CHAIRMAN

Hon’ble Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah, Chairman Emeritus, IOD Advisory Council, former Chief Justice of India, former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission of India and National Commission for Constitution of India Reforms

Today's corporate landscape is vastly different, than what it was two decades ago. The change is pushing companies to be more transparent and accountable for their actions, and open about engaging with stake-holders. The Business Excellence case for good governance and long term sustainability is well established. Today's business environment provides a multitude of new challenges, but also significant opportunities for those who can master it's dynamics. In a world, where knowledge is growing exponentially and products and services are fast becoming obsolete, the challenge of innovation is irresistible and restless. Innovation is no option. You either innovate or perish. Managing innovation is rooted more in leadership and organizational capabilities, than in technological prowess, who can build, embrace, and take advantage of the contradictions, inherent in ambidextrous organizations.

Born on 26th June 1937, Commissioned into Regiment of Artillery in June 1957. Took active part in 1971 Indo-Pak war in Jammu- Samba sector. On promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General in 1991, he commanded all troops under his command in the Northern Sector. Thereafter he was appointed as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 01 July 1993. Here he was deeply involved in strategic planning, procurement of equipment and armament, and transfer of technology. For his outstanding professional competence, able leadership and exceptional devotion to duty, was awarded Param Vishist Sewa Medal (Highest award for distinguished service and extreme devotion to duty) and Ati Vishist Sewa Medal by the President of India in 1993 and 1991 respectively. After rendering 38 years of Army service, retired on 30th June 1995. Was appointed as Member, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 20th September 1995. Served as Chairman UPSC from December 1998 to June 2002. Served as Independent director on the Board of L&T from 2004 to 2007. Appointed as Vice Chairman of the Institute of Directors, New Delhi from March 2011 to November 2022. He had compiled two handbooks for IOD i.e. Handbook for Independent Directors and a Handbook on Corporate Leadership. He took over as the President of Institute of Directors with effect from 02 December, 2022.

Dr. Richard Vincent is an IAS officer with an illustrious career.

A distinguished and committed IAS officer with extensive experience in various administrative, managerial, and technical roles, he brings a wealth of expertise in government services, road safety, public welfare, and resource management.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated leadership, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service. He is passionate about enhancing the well-being of communities and ensuring the efficient functioning of public organizations.

Various Positions

• Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath, Raichur
• Joint Commissioner, BBMP, Bengaluru
• Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate, Kodagu
• Managing Director, Hutti Gold Mines Company Ltd.
• Mission Director, National Health Mission
• Secretary, Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)
• Managing Director, Karnataka State Warehousing Corporation
• Secretary to Government, Planning Department, GOK.
• Secretary to Government, Industries & Commerce Department (Mines, MSME, Sugar & Textiles), GOK.

Mrs. Berlia is a leading Entrepreneur, Industrialist and Educationist who has devoted her life to nation-building with global footprints. She is a humanitarian, a worthy daughter, a caring spouse, a nurturing mother, an indulgent grandmother but above all an alchemist who performs all her roles with great ease to create a shining and inspiring story. A woman of many parts, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Mrs. Berlia was the first woman to lead a multi-state apex chamber of commerce in India, serving as the President of the PHDCCI in 2005-06. She was the first woman in India to lead her own pharmaceutical company, when not yet 30, and was the first woman entrepreneur of a major educational group in India.

She is a Former Member of the Board of Governors, IIT Rourkee, and Former Chairperson, Board of Governors, NIT, Jalandhar. Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia is the Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Business Facilitation and Global Competitiveness and is a member of the National Management Committees of ASSOCHAM and FICCI.

Ms. Baroness Verma served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Development from May 2015 until July 2016. She has been a Conservative member of the House of Lords since 2006 and previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for DECC. Baroness Verma attended local schools and university in Leicester.

In 2006 she was raised to the peerage as Baroness Verma of Leicester in the County of Leicestershire. She was Opposition Whip from 2006 to 2010 and then Government Whip following the 2010 general election. Prior to becoming Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for DECC, Baroness Verma was Spokesperson for Cabinet Office, International Development, Women and Equalities and Business Innovation and Skills.

Mr. Gopalan Srinivasan holds a bachelor's degree in commerce from the University of Madras. He is a Fellow member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and a Fellow of the Federation of Insurance Institutes. He was previously the Chairman cum MD of United India Insurance Company Limited and Chairman cum Managing Director for the New India Assurance Company Limited.

Mr. Rajan has a B-Tech degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT BHU and an MBA from Strathclyde Business School, Glasgow. With 45+ years of extensive experience across industries such as gas processing, pipelines, LNG terminals, petrochemicals, and fertilizers, Mr. Rajan has held prominent roles, including Chairman & MD of PDIL and Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) and National Fertilizers Limited. He was also Chairman of the Fertilizers Association of India and the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises. Since July 2016, He has been an Independent Consultant & Independent Director on multiple Boards. He is also an author and columnist. Recently he was bestowed with the lifetime achievement award by the Fertilizer Association of India.

He is Advisor FAO and former Chairman, Institution of Engineers, Delhi. He is a Mechanical Engineer and has been involved with Environment and Energy Policy and planning and implementation of energy projects under the UN Agencies for over three decades in India and other Asian and Pacific countries. For his life time contribution, he has been conferred Engineer of the Year 2013 Award of Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific. He was a Member of the Perspective Planning Group of Planning Commission; and Member of Energy Policy Expert Group. He is Vice-President, World Environment Foundation & Institute of Directors, India.

Dr. Vivek K. Agnihotri, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Indian Parliament) Former Secretary Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of India

He is an IAS officer of 1968 batch. He has Master’s degrees in English Literature and Political Science from the University of Allahabad. He has Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis and Design from IIT Delhi. Dr. Agnihotri superannuated as Secretary to Government of India. Post retirement, he was Member of CAT and Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha, in the Parliament of India. He is Director, LML, Kanpur; Member of the Technical Advisory Group, ISB; Adviser, UPSC; and Adviser of Eminence (Public Governance), American Society for Quality, New Delhi. He is widely travelled and has several publications to his credit.

Born on 26th June 1937, Commissioned into Regiment of Artillery in June 1957. Took active part in 1971 Indo-Pak war in Jammu- Samba sector. On promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General in 1991, he commanded all troops under his command in the Northern Sector. Thereafter he was appointed as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 01 July 1993. Here he was deeply involved in strategic planning, procurement of equipment and armament, and transfer of technology. For his outstanding professional competence, able leadership and exceptional devotion to duty, was awarded Param Vishist Sewa Medal (Highest award for distinguished service and extreme devotion to duty) and Ati Vishist Sewa Medal by the President of India in 1993 and 1991 respectively. After rendering 38 years of Army service, retired on 30th June 1995. Was appointed as Member, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 20th September 1995. Served as Chairman UPSC from December 1998 to June 2002. Served as Independent director on the Board of L&T from 2004 to 2007. Appointed as Vice Chairman of the Institute of Directors, New Delhi from March 2011 to November 2022. He had compiled two handbooks for IOD i.e. Handbook for Independent Directors and a Handbook on Corporate Leadership. He took over as the President of Institute of Directors with effect from 02 December, 2022.

He is Advisor FAO and former Chairman, Institution of Engineers, Delhi. He is a Mechanical Engineer and has been involved with Environment and Energy Policy and planning and implementation of energy projects under the UN Agencies for over three decades in India and other Asian and Pacific countries. For his life time contribution, he has been conferred Engineer of the Year 2013 Award of Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific. He was a Member of the Perspective Planning Group of Planning Commission; and Member of Energy Policy Expert Group. He is Vice-President, World Environment Foundation & Institute of Directors, India.

Dr. Vivek K. Agnihotri, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Indian Parliament) Former Secretary Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of India

He is an IAS officer of 1968 batch. He has Master’s degrees in English Literature and Political Science from the University of Allahabad. He has Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis and Design from IIT Delhi. Dr. Agnihotri superannuated as Secretary to Government of India. Post retirement, he was Member of CAT and Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha, in the Parliament of India. He is Director, LML, Kanpur; Member of the Technical Advisory Group, ISB; Adviser, UPSC; and Adviser of Eminence (Public Governance), American Society for Quality, New Delhi. He is widely travelled and has several publications to his credit.

Hon’ble Justice U. U. Lalit, Chairman, IOD Advisory Council.

Justice Uday. U. Lalit enrolled as an advocate in June 1983. He specialised in criminal law and practiced at the Bombay HC from 1983 to 1985. Following his stint at the Bombay HC, he worked in the chambers of then Attorney General of India, Soli Sorabjee, from 1986 to 1992. Justice Lalit was designated as Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court in April, 2004. He aided the Court as amicus curiae in many important matters pertaining to forests, vehicular pollution and pollution of the Yamuna river. Justice Lalit was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court directly from the Bar on August 13th, 2014. He was the sixth Judge elevated directly to the SC without having served as a Judge in a lower court or High Court. As an SC Judge, he was appointed as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on May 14th, 2021. Justice Lalit took over as the 49th Chief Justice of India on August 27th, 2022, becoming the only second CJI to be elevated to directly from the bar.

Hon'ble Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi is the Chairman of the Law Commission of India. He was the former Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. A leading legal luminary who has had an illustrious journey in the field of law, Justice Awasthi graduated in law from Lucknow University in the year 1986. Since beginning, his expertise included civil, service and education matters at the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court. Hon'ble Justice Awasthi was also nominated as the Senior Judge at High Court in Lucknow in 2021. Thereafter he was elevated as Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court in 2021. During his tenure as a distinguished Judge for more than 13 years, Hon'ble Justice Awasthi decided around 44,000 cases out of which more than 600 judgements were approved for reporting. Most of the cases decided by him had nationwide impact, as well as international relevance.

Hon'ble Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi is the Chairman of the Law Commission of India. He was the former Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. A leading legal luminary who has had an illustrious journey in the field of law, Justice Awasthi graduated in law from Lucknow University in the year 1986. Since beginning, his expertise included civil, service and education matters at the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court. Hon'ble Justice Awasthi was also nominated as the Senior Judge at High Court in Lucknow in 2021. Thereafter he was elevated as Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court in 2021. During his tenure as a distinguished Judge for more than 13 years, Hon'ble Justice Awasthi decided around 44,000 cases out of which more than 600 judgements were approved for reporting. Most of the cases decided by him had nationwide impact, as well as international relevance.

Justice Uday. U. Lalit enrolled as an advocate in June 1983. He specialised in criminal law and practiced at the Bombay HC from 1983 to 1985. Following his stint at the Bombay HC, he worked in the chambers of then Attorney General of India, Soli Sorabjee, from 1986 to 1992. Justice Lalit was designated as Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court in April, 2004. He aided the Court as amicus curiae in many important matters pertaining to forests, vehicular pollution and pollution of the Yamuna river. Justice Lalit was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court directly from the Bar on August 13th, 2014. He was the sixth Judge elevated directly to the SC without having served as a Judge in a lower court or High Court. As an SC Judge, he was appointed as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on May 14th, 2021. Justice Lalit took over as the 49th Chief Justice of India on August 27th, 2022, becoming the only second CJI to be elevated to directly from the bar.

Mr. Ashok Kapur was an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (1967 Batch). He has served the Government in various capacities, including Secretary & magistrate of various districts. During 1992- 94, was appointed leader of the Indian Delegation to the UN Conference on Biological Warfare. In September, 1991 was appointed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Supplies & food & science & technology, Govt. of India. Currently he is the Director General of Institute of Directors, India.

Manoj K Raut is the CEO & Secretary-General of the Institute of Directors, India (IOD), a prestigious organization he has been a part of since 2000. Over the years, Mr. Raut has been instrumental in shaping the IOD into a formidable network of business leaders and policymakers, recognized for its commitment to advancing corporate governance and business excellence.

Mr. Raut's academic background is as distinguished as his professional journey. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management and a Law Degree (LLB) from Govt. Lingaraj Law College, Berhampur University, India. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Botany (B. Sc) with First Class Honours Distinction from the Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur, Odisha, one of India's oldest educational institutions.

Beginning his career as an Advocate on record and a member of the Bar Council of Delhi, Mr. Raut transitioned to the corporate sector when he joined the Institute of Directors, India as a Management Trainee in 2000. His dedication and leadership quickly propelled him to the top ranks, where he was appointed CEO and Secretary-General of IOD in 2010. Beyond his role at IOD, Mr. Raut serves on several not-for-profit boards, including the World Environment Foundation and the International Academy of Law. He is also an Advisory Council Member of the ESG Exchange, South Africa besides, the Editor of 'Director Today,' a leading monthly journal of IOD, India. He has also been an advisory Board member of RIMS (USA), Lincoln Business School (UK), and CII TCM Board in India.

Mr. Raut’s strategic approach to building a strong boardroom community is comprehensive and forward-looking. He places a strong emphasis on diversity, continuous learning, open communication, ethics, and strategic alignment. By fostering a collaborative and progressive boardroom culture, Mr. Raut not only enhances board effectiveness but also drives long-term organizational success and sustainability. His vision serves as a benchmark for creating dynamic and resilient boardroom communities in today’s complex business environment.

Mr. Raut's passion for innovation and his commitment to driving business success through strategic partnerships have ensured a win-win scenario for all stakeholders, including clients, partners, members, and team members. Under his leadership, IOD, India has emerged as a powerful force in the global business community, keeping senior executives and board members informed of the latest trends and developments in corporate governance and business excellence.

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Shri Sitaram Kunte is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and former Chief Secretary of the Govt. of Maharashtra. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, he has served in key leadership roles across urban governance, public policy, and state administration. His career highlights include serving as Chief Secretary in 2021, Additional Chief Secretary handling Home, General Administration, and Higher & Technical Education (2017–2020), and earlier as Principal Secretary in Housing, Planning, Finance, and Environment departments. He also served as the Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai from 2012 to 2015 and earlier as Vice President and CEO of MHADA.

Academically, Mr. Kunte holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from Delhi University and a Master of Science in Public Policy from the University of Birmingham in the UK. He also holds a law degree from Mumbai University and has completed a certificate course in Public Policy from Syracuse University, USA.

He is currently a Member, Board of Governors, NISM, Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIM Mumbai and visiting Faculty at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune. He also serves as an Independent Director on the boards of several companies and is the Honorary Chairman of the Institute of Directors (Western Region), Mumbai. Additionally, he is empaneled as an Arbitrator by the Bombay High Court and NHPC, and is a founder member of CRISP, an NGO focused on achieving Sustainable Development Goal.

His areas of expertise span Public Administration, Corporate Governance, Urban Development and Housing, Public Policy, Higher Education and Arbitration.

Dr. Ajay Dua a graduate of St Stephens’ college and a career civil servant, joined the Indian Administrative Services in 1971. He has held a variety of senior assignments in the Government of Maharashtra and the Government of India, including as Managing Director of industrial promotion corporations, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Power. He was also the Secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, between July 2005 and July 2007. Currently, Dr. Dua is a senior business advisor/board member of several multinational corporations.

Mr. Peter T. Hassan was CEO of Peter Hassan Associates Pvt Ltd, an advisory to national and international organizations on corporate and government relations. He is also the Hony. Consul General for the Russian Federation at Hyderabad and on the Advisory Board of India Beachheads Board (part of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise). Peter is also a Trustee of the Ravi Shankar (Sitar Maestro) International Advisory, Vodafone India Foundation, on the Governing Board of L V Prasad Eye Institute, School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad and many other leading social organizations.

Ms. Shallu Jindal, a disciple of Padmavibhushan Gurus Raja Radha and Kaushalya Reddy, is a highly accomplished Kuchipudi danseuse and a noted social contributor. She has been honoured with many awards for her outstanding achievements in the field of Indian classical dance (Kuchipudi) and contribution in the field of art and culture, education and community development. She has compiled books like Tiranga and Freedom. She has authored her first book for children titled "India: An Alphabet Ride". She is the Chairperson of JSP Foundation, Ex-Chairperson of National Bal Bhawan and the Founder President of Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO).

Mr. Vijay Karia, is the Chairman and MD of Ravin Group of Companies. Ravin group is a leading player in the Indian power and energy. He has been Chairman of Cable Division of IEEMA. As Chairman and MD of Ravin Group, he has been instrumental in leading the electrical cable segment in many ways by launching new and improved products from time to time, and has been a pioneer and largest exporter of cables from India. His is the first Indian cable manufacturing company to set up its manufacturing facility overseas in UAE. He was recently awarded as India's Most Inspiring Entrepreneur by the Economic Times, and is considered as one among the top 50 Entrepreneurs by ET today.

Mr. P. K. Kheruka is a experienced chairman with a demonstrated history of working in the glass industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Business Development, Strategic Planning, and International Business. Strong business development professional with a B. Com (Hons.) focused in Commercial Studies including law and Economics from St. Xavier's Collegiate School, Kolkata, India.

Mr. Dhanendra Kumar (born 1946) is a civil servant who was the first Chair of Competition Commission of India (CCI). He is a veteran former Indian Sr. civil servant (joined IAS- in 1968) four decades with Government, at Centre, Haryana State & World Bank as Executive Director for India, SriLanka, Bangladesh & Bhutan, expertise in competition and regulatory matters.

Mr. G. K. Pillai retired from the IAS as Union Home Secretary in 2011. He is a distinguished alumni of IIT Madras. He worked for the State Government of Kerala, holding various positions including that of District Collector, Quilon, Special Secretary Industries, Secretary Health and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. In the Government of India, he has worked in the Ministries of Defence, Surface Transport, Home and Commerce. He was chairman of Board of Approvals for SEZ, chief negotiator for India at the WTO and Secretary Commerce, Government of India.

Dr. Aruna Limaye Sharma, IAS (Retd.) officer of the 1982 batch, is an avid practitioner of Development Economics and has successfully employed her craft in her professional career. A catalyst of positive change, she has played a pivotal role in chalking out development-related blueprints and ensuring that its benefits percolated to all sections of the society. Steeped in traditions, she is a Dance and Music aficionado.

Optimism is not just the faith that leads to achievement; it is also the opium of life. It serves as a strategy for making a better future because unless one believes that the future can be better, one is unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so. Its very essence signifies inspiration, vitality, hope; and where others have resigned; it enables an individual to hold head high. For Ms Aruna Limaye Sharma, retired IAS officer of the 1982 batch from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, optimism is not just a Teflon-coated word but an abiding rationale and a way of life.

Desh Deepak Verma is a retired IAS officer. He has held several key positions in the Government of Uttar Pradesh and in Government of India. He was selected as first head of the India office of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Sri Sri Verma was decorated during the Republic Day parade for outstanding contribution to the settlement of 20 years old Shia-Sunni dispute. He is also accredited for introducing several industry friendly reforms in the Trade Tax Department like e-filing of returns and removal of all check-posts and barriers.

An experienced multi-disciplinary professional with a demonstrated history of working with the Governments, utilities/industry and non-Government sectors in strategic planning and policy making at the top level, He has proved himself to be of unmatched value to every organization that he worked for. With strong leadership and consulting skills in Team Management, Project implementation, Governance and Public Policy, he has been recognized, nationally and internationally, for developing strategies and finding out of box solutions through innovative thinking, for some very complex and challenging work environments.

Dr. Tayeb Kamali is a leader in organizational change, and has spearheaded education, training, research and applied technology programmes in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East for more than two decades.In 1989, following doctoral studies in engineering at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., he returned to the UAE where he took up senior leadership positions with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) - the UAE's largest institution of higher learning with 17 campuses. Five years later, he founded the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT), HCT's entrepreneurial and commercial arm. In 2005, he was appointed HCT Vice Chancellor. Currently he is the chairman,IOD India, UAE Chapter

He is a prominent member of the education industry in South East Asia, Middle East and India and serves as a founding Trustee and Executive Chairman of Singapore based Global Schools Foundation (GSF), a not-for-profit organisation. He has presented several papers on education at various forums globally. In addition to several personal recognitions received in the field of education, Mr. Temurnikar is recipient of Walter L. Hurd Executive Medal from Walter L. Hurd Foundation, USA and the Asia Pacific Quality Organization. An engineer by qualification, he has completed his Masters in Management from the University of East London. His career saw him venturing into the education sector after a 14-year stint in information technology (IT) firms like HCL Technologies Ltd and IBM (1997-2002).

Prof. (Dr) Colin Coulson-Thomas, President of the Institute of Management Services and Director-General of IOD India for UK and Europe operations. He has helped directors in over 40 countries to improve board and corporate performance. An experienced director and board chair, he leads the International Governance Initiative of the Order of St Lazarus, is Chancellor of the School for the Creative Arts, Director-General, IOD India, UK and Europe, Chair of United Learning's Audit and Risk Committee. Honorary Professor at Aston University, Distinguished Professor at SRISIIM, Visiting Professor of Direction and Leadership at Lincoln International Business School and an Advisory Board Member of Bridges of Sports and the Arvind Foundation, The author of over 60 books and reports, he has held various public appointments and professorial roles in Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, India and China. Educated at the LSE, London Business School, UNISA, USC and the Universities of Aston and Chicago, A fellow of seven chartered bodies, Colin is a prize winner in final exams of three professions.

A behavioural scientist, author and commentator on many aspects of management, leadership, organisation and personal development, I have been very fortunate in the range of experiences that my career has opened up for me. In most cases, my colleagues and I have delivered pioneering, and some quite exceptional, outcomes.

My primary interest is in facilitating the learning and development of leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs – individually and collectively.

As a confidant to some elite leaders in global business, government and the not-for-profit sectors, I help them navigate their own complex worlds to achieve outstanding results. My publications list includes nine books and over 300 articles.

Dr. Keijo Varis has been appointed as Honorary Country Convenor, Institute of Directors, India for Finland. This appointment was made official at a ceremony hosted by Ms. Tuula Yrjölä, Finland's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, just prior to the IOD's UAE Global Convention on March 4, 2024. Dr. Varis was bestowed with IOD's Life Membership a year ago on April 17, 2023, at Finland's Delhi Embassy, in the esteemed presence of Mrs. Ritva Koukku-Ronde, the Finnish Ambassador to India at that time.

Hailing from Finland, Dr. Varis is a distinguished leader and educator, currently serving as a faculty member at the Turku University of Applied Sciences in Turku, Finland. With a wealth of expertise in management techniques, he holds a Master's degree in Administrative Sciences, as well as an MBA in Finance and Accounting. Dr. Varis is renowned for his strategic acumen and has provided guidance to numerous boards throughout his career. Dr. Varis has served as the Chief Strategy and Risk Management Officer of Vapo Group from 1992 to 2012, in addition to holding the position of CFO at Vapo Timber Oy.

He is Managing Partner of Crowe Horwath (DMCC branch) in Dubai. Crowe Horwath is a member firm of Crowe Horwath International which is among the top 9 global accounting networks, consisting of over 200 independent accounting and advisory service firms, with close to 726 offices and 31,040 professionals. Current position Elected as Chairman of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) – UAE (Dubai) Chapter is the largest Overseas Chapter with over 2000 plus members. Elected and Served the ICAI Dubai Chapter in various key positions as Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive committee member for the past several years. ICAI is the second largest professional accounting body in the world. Served as the Chairman of Steering Committee of MECA (Middle East CFO Alliance). Middle East CFO Alliance (MECA) is the largest CFO Networking Group based across Middle East region. Founder Member of Indian Chartered Accountant Toastmasters Club (ICAT) & Executive committee Member 2007-08. Active member of Indian Business Professional Council (IBPC), Capital Club and JSG (Dubai).

Manoj K Raut is the CEO & Secretary-General of the Institute of Directors, India (IOD), a prestigious organization he has been a part of since 2000. Over the years, Mr. Raut has been instrumental in shaping the IOD into a formidable network of business leaders and policymakers, recognized for its commitment to advancing corporate governance and business excellence.

Mr. Raut's academic background is as distinguished as his professional journey. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management and a Law Degree (LLB) from Govt. Lingaraj Law College, Berhampur University, India. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Botany (B. Sc) with First Class Honours Distinction from the Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur, Odisha, one of India's oldest educational institutions.

Beginning his career as an Advocate on record and a member of the Bar Council of Delhi, Mr. Raut transitioned to the corporate sector when he joined the Institute of Directors, India as a Management Trainee in 2000. His dedication and leadership quickly propelled him to the top ranks, where he was appointed CEO and Secretary-General of IOD in 2010. Beyond his role at IOD, Mr. Raut serves on several not-for-profit boards, including the World Environment Foundation and the International Academy of Law. He is also an Advisory Council Member of the ESG Exchange, South Africa besides, the Editor of 'Director Today,' a leading monthly journal of IOD, India. He has also been an advisory Board member of RIMS (USA), Lincoln Business School (UK), and CII TCM Board in India.

Mr. Raut’s strategic approach to building a strong boardroom community is comprehensive and forward-looking. He places a strong emphasis on diversity, continuous learning, open communication, ethics, and strategic alignment. By fostering a collaborative and progressive boardroom culture, Mr. Raut not only enhances board effectiveness but also drives long-term organizational success and sustainability. His vision serves as a benchmark for creating dynamic and resilient boardroom communities in today’s complex business environment.

Mr. Raut's passion for innovation and his commitment to driving business success through strategic partnerships have ensured a win-win scenario for all stakeholders, including clients, partners, members, and team members. Under his leadership, IOD, India has emerged as a powerful force in the global business community, keeping senior executives and board members informed of the latest trends and developments in corporate governance and business excellence.

Reji Mathew is responsible for Finance & Administration. He is a Graduate in commerce, PGDCA & DCD specializing in Finance & Administration. He has undergone extensive training in India & UK. He is also ‘Sub Editor’ of the "Director Today", a Journal of the Institute of Directors. He looks after all operational activities of IOD nationally and internationally. He joined IOD in 1997.

Dr. Vivek K. Agnihotri, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Indian Parliament) Former Secretary Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of India

He is an IAS officer of 1968 batch. He has Master’s degrees in English Literature and Political Science from the University of Allahabad. He has Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis and Design from IIT Delhi. Dr. Agnihotri superannuated as Secretary to Government of India. Post retirement, he was Member of CAT and Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha, in the Parliament of India. He is Director, LML, Kanpur; Member of the Technical Advisory Group, ISB; Adviser, UPSC; and Adviser of Eminence (Public Governance), American Society for Quality, New Delhi. He is widely travelled and has several publications to his credit.

Desh Deepak Verma is a retired IAS officer. He has held several key positions in the Government of Uttar Pradesh and in Government of India. He was selected as first head of the India office of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Sri Sri Verma was decorated during the Republic Day parade for outstanding contribution to the settlement of 20 years old Shia-Sunni dispute. He is also accredited for introducing several industry friendly reforms in the Trade Tax Department like e-filing of returns and removal of all check-posts and barriers.

An experienced multi-disciplinary professional with a demonstrated history of working with the Governments, utilities/industry and non-Government sectors in strategic planning and policy making at the top level, He has proved himself to be of unmatched value to every organization that he worked for. With strong leadership and consulting skills in Team Management, Project implementation, Governance and Public Policy, he has been recognized, nationally and internationally, for developing strategies and finding out of box solutions through innovative thinking, for some very complex and challenging work environments.

Dr. George V Antony, the Hon. Regional Director of Institute of Directors, Kerala Region has over 28 years of professional experience in the industry, academia, research, training, consulting and mentoring. A trendsetter in academic and entrepreneurial excellence, his visionary leadership, innovative initiatives and contributions as an edupreneur has received him several prestigious recognitions including Education Planner award from the Asia Africa Development Council (2018) and IBMC Business Excellency award at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2020).

He is a Post Doctoral Fellow in management from Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT), holds doctorate in Information Security Governance in Banking, MBA in Finance and B.Sc. in Physics. He is a Certified Bank Trainer from IIBF-NIBM, Certified Corporate Director and Certified Startup Professional from IOD India, Certified Trainer Facilitator from Middle Earth HR – CAMI (USA) and Accredited Management Teacher from AIMA. He has research publications in reputed journals, including ABDC and Springer listed ones, with significant citations contributing to his h-index and i10-index on Google Scholar. Prior to his career as the Director of leading business schools, he earlier worked with IndusInd Bank, Stock Holding Corporation of India, IDBI Bank etc., and was also into SAP consulting for a decade. Apart from being a distinguished management educator, adjunct professor at universities abroad and advisory board member of reputed institutions, George closely associates with the industry and serves as the Chairperson, State of Kerala for International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry and Advisory Council member of AASGON(UK). He was formerly the Special Honorary Ambassador of IAAP (UK). Author of Why Mentor Matters? A must-read handbook for MSME Entrepreneurs and Startup Leadership, George is the Director of GreenApple Success Factors, and serves as a mentor and business transformation consultant to business owners, entrepreneurs, startup leadership, startup aspirants and decision makers.

Shri Anjani Kumar Tiwari is Director (Finance) of GAIL (India) Limited, a Maharatna PSU. He has rich and wide experience of over 38 years of working in various power, Oil & Gas and City Gas Distribution sectors. Shri Tiwari has 25 year of extensive experience in GAIL across various business segments, in the areas of Project Finance, Corporate Finance, Taxation, Treasury, Corporate Accounts, Capital Budgeting, Finalization of EPC Contract, etc.

He has also steered prestigious project Jagdishpur - Haldia&Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, popularly known as Pradhan MantriUrja Ganga. Apart from GAIL, Shri Tiwari also holds the position of Director in GAIL Gas Ltd., Green Gas Ltd., Bhagyanagar Gas Ltd, GAIL Gas (USA) Inc., and GAIL Global (USA) LNG LLC and has ensured effective, sustainable, strategic and result oriented decision making in Board functioning.

An ardent professional with forty three years of experience in project and operations management, drawing on vast experience as Director and COO of a large multinational manufacturing company. Successfully turned around ailing companies through market development and efficiency programs, as well as executing new projects from scratch to full operational status. Vast practical experience in Operations Management (production, supply chain, quality and MIS), Inventory, Industrial and Projects (safety and reliability). Involved with several consultancy roles in managing and improving manufacturing, supply chain, budgeting, human resources and Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) processes for corporate and entrepreneurial organizations in an array of industries.

Anil Baijal is a retired (IAS) officer and served as the 21st Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. He took over office on 31 December 2016 after the sudden resignation of Najeeb Jung. He resigned from the post of Lieutenant Governor & sent his resignation letter to President of India on 18 May 2022. Baijal holds a master's degree in arts from the University of Allahabad and a master's degree in development economics from the University of East Anglia. Baijal is a 1969 batch IAS officer from the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre. He has served as Union Home Secretary under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. During his tenure as Union Home Secretary, he removed Kiran Bedi from her post as the head of jails accusing her of breaking every clause in the jail manual. He has also served as the Chairman of Delhi Development Authority; Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Islands; additional Home Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; MD of Indian Airlines; CEO of Prasar Bharati; Development Commissioner of Goa; Commissioner (Sales Tax and Excise) of Delhi; Councillor in Charge of India Aid Mission in Nepal. He was responsible for the introduction of DD Bharti.

Dr. Vivek K. Agnihotri, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Indian Parliament) Former Secretary Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of India

He is an IAS officer of 1968 batch. He has Master’s degrees in English Literature and Political Science from the University of Allahabad. He has Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis and Design from IIT Delhi. Dr. Agnihotri superannuated as Secretary to Government of India. Post retirement, he was Member of CAT and Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha, in the Parliament of India. He is Director, LML, Kanpur; Member of the Technical Advisory Group, ISB; Adviser, UPSC; and Adviser of Eminence (Public Governance), American Society for Quality, New Delhi. He is widely travelled and has several publications to his credit.

Desh Deepak Verma is a retired IAS officer. He has held several key positions in the Government of Uttar Pradesh and in Government of India. He was selected as first head of the India office of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Sri Sri Verma was decorated during the Republic Day parade for outstanding contribution to the settlement of 20 years old Shia-Sunni dispute. He is also accredited for introducing several industry friendly reforms in the Trade Tax Department like e-filing of returns and removal of all check-posts and barriers.

An experienced multi-disciplinary professional with a demonstrated history of working with the Governments, utilities/industry and non-Government sectors in strategic planning and policy making at the top level, He has proved himself to be of unmatched value to every organization that he worked for. With strong leadership and consulting skills in Team Management, Project implementation, Governance and Public Policy, he has been recognized, nationally and internationally, for developing strategies and finding out of box solutions through innovative thinking, for some very complex and challenging work environments.

Dhanendra Kumar, IAS (Retd.) Chairman, Committee on National Competition Policy of India | Former Chairman, Competition Commission of India | Former Secretary to Government of India & Former Executive Director, World Bank

He is a civil servant who was the first Chair of Competition Commission of India (CCI). Kumar formerly served as Executive Director at World Bank. He is currently assisting Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs as Principal Advisor and Chief Mentor of School of Competition Law – the upcoming National Centre of Excellence.

Hem Pande is an outstanding leader and project manager with impeccable administrative and managerial skills. He has 36 years of experience as a civil servant and three years of teaching in a University. During 2016-17 he served as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Consumer Affairs. He was responsible for bringing out direct selling guidelines in September 2016 thus heralding a new chapter in direct selling in India. Mr Pande also holds Master's degree in Business Administration from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne (Australia).

Dr. Anup Wadhawan superannuated as Commerce Secretary, from the Department of Commerce, Government of India. He is currently an Independent Director on the boards of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company. Previously, he has served in the Government of India’ s Departments of Economic Affairs, Financial Services and Commerce, and the Prime Minister’s Office. He has also worked for the Water and Sanitation Program of the World Bank, enhancing accountability in Water Supply & Sanitation service-delivery through policy, institutional and utility reform. He was a member of an African Development Bank team that evaluated its lending to the public utilities sector in Ghana and Tanzania. He holds a doctorate from Duke University, Masters’ degrees from the Delhi School of Economics and Duke University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Hindu College, University of Delhi, in the area of Economics.

Mrs Ruchi Ghanashyam is a career diplomat, who joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1982. Prior to her current assignment as High Commissioner to the UK, she was Secretary (West) in Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi from April 2017 to November 2018. In a career spanning nearly thirty-seven years after joining Indian Foreign Service, She served in the Embassy of India Damascus, Kathmandu, Brussels, High Commission of India Islamabad and in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, New York. She was High Commissioner of India to Ghana concurrently accredited to Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Togo. She has also served as High Commissioner of India to South Africa with concurrent accreditation to Kingdom of Lesotho. At Headquarters, She served as Director (Pakistan) and Director CNV Division, MEA and as Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary for the Europe West Division of MEA, New Delhi.

Dr. Aruna Sharma is a Practitioner Development Economist. She was Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT and also worked as Secretary Steel in Govt. of India. She was a Member of Reserve Bank of India's High-level Committee on Deepening the digital payments in India . She works in field of Digital Transformation, e-Governance , FinTech, Digital Assets as well as core sectors like Steel and Mining. She has development and successfully led the panchayat level governance model. Presently, Dr. Aruna is on the Board of Directors for some companies and writes regularly on Economy, Digital and Social Innovation and Rural Development. As an author, she has 5 best seller books to her credit, latest one being, " Dancing towards $5Trillion economy through Holistic Ride"

Dr. Uddesh Kohli, B.E. (Hons), MBA and Ph.D in Economics, is presently the Chairman Emeritus of Construction Industry Development Council, Chairman of Construction Industry Arbitration Council and Engineering Council of India. He is also Secretary General of International Federation of Training & Development Organizations (IFTDO). He is Independent Director on the Boards of several companies and a Member of the Board of Governors of IIM, Kozhikode and Bangalore. He is a Senior Adviser in the Global Compact Office of UN Secretary General and is promoting this Program in India. He has also worked as a Consultant with several other United Nations organizations and the Asian Development Bank. His wide ranging specialization includes corporate governance, strategic management, development planning, project planning, appraisal & management, finance, energy, power systems, corporate citizenship, reforms and restructuring, public systems, and training.

Dr. Kohli has been Adviser, Planning Commission, the Chairman & Managing Director of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Chairman of Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) and Consultancy Development Centre. A HRD expert, Dr. Kohli is the President Emeritus of Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD) and president of Council of Indian Employers (CIE), All India Management Association, Asian Regional Training and Development Organization (ARTDO).

Shri C.K. Mishra joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1983 and currently heading the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Government of India. He led the Indian negotiations at important Forums such as United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Conference of the Parties (COP)) to assess progress in dealing with climate change; Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and various other multilateral events. He leads the government initiative for air pollution mitigation in Delhi and indeed all pollution control strategies for the country. He is also the administrative head of Forest & Wildlife conservation efforts in India.

Mr. Ovais Sarmad appointed as Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), at the Assistant Secretary-General level. The appointment has been made after consultation with the Conference of Parties through its Bureau. Mr. Sarmad will succeed Richard Kinley of Canada, to whom the Secretary-General and the Executive Secretary are grateful for his dedicated service to United Nations climate change efforts over the past 20 years. Mr. Sarmad, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), brings to the position nearly 27 years of experience with IOM, where he worked in several policy and management areas to strengthen the Organization's operational effectiveness in close consultation with IOM Member States. He was instrumental in the establishment of the organization's Ethics and Conduct Office and was a key team member negotiating the agreement which brought the IOM into the United Nations System.

He is Advisor FAO and former Chairman, Institution of Engineers, Delhi. He is a Mechanical Engineer and has been involved with Environment and Energy Policy and planning and implementation of energy projects under the UN Agencies for over three decades in India and other Asian and Pacific countries. For his life time contribution, he has been conferred Engineer of the Year 2013 Award of Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific. He was a Member of the Perspective Planning Group of Planning Commission; and Member of Energy Policy Expert Group. He is Vice-President, World Environment Foundation & Institute of Directors, India.

Reji Mathew is responsible for Finance & Administration. He is a Graduate in commerce, PGDCA & DCD specializing in Finance & Administration. He has undergone extensive training in India & UK. He is also ‘Sub Editor’ of the "Director Today", a Journal of the Institute of Directors. He looks after all operational activities of IOD nationally and internationally. He joined IOD in 1997.

Mr. Ashok Kapur was an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (1967 Batch). He has served the Government in various capacities, including Secretary & magistrate of various districts. During 1992- 94, was appointed leader of the Indian Delegation to the UN Conference on Biological Warfare. In September, 1991 was appointed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Supplies & food & science & technology, Govt. of India. Currently he is the Director General of Institute of Directors, India

He is Advisor FAO and former Chairman, Institution of Engineers, Delhi. He is a Mechanical Engineer and has been involved with Environment and Energy Policy and planning and implementation of energy projects under the UN Agencies for over three decades in India and other Asian and Pacific countries. For his life time contribution, he has been conferred Engineer of the Year 2013 Award of Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific. He was a Member of the Perspective Planning Group of Planning Commission; and Member of Energy Policy Expert Group. He is Vice-President, World Environment Foundation & Institute of Directors, India.

Manoj K Raut is the CEO & Secretary-General of the Institute of Directors, India (IOD), a prestigious organization he has been a part of since 2000. Over the years, Mr. Raut has been instrumental in shaping the IOD into a formidable network of business leaders and policymakers, recognized for its commitment to advancing corporate governance and business excellence.

Mr. Raut's academic background is as distinguished as his professional journey. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management and a Law Degree (LLB) from Govt. Lingaraj Law College, Berhampur University, India. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Botany (B. Sc) with First Class Honours Distinction from the Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur, Odisha, one of India's oldest educational institutions.

Beginning his career as an Advocate on record and a member of the Bar Council of Delhi, Mr. Raut transitioned to the corporate sector when he joined the Institute of Directors, India as a Management Trainee in 2000. His dedication and leadership quickly propelled him to the top ranks, where he was appointed CEO and Secretary-General of IOD in 2010. Beyond his role at IOD, Mr. Raut serves on several not-for-profit boards, including the World Environment Foundation and the International Academy of Law. He is also an Advisory Council Member of the ESG Exchange, South Africa besides, the Editor of 'Director Today,' a leading monthly journal of IOD, India. He has also been an advisory Board member of RIMS (USA), Lincoln Business School (UK), and CII TCM Board in India.

Mr. Raut’s strategic approach to building a strong boardroom community is comprehensive and forward-looking. He places a strong emphasis on diversity, continuous learning, open communication, ethics, and strategic alignment. By fostering a collaborative and progressive boardroom culture, Mr. Raut not only enhances board effectiveness but also drives long-term organizational success and sustainability. His vision serves as a benchmark for creating dynamic and resilient boardroom communities in today’s complex business environment.

Mr. Raut's passion for innovation and his commitment to driving business success through strategic partnerships have ensured a win-win scenario for all stakeholders, including clients, partners, members, and team members. Under his leadership, IOD, India has emerged as a powerful force in the global business community, keeping senior executives and board members informed of the latest trends and developments in corporate governance and business excellence.

Mr. Sailesh is a former Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India and former Member, Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), Department of Personnel & Training, Govt. of India. He has also served as Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He was elected as President of Association of National Census and Statistics Directors of America, Asia and Pacific (ANCSDAAP) from 2016 to 2018. His long experience in the power sector, in the Government of India, included handling the mega hydro projects, Tehri, Indira Sagar, Dulhasti, etc. and resolving the complex issues associated with them. He has vast administrative experience of more than 39 years having worked in senior positions in both Government of India and Government of Assam. As Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, he was instrumental in path breaking reforms designed to assess the performances of the Central Public Sector Enterprises based on market parameters with an objective to enhance the shareholders’ value. As a member of PESB, was also instrumental in selecting the best talent for the board level positions in Central Government companies and evolving a framework for leadership development and succession planning.

Born on 26th June 1937, Commissioned into Regiment of Artillery in June 1957. Took active part in 1971 Indo-Pak war in Jammu- Samba sector. On promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General in 1991, he commanded all troops under his command in the Northern Sector. Thereafter he was appointed as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 01 July 1993. Here he was deeply involved in strategic planning, procurement of equipment and armament, and transfer of technology. For his outstanding professional competence, able leadership and exceptional devotion to duty, was awarded Param Vishist Sewa Medal (Highest award for distinguished service and extreme devotion to duty) and Ati Vishist Sewa Medal by the President of India in 1993 and 1991 respectively. After rendering 38 years of Army service, retired on 30th June 1995. Was appointed as Member, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 20th September 1995. Served as Chairman UPSC from December 1998 to June 2002. Served as Independent director on the Board of L&T from 2004 to 2007. Appointed as Vice Chairman of the Institute of Directors, New Delhi from March 2011 to November 2022. He had compiled two handbooks for IOD i.e. Handbook for Independent Directors and a Handbook on Corporate Leadership. He took over as the President of Institute of Directors with effect from 02 December, 2022.

Mr. Shiva Rao Tummalapalli is a management professional with three decades of experience in Business & Corporate Management in Manufacturing & Service Industries in INDIA. Shiva has established New Business Verticals, New Subsidiaries and New Project Initiatives during his tenure. Shiva currently serves as the Chief Adviser at Future Labs, Hyderabad, INDIA that promotes Lab Automation & Consulting Services through its partner network.

Shiva has earlier served in Senior Management & Board roles in various organizations in India. Shiva has considerable experience in Business Administration & Business Management, Corporate Relations & Corporate Governance, International Relations & Trade Promotion, Sales & Marketing, Training & Development.

Shiva has also held Leadership & Advisory roles in various Industry Associations and Academic Institutes in India. Shiva is the founding member of the Institute of Directors (IOD) India, Hyderabad Region and has served as its founding Hon Secretary. Shiva has also served as the Governing Council Member at the Institute of Directors (IOD), India, New Delhi. Shiva is a Fellow and Certified Corporate Director from IOD, India.

Shiva has deep interest in Board Research & Startup Advisory, ESG & Climate Governance, Industry-Academia Collaboration & Innovation. Shiva holds Masters Degrees in Science and Management.