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A Report on IOD Bengaluru-Regional Directors' Conclave 2025
The Institute of Directors (IOD), Bengaluru Region, successfully hosted the Regional Directors' Conclave 2025 on the forward-looking theme “Boards of Tomorrow: Driving Growth in a Digital World.” Over 100 distinguished leaders, governance experts, and innovators came together for a day of thought-provoking discussions, insightful deliberations, and meaningful collaborations focused on reimagining board leadership in the digital era.
The program began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Richard Vincent D'Souza, Hon. Chairman of IOD Bengaluru Region; Ms. Nithya Subramanian, Global Data & AI Leader, Best Buy India; Mr. Kaushik Mukherjee, Former Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka; and Mr. R. G. Rajan, Honorary Zonal Director, Institute of Directors (IOD). As the lamp was lit, it symbolically illuminated the path for the day's discussions on innovation, integrity, and leadership in the digital age.
INAUGURAL SESSION
The 'Opening Remarks' & 'Welcome Address' were delivered by:
Dr. Richard Vincent D'Souza, IAS (Retd.)
Chairman
Institute of Directors (IOD)
Bengaluru Region
Dr. D'Souza welcomed delegates to the conclave, emphasizing how technology and global connectivity are reshaping leadership and governance. He urged boards to move beyond mere digitization toward purposeful innovation, reminding that “technology should serve strategy and never the other way around.” He called for reimagining governance with ethics, agility, and digital fluency to build future-ready, responsible boardrooms. Dr. D'Souza reaffirmed IOD's continued commitment to developing future-ready leaders through its programs and global forums, inspiring collaboration to shape purpose-driven, digitally fluent boards.
This was followed by the 'Special Address' delivered by:
Mr. R. G. Rajan
Zonal Director
Institute of Directors (IOD)
Bengaluru Region
Mr. Rajan spoke on the theme “Digital Stewardship in the Boardroom - From Compliance to Competitive Advantage,” and emphasized that digital stewardship has evolved from a compliance mandate to a strategic imperative. He urged boards to align technology with business goals, strengthen Cyber Resilience, and embed Ethical Governance. Highlighting the transition from financial oversight to digital foresight, he underscored that responsible innovation drives competitiveness, trust, and sustainable value creation.
The 'Keynote Address' was delivered by:
Ms. Nithya Subramanian
Global Data and AI Leader
Best Buy India
Ms. Subramanian delivered a powerful keynote on “AI: The Elephant in the Boardroom,” exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership and enterprise strategy. Citing projections that AI could add $2.6–$4.4 trillion annually to global GDP by 2030 and up to $1.9 trillion for India she urged the boards to view AI as an assistant, not a threat. She described AI as needing “tough love” and ethical direction, calling on boards to integrate AI into strategic, risk, and audit frameworks.
Quoting Tim Cook, she reminded, “The future of AI is in our hands.”
The 'Guest of Honour Address' was delivered by:
Mr. Kaushik Mukherjee, IAS (Retd.)
Former Chief Secretary
Government of Karnataka
Mr. Mukherjee delivered a light-hearted yet thoughtprovoking and compelling address, reminding us that while Artificial Intelligence continues to transform the way enterprises operate and make decisions, it is equally important not to lose sight of our human intelligence, intuition, and common sense. He emphasized that true enterprise excellence lies in blending technology with human judgment, empathy, and ethical discernment.
After a short networking tea break, the day continued with a Panel Discussion on “Reimagining Board Leadership in the Digital Era.”
The Panel Discussion was moderated by:
Mr. Ashok G.
Founder & Managing Partner
Nexleap.com
The Panel Discussion had the following distinguished Panellists:
1. Mr. Vijay Sivaram
Founder
RVAI Global
2. Mr. Rajesh Puneyani
Vice President & GCC Site Leader
Kenvue Solutions
3. Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan
CEO, Innovation Center & EVP
COMET Foundation
IIIT Bangalore
Their dynamic exchange of dialogues converged on a common insight - that effective board leadership in the digital age demands reinvention. It is not enough to adopt technology; boards must adopt new mindsets. Agility, adaptability, and accountability emerged as defining traits of tomorrow's directors, who must become catalysts for innovation while ensuring transformation remains purpose-led and human-centered.
Following the panel, distinguished speakers led an AIfocused Speaker Session, unpacking how organizations can responsibly navigate AI-driven disruption at the intersection of Governance, Technology, and Ethics.
The session had the following distinguished speakers:
1. Mr. Kashyap Kompella, CFA
Founder
RPA2AI Research
2. Mr. Raj Mohan Srinivasan
Managing Partner
Tholons Inc.
3. Mr. Ramachandran Sasisekaran
Advisor & Board Member
Gridzy
4. Mr. Pradeep Rao
Director & Chief Architect
Kyndryl
Mr. Kompella, in his address on AI Governance: From Compliance to Strategic Advantage, emphasized that AI is a global strategic priority requiring leaders with a strong AI Quotient (AIQ) - the ability to govern and ethically leverage AI. He highlighted that governance, not just compliance, builds trust and relevance. Mr. Kashyap stressed that accountability is non-negotiable and urged boards to integrate ethics, foresight, and robust oversight, noting that “AI governance is not an IT framework or a compliance checkbox it is the board's blueprint for trust in a machine-augmented world.”
Mr. Srinivasan delivered an insightful address on “Ethical AI: From Buzzword to Boardroom Responsibility.” He emphasized that as AI transforms industries and everyday life, it must be grounded in strong ethical values. Addressing critical issues of privacy, transparency, and accountability, he urged boards to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and human oversight in AI implementation. Concluding his remarks, Mr. Srinivasan observed that AI's true success lies not in innovation alone, but in its responsible and equitable contribution to humanity's progress.
Mr. Sasisekaran delivered his thoughts on “Future Proofing Strategy, Aligning Purpose People Profile and Digital Resilience”, and explored how AI and technology are reshaping organizational strategy and boardroom priorities. He highlighted the growing reliance on digital transformation, data analytics, and automation while warning against risks like privacy breaches and cybersecurity threats. He urged boards to evolve governance mechanisms to ensure ethical, transparent, and resilient use of AI and data.
Mr. Rao closed the technical sessions with a compelling call to action on cyber resilience in his talk, “Securing the Future: Why Cyber Resilience Must Be a Boardroom Priority.” He emphasized that cybersecurity must be a core boardroom concern, as quantum computing and advanced technologies amplify risks. Highlighting the importance of measurable metrics, he urged boards to link cyber resilience to business viability and material impact. Mr. Rao called on boards to move beyond awareness to execution, embedding cybersecurity into corporate strategy to safeguard trust and continuity.
The 'Closing Remarks' were delivered by:
Ms. Alokha Mendens
Regional Manager
Institute of Directors (IOD)
Bengaluru Region
In her closing address, Ms. Mendens highlighted that AI integration is not just about technology but transformation. She stressed the need for aligning People, Purpose, and Process, and for boards to balance innovation with ethics and inclusion. Expressing gratitude to speakers, partners, the IOD Bengaluru team, and delegates, she reaffirmed that the future of governance lies in collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning - where technology amplifies the human spirit rather than replacing it.
The conclave concluded with a networking lunch, allowing participants to connect, exchange ideas, and explore future collaborations.
IOD Bengaluru expresses its sincere gratitude to its valued partners -
• GOLD Partner:
Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd.
• SILVER Partner:
MSIL (Mysore Sales International Limited)
• BRONZE Partner:
Paradeep Phosphates Limited
This report is compiled by:
Institute of Directors (IOD)
Bengaluru Region
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Institute of Directors India
Bringing a Silent Revolution through the Boardroom
Institute of Directors (IOD) is an apex national association of Corporate Directors under the India's 'Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860'. Currently it is associated with over 31,000 senior executives from Govt, PSU and Private organizations of India and abroad.
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles/ stories are the personal opinions of the author. IOD/ Editor is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in those articles. The information, facts or opinions expressed in the articles/ speeches do not reflect the views of IOD/ Editor and IOD/ Editor does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
