & Gas, New Energy, EPC, and discrete manufacturing. His expertise spans ERP, AI, big data analytics, and IT automation, delivering 30% reductions in project cycle times. Recognized with the Next100 CIO Award winner, he specializes in ERP, AI, big data analytics, and IT automation, enhancing efficiency and innovation and passionate astrophotographer, he continues to shape the future of enterprise technology.

Chidambaram Iyer

Significant experience in handling Energy projects (Thermal & Renewable) and infrastructure projects viz. Roads (Annuity & Toll Road projects), Transmission lines, Ports & SEZ in companies like Hindustan Construction Co, JSW Energy, IL&FS, Sembcorp Energy & Mytrah Energy.

In his career spanning more than two decades he has played lead roles across organisations for Fund raising for large projects and manage their finances, Driving operating excellence by effective business performance monitoring Balance sheet management & sound financial accounting practices including adoption of IND AS standards, Financial Controlling by way of Budgetary controls and forecasting.

He has been involved in Debt raise of more than INR 40,000 Crores in his career and was also involved in two large IPOs in Energy Sector. He has also successfully worked on Joint Ventures with large MNC and Public sector Enterprise, overseas coal mine acquisition etc. in his career.

Praveen Gogia

In his last role with Nomura India, for nearly 13 years, he served as an Executive Director and India COO for Global Wholesale IT Division, Group Transformation Office and Digital Company/FinTech Division, where he led some of the most complex business transformation client engagements. In addition, he also led the Vendor Management Office for Nomura India and was the Lead for Global Technology COO / Business Management Shared Services function.

He brings a breadth and depth of expertise across diverse functions such as Technology Business Management, Business Operations excellence, Digital Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, IT Governance Risk and Control, IT Finance, Financial Planning and Strategy, Cost Management and Analytics, B-A-F Management, Vendor Governance, Vendor Risk Management, Strategic Sourcing (Onshore, Offshore, In-sourcing and Outsourcing), Client Relationship Management, Sales, P&L Ownership, Business Development, Solution Architecture, Deal shaping etc.

He has a diverse experience across multiple industry verticals and businesses, albeit his predominant experience is in Banking and Financial Services organizations, in several leadership roles.

His passion lies in Human Capital Evolution – Workforce transformation, Culture of Learning, Coaching, Mentoring. He also likes to keep himself challenged by undertaking diverse areas of learning on an ongoing basis.

He is currently serving as a Board Advisor at alphaTUB Innovations, Board Advisor at Off Peak Break, Business Consultant at upGrad, Partner with The X Search and Partner with Dailoqa.

Yogesh Sharma

Mr. Sharma holds an MA in Economics, an MBA, and certifications including CAIIB, CFA Investment Foundations, and CFP. He is certified Independent Director and alumnus of IIM Calcutta, his career spans leadership and strategic roles at esteemed organizations, including SBI Mutual Fund, SBI Life Insurance, and ICICI Bank.

A skilled leader with a strategic mindset and excellent communication, Mr. Sharma is also a CRISIL-certified ESG Risk Analyst, reflecting his commitment to sustainable practices. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys golfing and playing the saxophone.

Uphaar Srivastava

His role involves overseeing strategic initiatives that enhance Siemens’ market position, explore new business opportunities, and ensure sustainable growth in South Asia.

Uphaar held various roles within Siemens, each contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations across different sectors like energy, industry, and infrastructure. His strategic projects have notably included the expansion of Siemens’ digital services, which has been pivotal in adapting to the evolving demands of Industry 4.0.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Uphaar Srivastava has established himself as a Certified Independent Director. This certification underscores his commitment to corporate governance, ethical business practices, and his ability to provide unbiased insights to various boards.

Nikhil J. Isaac

With degrees in Civil Engineering, Advanced Construction and Business Management (IMD- Switzerland), he has dived deep into strategic leadership, product innovation, and luxury branding.

As a senior member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS – Management Consulting), a LEED-accredited professional and certified Independent Director, he is always thinking about how to blend impact investing and ESG into everything. He is a TEDx speaker and the author of the upcoming book “Fabulously Financially Free”.

Santanu Sengupta

He has an exemplary track record of building high performing teams, driving sustainable business growth while prudently managing risks and leading transformation. Recently, Santanu has pivoted to new age business and currently serves as President & Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at a Cyber Risk Management company. His specialties include Capital Markets, Strategy, Governance & Risk Management and mentoring start up founders.

Satish Panchal

Former Managing Director with a tenure of 12+ years at a government-promoted Enviro-Infra., Company in Vadodara, backed by the Government of Gujarat and PSU. Currently the Founder of SATSANG ENVIRO ADVISOR, offering specialized environmental consultancy services to industries. Also serving as an Independent Director, contributing expertise to drive sustainable and compliant industrial practices.

Nanda Rackanchath

Though being a strategic HR leader, he has in parallel also managed roles in manufacturing, procurement, corporate communications, CSR, and business ethics. Formerly CHRO at Tata Chemicals and Tata Communications, Nanda now offers strategic advisory services in HR, ethics, and CSR, and mentors future HR leaders. He is based in Bengaluru.

Ira Agarwal

She also leads Meet Ira (IraAgarwal.com), a premier leadership and mentorship platform.

Ira serves as an Independent Director at ITCONS e-Solutions Ltd (BSE-listed) and as a Strategic Advisor to AAPNA Infotech, Team Tech EHS, and Mallawa Ventures, championing growth, governance, and ethical leadership.

Passionate about bridging technology, strategy, and impact, she redefines leadership paradigms, driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable progress.

Shardul Kshirsagar

He serves on the Board of Directors at Seed Processing Holland, Netherlands, and Westrup A/S, Denmark. Previously, he held leadership roles at VAG Valves, Thermax Ltd, and Rifox GmbH. Shardul specializes in Strategy, M&A, Risk Management, Technology Absorption and Capital allocation. A mechanical engineer from Govt engineering college Pune and an EMBA graduate from S.P. Jain Mumbai. He also mentors startups and advocates gender equality, sustainability, safety, and social causes.

Prabin Kumar Jha

Prabin Jha is an accomplished author with two published books:

Essentials of Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Managers
Essentials of Corporate Governance

His third book, Think like a CFO: Shift From Accounting to Accountability, is currently under publication.

In addition, Prabin has contributed several research papers to reputed journals, with a focus on financial concepts, business turnaround strategies, and corporate governance.

Hariraj Chouhan

He is currently SVP & Company Secretary – 63 Moons Technologies Ltd. in Mumbai and has extensive experience of around three decades in Corporate Secretarial & Legal, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, financial & legal due diligence, Corporate Strategy & Business Leadership.

Ajay Baliga

Ajay, a Chemical Engineer by qualification, is presently a freelance Management & Strategy Consultant. He has over 40 years of professional work experience, of which over 25 years were in leadership roles, culminating in end-to-end global supply solutions as the Global Supply Director-Mainstream Spirits for Diageo Plc, United Kingdom, the global leader in beverage alcohol.

Ajay’s extensive experience covers Corporate & Business Strategy, Governance, General Management, Projects & Acquisitions, Procurement & Sourcing, Supply & Planning, Regulatory & Compliance, Innovation, Technical & Operations Excellence.

Gaurav Mahajan

Gaurav has successfully advised and handled disputes related to Arbitrations laws (ad-hoc & Institutional), execution of foreign awards/decrees, cyber/information technology, data privacy & protections, e-commerce regulations and AI Ethics issues, civil, commercial, banking & IBC matters, criminal litigations, white collar crime matters, including ED, SFIO, PLMA, PMLAT, and EOW, enforcement, investigations support and preparation, mock trials and mock searches, copyright, trademark, ESG regulations (India and UK), employment laws advisory, breach of confidentiality, trade secrets, FCPA, anti-bribery & anti-corruption issues & litigation support, real estate/property and estate planning/succession/personal laws.

Pawan Singhal

Being GC, CXO and member of senior leadership team for over 2 decades, a key contributor to strategic, operational, business & Legal decisions. Mentoring, advising and supporting new-gen start-ups in nurturing innovative ideas, negotiations, funds-raise, biz modelling, ESG, data protection. His accolades include:
*On Judges’ panel at ALB India Law Awards for 2021 and 2024
*Named amongst Corporate Trailblazers Top 5 Iconic CLOs by ‘CIO Today’- July 2023
*Named in ‘GC Power List’–India (2016) released by ‘Legal 500’
*Named ‘India’s Finest In-House Counsels’ at ‘ICCA Annual International Summit’ in 2016
*Member on National Expert Committee on Corporate Affairs at ASSOCHAM
*Member of All India Management Association, New Delhi

SEC Issues A Ban On Role Shifting From Independent To Executive Directors

Featured:

Elsewhere: