H. E. Vikram Doraiswami, IFS

High Commissioner of India to UK

H.E. Vikram K. Doraiswami joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1992. His initial posting was in the High Commission of Hong Kong as third secretary, following which; he served in the Indian Embassy in Beijing for 4 years. He has had the distinction of serving in the Prime Minister’s Office as the private secretary of the Prime Minister of India. His noteworthy stints also include his stint at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN as Political Counsellor and his posting as the Consul General of India in Johannesburg in South Africa. Over his long illustrious career, Mr. Doraiswami has served as India’s ambassador to Uzbekistan, the Republic of Korea and as India’s High Commission to Bangladesh. In between his foreign assignments, at the Ministry of External Affairs, He served as the Joint Secretary in the Americas Division, head of SAARC, and Bangladesh and Myanmar division. He was also tasked with setting up of a new division on Indo-Pacific at the MEA. He assumed charge as the High Commission of India to United Kingdom on 23 September 2022.

Balaji Nagabhushan

Group Chief Administrative Officer
Tristar Group, UAE

Mr. Balaji Nagabhushan is an accomplished leader and adviser, with vast experience directing compliance, control, excellence, governance and Corporate Social Responsibility. He is a goal- oriented professional across the banking and finance as well as logistics fields of business. He is a Certified not only as an Independent Director but also as a Fraud Examiner and an Anti-Money Laundering Specialist. He is a qualified EFQM assessor and a Distinguished Toastmaster. Not only a good communicator but an excellent public speaking personality. He devotes his free time to rendering service to the community, reading and spending quality time with his family and pets.

Eugene Mayne

Founder & Group CEO
Tristar Group, UAE

Eugene Mayne is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership the group and its entities have grown to become Middle East’s largest privately-owned energy logistics solutions provider.

He has been listed among the Top 25 most influential logistics executives in the Middle East for seven consecutive years by the ITP Media Group. Mr. Mayne has received several recognitions such as being included in the list of 53 individuals who have contributed to the UAE's progress by Khaleej Times in December 2024, the ‘IOD Distinguished Fellow 2023’ by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India, Maritime Personality of the Year at the ShipTek International Awards 2021, Lifetime Achievement Award at the Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa 2020, and the RoSPA Influencer Award at the RoSPA Health & Safety Awards 2020.

Chanchal Kumar, IAS

Secretary - Ministry of DoNER
Govt. of India

Mr. Chanchal Kumar is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1992 batch from the Bihar cadre and currently serves as the Secretary, Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, Government of India. He holds a B.Tech (1990) and an M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Kanpur. He also holds a Master’s degree in International Development Policy from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Economics.

Mr. Kumar has held several key positions in the Government of Bihar, including District Magistrate of Kaimur, Bokaro, East Champaran, and Nalanda. He has served as Secretary of the Art, Culture and Youth Department; Principal Secretary of the Building Construction Department; Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department; and Principal Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office, Bihar. At the national level, he has previously served in the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. Prior to his current role, he was the Managing Director of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, New Delhi.

The Baroness Verma

Global Chair, Advisory Council
Institute of Directors, India
Member of the House of Lords and Former Minister, International Development and Energy & Climate Change, Govt. of UK

Baroness Sandip Verma was born in Punjab, India, moving to the UK with her parents at the age of one. A successful business woman, Lady Verma started her first business at the age of 19 in high fashion, supplying high street multiples. In 2000, she changed her business to the service sector and went into auxiliary care. She joined Conservative Party in 1999. In 2006, she was raised to the peerage as Baroness Verma of Leicester in the County of Leicestershire. Prior to becoming Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for DECC in September 2012, She was Spokesperson for Cabinet Office, International Development, Women and Equalities and Business Innovation and Skills. She also served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Development from May 2015 until July 2016.

Dr. Tayeb Kamali

UAE Chairman - Institute of Directors, India
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Abu Dhabi School of Management, UAE

Dr. 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 HCT Vice Chancellor till 2015.

Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati

Chairman & MD - Granules India Limited

Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati is the Founder, Chairman and MD of Granules India Ltd, where he has been instrumental in transforming the company into one of the world's largest pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. With almost forty years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr Prasad has been a pioneer of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. His accomplishments include commercializing Pharmaceutical Formulation Intermediates (PFIs), an innovative and cost-effective product for global finished dosage manufacturers. He has filed 33 patents, five of which have been granted so far. He also established facilities in cities and countries such as China & the US.

Harshbeena Zaveri

Vice Chairman & MD - NRB Bearings Limited, India

Ms. Harshbeena Zaveri, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of NRB Bearings, spearheaded the establishment of a leading R&D center for friction solutions, earning Forbes recognition among Asia’s Best 200 under $1 Billion. NRB supplies top European and US automakers, like Daimler, Volvo, and Audi, with solutions for various vehicles and industries. With holdings in UAE and subsidiaries in Germany and the USA, NRB is known for advanced manufacturing and robotic technology. She has been named among Fortune India’s 50 Most Powerful Women for over a decade and received accolades from Forbes, India Today, and Business India. She's honored by the Economic Times and accompanied former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on a mission to Sweden for participating in bilateral discussions. She is on the Governing Council of Indo- French, the Board of the Indo- German, American and EU Chambers of Commerce and the Executive Committee of the Automotive Components Manufacturers Association, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) where she is on various National Committees. She is passionate for youth education and is one of the early founders of Ashoka University. As a Wellesley Business Leadership Council member, she strives for women's leadership and supports diversity through the India Diversity Forum. She is a sought-after speaker at universities like IITB, Cornell, and IMD, discussing business, leadership and inclusivity.

Angelo George

Chief Executive Officer - Bisleri International, India

Mr. Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International, brings over three decades of leadership experience from renowned organisations including Hindustan Unilever, EID Parry, and Dabur India. A transformational leader known for his market insight, innovation, and brand-building expertise, he has driven Bisleri’s record growth, refreshed its brand image, strengthened market leadership, and expanded globally with entry into the UAE. Deeply committed to sustainability, Angelo has positioned Bisleri as an industry pioneer—one of India’s first companies to achieve plastic-neutral and water-positive status, recycling more plastic than it uses and replenishing more water than it extracts. Under his stewardship, initiatives such as Responsible Use of Plastic and Water Credits have set new benchmarks for corporate responsibility. An alumnus of Madras Christian College and Bangalore University, he has also attended Advanced Management Programs at ISB Hyderabad and the Kellogg School of Management, Chicago. Beyond his corporate role, he serves as an Independent Director, an executive member of CII and ICC committees on Water and Food Processing, and as an Honorary Professor mentoring future leaders. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors and was honoured at The Economic Times CEO Conclave as one of the ‘Inspiring CEOs’.

K. P. Mahadevaswamy

Chairman & MD - NBCC (India) Limited, India

Mr. K. P. Mahadevaswamy assumed the role of Chairman & Managing Director of NBCC (India) Limited, a Navratna CPSE, in 2023, along with additional responsibilities as Chairman of Hindustan Steelworks Construction Limited (HSCL) and Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation Limited (HSCC). Joining NBCC as Deputy General Manager (Engg.) in 2005, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, rising to the top position. As Director (Commercial), he oversaw major projects, including the Redevelopment of 7 GPRA Colonies and the Hon’ble Supreme Court Monitored “Amrapali Works.” Recognized for his contributions, he received the “Realty Person of the Year Award” by EPC World Awards in 2023. His tenure as CEO of HSCL was marked by a remarkable turnaround, transforming the loss-making PSU into a profitable Mini-Ratna entity. This achievement earned him the "CEO with HR Orientation Award" by the World HRD Congress in 2021. Throughout his career, he successfully managed complex civil engineering projects, including hospitals, educational institutions, office buildings, and Indo-Pak Border Fencing. His leadership remains people-centric, fostering excellence and sustainability at NBCC. Prior to NBCC, he worked with PSU BHPV and reputed MNCs, gaining expertise in precast technology and refractory work.

Mohit Ralhan

Global CEO & MD - TIW Capital Group, Dubai

Mr. Mohit Ralhan is the Global CEO and Managing Partner of TIW Capital. He has more than 2 decades of experience in Fund Management and investments like listed securities, fixed return, buyouts, margin expansion & turn-around situations, machine learning and artificial intelligence-based investment strategies. He has served as the chairman of the investment committee of multiple funds and has seen multiple recessionary environments. In a career spanning two decades he has invested and served on boards across multiple sectors. He is an industry veteran and a regular speaker and moderator in various industry forums across the globe. He received many accolades during his career. Mr. Ralhan has been conferred the Distinguished Fellowship at the recently concluded Annual Convention of Institute of Directors at the House of Lords, London. He has also been awarded by The Times Group as the “Most Promising Business Leaders of Asia” for the years 2019 & 2020. Mr. Ralhan has been awarded by the International Business Magazine, UAE as “Excellence in Product Innovation Singapore” for the year 2023.

Raghav Singhal

Managing Director & CEO - ICICI Bank UK PLC

Mr. Raghav Singhal is the Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank UK PLC. Mr. Singhal has been with the ICICI Bank for over 24 years and has extensive experience in retail banking, private banking, treasury business and credit cards. As Retail Business Head for West 2 region in India, he developed and executed business strategy basis micro markets opportunity, customer insights and ecosystem based 360 degree banking. During his tenure in Treasury business, he oversaw the strategy to transform the treasury business from corporate focused to de-risked granular business by scaling up the SME, retail and bullion businesses. He was responsible for laying foundation for strong bullion business at ICICI Bank Limited. He was also involved with the scaling of the remittance business to capture the remittance opportunity in the India – Middle East corridor. He independently launched the commercial cards business and was part of the core team that setup the credit cards business at ICICI Bank Limited. Mr. Singhal holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow and is a Bachelor of Arts (Hons, Mathematics) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.

Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee

Thought Leader, Author
Chairman & Director - EIILM-Kolkata, India

Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee is the Thought Leader, Author, Chairman & Director of EIILM-Kolkata, one of India's leading business schools and Founder of EIILM-Kolkata Centre for Leadership and Ethics (EKCLE). He is an eminent academician, philanthropist, edupreneur and thought leader. He is a prolific author and a pioneer in establishing Ethics and Values in Management academics. Over the course of three and a half decades, he has gathered a wealth of experience as an international educationist, teaching at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. His remarkable work in the sphere of stress management, mother leadership, integration of Raj Dharma and Economic Emergence have created a lasting impact on management education.

Dr. Sushma Paul Berlia

Chairman - Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Chancellor
Apeejay Stya University, India

Dr. 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. 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. As Chairperson of Apeejay Education, she runs network of 26 Educational Institutions (Schools and Higher Education Institutions), and has made outstanding contribution in ensuring that the Apeejay vision of ‘Quality education of global standards leading to man-making and nation-building’ is effectively reflected in all its institutions. In 1995, she represented India at the UN World Social Summit at Copenhagen and delivered the keynote address on the ‘Role of Women at the Work Place’. She is also a recipient of numerous awards for contribution towards business, industry and academia by leading industry bodies. Very recently IOD honoured her as a Distinguished Fellow of IOD for 2023 for her outstanding contribution to public welfare & public policy specially her contribution as a pioneering entrepreneur, Industrialist and educationist, by promoting women empowerment and social inclusion.

Deepak Agarwal, IAS

Managing Director - National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India

Mr. Deepak Agarwal is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2000 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre, with a proven track record in public administration, governance, and policy execution. Over the years, he has held key positions across both the state and central governments, gaining deep insights into the functioning of government systems and rural development. Known for his strong expertise in the agricultural and cooperative sectors, Mr. Agarwal was appointed as the Managing Director of NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd), where he is tasked with revitalizing the organization's core mission of promoting agricultural marketing and supporting farmers across India. His appointment by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) reflects a strategic move to bring stability, innovation, and impactful leadership to NAFED. Mr. Agarwal is expected to drive growth and efficiency in cooperative marketing, enhance farmer welfare, and strengthen the agricultural supply chain.

Mark Babington

Executive Director of Regulatory Standards, Financial Reporting Council, UK

Mr. Mark Babington is the Executive Director of Regulatory Standards at the Financial Reporting Council. He leads the division responsible for the FRC technical and public policy work covering audit, corporate reporting, corporate governance and stewardship, actuarial and the FRC Lab. Prior to joining Ex. Co., he led the FRC’s UK Audit Policy programme, measures to support greater competition in the UK audit market and work to support the reform of international standard setting for auditors, by global regulatory authorities. Before he joined the FRC, he had a twenty-year career in audit and was a Director at the UK National Audit Office. He is an Independent Governor, Board Member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. He is also a member of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, which sets the global Code of Ethics for the accountancy profession, and chairs IESBA’s Sustainability Task Force.

Dr. Binod Atreya

Managing Director - Banking Finance & Insurance Institute of Nepal

Dr. Binod Atreya is the Managing Director and CEO of the Banking Finance and Insurance Institute of Nepal Limited and serves on the boards of Citizens Bank International, Emerging Nepal Limited, and Care Ratings Nepal. He is also an adjunct professor at Centurion University, India, and sits on the International Advisory Board at GIBS, Bangalore. He is part of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Banking Finance and Insurance and advises the Insurance. He serves as a Member of the Advisory Council of Insurance Times published by the Risk Management Association of India. He is an Advisory Member of Nepal's Confederation of Nepalese Industries. With over 30 years of experience as a central banker, including CEO roles in Nepal Bank Limited and Emerging Nepal Limited, and international experience with UNDP, he is skilled in institutional development, public management reform, strategic planning, and HR policy. He is a recognized speaker at banking and management conferences globally and is dedicated to driving productivity and success. He was awarded the “2023 Spirit of VU (Public Choice) Award” by Victoria University, Melbourne, for his impact in Nepal’s financial sector.

Jose Charles Martin

Chairman & MD - Charles Group, India

Mr. Jose Charles Martin is the Managing Director of Charles Group of Companies. He received his education from international schools in India and pursued higher studies in Italy and London. He has been nurtured with an entrepreneurial mindset, which has enabled him to become one of the prominent businessmen in the industry. He aims to transform all his initiatives into well-recognized, socially responsible ventures. He is also the Youth Global Cultural Ambassador of the Modern Pythian Games, which includes representatives of 92 countries working to revive ancient Greek sports at a global level. This unique role showcases his commitment to fostering cultural exchange and international cooperation. His dedication to both business and cultural diplomacy exemplifies his passion for making a positive impact on a global scale. He has received many prestigious awards such as the “Best Domestic Tour Operator (2024)”, by India Travel Awards; “Times of India Trendsetters Award (2024)” by The Times of India; “Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year (2022)”, Indo Arab Leaders Summit & Award”; “Times Award 40 under 40 (2021)” by The Times Group Award and “Prestigious Young Achiever (2014)”, by Silicon India Award.

Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas

Director General UK & Europe Operations
Institute of Directors India

Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas is Director-General, IOD India, UK and Europe Operations and President of the Institute of Management Services. He has helped directors in over 40 countries to improve director, board and corporate performance and is the author of over 60 books and reports. He has also held local, regional and national public sector board appointments and a variety of other board, professorial and leadership appointments. He received a CSR Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 CSR Leadership Summit and is the first Honoured Fellow of the Institute of Responsible Leadership. Honorary Professor, Aston University; Visiting Professor, Lincoln International Business School; and a Distinguished Professor at Sri SIIM where he is also President of the Council of International Advisers.

Dr. Graham Wilson

Psychology & Counselling - University of Oxford, UK

Dr. Graham Wilson is a behavioural scientist and psychotherapist, who writes and speaks on leadership, management, personnel, and organizational development. He is an executive confidant and facilitator, conference rapporteur, and a lecturer with the Oxfordshire Business and Enterprise School. He is chair of two charities, executive lead for research in the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Coaching division, and project manager for research for the RLSS UK (Royal Life Saving Society).

Puneet Chhatwal

Chief Executive Officer & MD - The Indian Hotels Company Limited, UK

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and has over four decades of leadership experience at highly acclaimed hotel groups in Europe and North America. Mr. Chhatwal also serves as the Chairman of the National Committee of Tourism and Hospitality, CII, and Chairman of Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH). Prior to this, Mr. Chhatwal was the Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Executive Board of Steigenberger Hotels AG – Deutsche Hospitality. He was also the Chief Development Officer of The Rezidor Hotel Group – Carlson Hotels Worldwide. Throughout his international career, Mr. Chhatwal has received several acclaimed awards and is the First Alumnus included in the ESSEC-IMHI Hall of Honour 2014. He has been honoured with induction into the prestigious Global Travel Hall of Fame by Travel Weekly UK, Hall of Fame Award at the 39th IATO Annual Convention and Rotary Club of Bombay’s Ramkrishna Bajaj Award for good governance. IHCL stands as a global benchmark in the hospitality industry, with the iconic Taj brand being recognized three times as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and as the first Indian hospitality company to surpass a Market Capitalization of INR 1 trillion. Under his leadership, IHCL has been honoured with the prestigious Industry Leader JRDQV Award, a coveted recognition in the Tata Group.

J. K. Arora

Chairman & CEO
Tradologie.com, India

Mr. J.K. Arora is a second-generation entrepreneur, who holds a vast experience of 40 years, in managing and growing industries & businesses. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Meerut University and Quality Control Diploma from BIS. His experience in the industry includes developing projects right from the inception, plant orientation and installation. His strong leadership skills are backed by his years of study, research and interactive sessions with the best minds in the industry. His leadership and expertise have been recognized at various Government and Non-government forums, and by delegations representing the Indian Businesses abroad. The Highlights of his career include manufacturing the Core Reactor of the Narora Atomic Power Plant, setting up 16 Greenfield Steel Projects in India & around the world and now establishing & successfully operating an E-commerce Platform which benefits the Industry.

Dr. Binod Atreya

Managing Director
Banking Finance & Insurance Institute of Nepal

Dr. Binod Atreya is the Managing Director and CEO of the Banking Finance and Insurance Institute of Nepal Limited and serves on the boards of Citizens Bank International, Emerging Nepal Limited, and Care Ratings Nepal. He is also an adjunct professor at Centurion University, India, and sits on the International Advisory Board at GIBS, Bangalore. He is part of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Banking Finance and Insurance and advises the Insurance. He serves as a Member of the Advisory Council of Insurance Times published by the Risk Management Association of India. He is an Advisory Member of Nepal's Confederation of Nepalese Industries. With over 30 years of experience as a central banker, including CEO roles in Nepal Bank Limited and Emerging Nepal Limited, and international experience with UNDP, he is skilled in institutional development, public management reform, strategic planning, and HR policy. He is a recognized speaker at banking and management conferences globally and is dedicated to driving productivity and success. He was awarded the “2023 Spirit of VU (Public Choice) Award” by Victoria University, Melbourne, for his impact in Nepal’s financial sector.

Mark Babington

Executive Director - Regulatory Standards
Financial Reporting Council, UK

Mr. Mark Babington is the Executive Director of Regulatory Standards at the FRC. He leads the division responsible for the FRC’s technical and public policy work covering audit, corporate reporting, corporate governance and stewardship, actuarial, and digital reporting and taxonomies. Prior to this, he led the FRC’s UK Audit Policy programme, implementing measures to support greater competition in the UK audit market and work to support the reform of international standard setting for auditors, by global regulatory authorities. Mr. Babington has previous experience as a Board Member and Audit and Risk Committee Chair. He is also a member of IESBA, which sets the global Code of Ethics for the accountancy profession, and chairs IESBA’s Sustainability Task Force. Before he joined the FRC, he had a 20-year career in audit and was a Director at the UK National Audit Office.

M. G. Balasubrahmanya

Director (Human Resources)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Mr. M.G. Balasubrahmanya has been appointed as Director (Human Resources) of the Company w.e.f. May 6, 2025. Prior to his appointment, he was holding the position of Executive Director (Human Resources) at HAL Corporate Office and handling Corporate HR & other Allied areas viz. Training & Skill Development, Medical & Health, Security & Fire, Media Communications, and Estates. He holds Master of Social Work (Personnel Management & Industrial Relations) from School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore University as well as Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Osmania University. He is also certified Internal Assessor for the Competency Assessment. Mr. Balasubrahmanya started his career in HAL as a Management Trainee (Personnel) in the year 1989. During his career spanning over 35 years in HAL, he has contributed significantly in the entire spectrum of Human Resources including Industrial Relations, Legal & Disciplinary matters, Training & Skill Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Facility & Estate Management and Vigilance at Divisional, Complex & Corporate level.

Prof. (Dr.) R. P. Banerjee

Chairman & Director
EIILM – Kolkata, India

Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee is an eminent academician, philanthropist, edupreneur and thought leader. He is a prolific author and a pioneer in establishing Ethics and Values in Management academics. Over the course of three and a half decades, he has gathered a wealth of experience as an international educationist, teaching at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. His remarkable work in the sphere of stress management, mother leadership, integration of Raj Dharma and Economic Emergence have created a lasting impact on management education. He is the Chairman & Director of EIILM-Kolkata, one of India's leading business schools and Founder of EIILM-Kolkata Centre for Leadership and Ethics (EKCLE).

Dr. Sushma Paul Berlia

Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, India

Dr. Sushma Paul Berlia is a leading Entrepreneur, Industrialist and Educationist who has devoted her life to nation-building with global footprints. Dr. 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 also the first woman in India to lead her own pharmaceutical company, and was the first woman entrepreneur of a major educational group in India. As Chairman of Apeejay Education, which runs 26 Educational Institutions (Schools and Higher Education Institutions), she has made outstanding contributions in ensuring that the Apeejay vision of Quality education of global standards leading to man-making and nation-building is effectively reflected in all its institutions. Dr. Berlia is also a member of various national and international bodies and associations pertaining to industry, business and education.

Prof. Ashley Braganza

Director Centre for AI Professor of Business Transformation Brunel Business School, UK

Prof. Ashley Braganza (PhD, MBA, FBAM) is Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Chair of Organisational Transformation at Brunel University London. He has served as Dean of Brunel Business School, Deputy Dean of the College of Business, Arts and Social Science, and Head of the Department of Economics and Finance. A Fellow of the British Academy of Management and Trustee of the Industry Parliamentary Trust, he received the Sustainability Leadership in Education award in 2024. An expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, Professor Braganza hosts The AI Adoption Podcast (Spotify, Apple, YouTube) and founded Brunel’s interdisciplinary Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence, launched in 2018, which includes a dedicated AI Lab and forms part of Brunel’s wider AI Ecosystem. The Centre has secured over £3.5 million in grants, including a €5.8 million EU-funded ELOQUENCE project (2024–2027) and an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (2025–2027). He also devised and launched a Master’s in AI Strategy to train future AI business leaders. Actively engaged in AI policy, he contributes to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for AI. His research examines AI’s influence on boardrooms, work engagement, and organizational trust. He has published over 100 papers and completed 50+ consultancy projects with FTSE 100 firms and public bodies worldwide.

Dr. (CA) Sahitya Chaturvedi

Secretary General
Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC), Dubai

Dr. Sahitya Chaturvedi, a fellow Chartered Accountant from India and also from England & Wales, is a PhD & the Head of Retail Accounts & Finance at Ajmal Perfumes Group. He has a diverse portfolio in Finance Management & Business Leadership in retail operations at several small to medium and large enterprises internationally, across the businesses of Lifestyle, Luxury, FMCG, Textile, Real Estate, Education, Medicine, and Investments. He is recognized for his extensive experience in conceptualizing and implementing business processes in a complex fiscal environment and establishing successful growth in the enterprise value. He also conducts mentoring sessions and interactions with quasi government authorities.

David Craig

Co-Chair - Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Former CEO, Refinitiv, UK

Mr. David Craig is the Co-Chair of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Chair of the Investment Committee for Triple Private Equity and member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI). He is also a member of the International Advisory Panel for Biodiversity Credits (IAPB). He was the former founder and CEO of Refinitiv, one of the largest data and technology platform providers to financial markets operating in over 160 countries. Following the acquisition of Refinitiv by London Stock Exchange Group for $27B in 2021, he became head of LSEG’s Data and Analytics Division. He was previously founder and CEO of the Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) business and head of strategy at Thomson Reuters and Reuters plc. Prior to these roles he spent 8 years as a partner at McKinsey focusing on technology and financial services clients, and was a software developer for American Management Systems. Mr. Craig is a private investor in natural capital technology firms, director of the Green Finance Institute PMO and a Trustee at the Natural History Museum supporting Innovation and Data.

Karim Fatehi OBE

Chief Executive Officer
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), UK

Mr. Karim Fatehi OBE is Chief Executive Officer of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), London’s leading business advocacy organisation representing over 11,000 businesses. In this role, he works closely with national and London government bodies, including the Department for Business and Trade, Greater London Authority, Transport for London, and the Metropolitan Police, to advance the interests of London’s business community. Mr. Fatehi also serves as an Export Champion for the Department for Business and Trade and sits on its Expert Trade Advisory Group on SMEs. Through close collaboration with key stakeholders, he promotes opportunities and growth for small and medium-sized enterprises, sharing his expertise to strengthen the wider business ecosystem. A successful business leader in international trade and global supply chain management, Mr. Fatehi is Managing Director of United Corporation, a premier procurement engineering company. He has led complex global supply chains for leading oil and gas companies including Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and major state-owned enterprises in Kuwait and Qatar. Under his leadership, United Corporation earned two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade. Mr. Fatehi was appointed MBE in 2012 and OBE in 2024 for his outstanding services to international trade.

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith

Executive Coach, Leadership Thought Leader #1 NYT Bestselling Author, USA

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith is a world-renowned executive coach and bestselling author recognized as one of the most influential voices in business. He has coached over 200 major CEOs and their management teams, helping leaders achieve positive, lasting behavioral change. A two-time Thinkers50 #1 Leadership Thinker and member of the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame, Dr. Goldsmith has edited or written more than 60 books that have sold millions of copies worldwide, including, ‘CEO Ready’.

Doug Gordon

Professional Speaker, CEO Coach, Author, Corporate Trainer & TEDx Speaker, Ireland

Mr. Doug Gordon is a national press recognised C Level Business head, who grew an investment business from $50m to $1.75Bn per annum sales. He is an award winning coach, consultant, international speaker, trainer, healer & bestselling author with hundreds of testimonials helping people with effective leadership, communication and presentation skills. His clientele includes Dell, Samsung, Salesforce, Leinster Rugby club, Facebook and also movie stars, sportsmen & trauma patients. He is the CEO of the Leadership and Life Mastery Summit and CEO of D&S Performance Optimisation Ltd. He also has a massive network of investors as he is a certified fund manager and investment advisor. He is the Global Goodwill Ambassador for Dublin, Ireland which was awarded by a US Senator for his inspirational work giving back to the community. He was awarded “Global Man of the Year” by Global Woman Magazine in 2022 for his contribution to humanity. He was also awarded Top International CEO and Top International Healer with the “International Association of Top Professionals” in 2022. He has also spent 21 years as an Investment Sales Head for some of the largest fund managers in the world.

Prof. David Grayson CBE

Emeritus Prof. of Corporate Responsibility Cranfield School of Management, UK

Prof David Grayson CBE is an independent commentator, adviser, podcaster and speaker on Responsible Business, Corporate Sustainability, and collaboration between businesses and other parts of society. Prof. Grayson is Emeritus Professor of Corporate Responsibility at Cranfield University School of Management. He is a Companion of the Chartered Institute of Management and a founding Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability. He has chaired several public bodies and charities in the UK including the National Disability Council and The Institute of Business Ethics. He is an independent board member for the Baiduri Bank in Brunei, for which he chairs the Group Risk Management Committee and leads on sustainability. He is part of the Circle of Advisers for Business Fights Poverty and a member of the faculty for The Forward Institute. Professor is the author of eleven books. The latest - “The Sustainable Business Handbook,” - is co-authored with Chris Coulter and Mark Lee (Kogan Page 2022) and was the winner of the Business Book Award 2023 for sustainability and change-management. He was the recipient of the Reuters Sustainable Business lifetime achievement award in 2022. He also co-hosts “All In: The Sustainable Business Podcast.”

Dr. Sergei Guriev

Dean, London Business School, UK

Dr. Sergei Guriev is the tenth Dean of London Business School, a position he has held since August 2024. Prior to his appointment, Sergei Guriev served as Professor of Economics and Rector at the New Economic School in Moscow, Professor of Economics and Provost at Sciences Po, Paris, and Chief Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Dean Guriev is a Research Fellow at the?Centre for Economic Policy Research, London and a Global Member of the Trilateral Commission. In 2006, he was selected a Young Global Leader by the?World Economic Forum. He is also a member of the Group of Thirty.

Vesselina Haralampieva

Head, Sustainable Finance Governance & Regulation European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

Ms. Vesselina Haralampieva is Head of Sustainable Finance Governance and Regulation and Senior Counsel at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in London. She leads strategic initiatives on climate, ESG, and sustainable finance, focusing on embedding resilience and transition planning into law, governance, and financial systems. She has advised boards and executives across emerging markets in sectors including finance, energy, agribusiness, construction, and manufacturing - helping businesses navigate climate risk, regulatory change, and investor expectations. She is recognised for pioneering work in corporate climate governance, including the design and leadership of EBRD’s Corporate Climate Governance Facility, which supports companies in developing credible transition plans aligned with the Paris Agreement. An Honorary Professor of Sustainable Finance at UCL Laws, Ms. Haralampieva serves on global expert bodies such as the Law Society’s Climate Change Working Group, the NGFS Legal Group, and the Governing Board of the Climate Governance Initiative, which works with boards worldwide to strengthen climate oversight. She is dual-qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales and a lawyer in Bulgaria, holding law degrees from Harvard Law School and Sofia University.

Rahul Himalian

Director – Tourism & Marketing Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)

Mr. Rahul Himalian is a Senior Officer from the Indian Railway Traffic Services from the 1999 Exam Batch. He assumed the charge of Director (Tourism & Marketing) at Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC Ltd) in February, 2024. Mr. Himalian graduated in Bachelor's of Technology in Electrical Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur as the Gold Medalist. He further pursued Masters in Technology from IIT Delhi where he achieved the rare distinction of 10.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average and President's Gold Medal for Best All Round Student. Before joining IRCTC, he had been a distinguished Traffic Services Officer of Indian Railways with two earlier stints of deputation in IRCTC as Additional General Manager (Tourism) and Group General Manager (West Zone) respectively. Presently in the capacity of Director (Tourism & Marketing) at IRCTC, he spearheads the businesses of Tourism and Internet Ticketing. Mr. Himalian is also the Chairman of IRCTC Payments Limited - A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of IRCTC. Additionally, he is also in-charge of the Human Resource, Infra, Administration and Official Language Departments of IRCTC.

Manoj Jain

Chairman and MD
Bharat Electronics Limited, Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Mr. Manoj Jain is the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. He assumed the role on June 20, 2024, after serving as Director (R&D) since September 26, 2022. He also held additional responsibilities as Director (Bangalore Complex) from August 1, 2023, and Director (HR) from November 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023. Mr. Jain joined BEL in August 1991 as a Probationary Engineer after earning his BE in Electronics from REC Jaipur (now MNIT Jaipur), where he graduated with a Gold Medal. Over his career spanning more than three decades, he has made significant contributions in the fields of R&D, defence networks, avionics, and radar systems. He began at BEL’s Kotdwara unit, working on digital multiplexers and CDOT exchanges, and later contributed to secure defence communication technologies and radar display systems at BEL’s Central Research Laboratory in Bangalore. He served as Chief Scientist at CRL-Bangalore and later as General Manager at BEL’s Product Development & Innovation Centre and the Electronic Warfare & Avionics Strategic Business Unit. A recipient of multiple R&D and defence excellence awards, he has published technical papers, filed patents, and regularly engages with DRDO and armed forces stakeholders.

Prof. Charlie Jeffery CBE

Vice-Chancellor & President University of York, UK

Prof. Charlie Jeffery became Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of York in September 2019. He joined us from the University of Edinburgh where he had been Senior Vice-Principal since 2014. He was a Member of Council of the Economic and Social Research Council from 2006-12 and Chair of the Political Studies Association of the UK from 2009-12. He has a deep-rooted interest in how university research and education can serve the general benefit of society, or public good. In Edinburgh and now in York he has worked to bring together the University with local authorities, businesses, other universities and colleges to promote inclusive economic development, and to open up access to university study and economic opportunity to people from disadvantaged backgrounds - both in the UK and internationally. Prof. Jeffery is committed to sustainability, in particular, harnessing the expertise and passion of the university sector to respond to the climate crisis.

Lord Clement-Jones CBE

LibDem House of Lords spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK

Lord Clement-Jones CBE was Chair of the House of Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence (2017–18) and serves as Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence. He is Deputy Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on China and Vice Chair of the Groups on Digital Regulation, The Future of Work, Music, Performers Alliance, Publishing, Writers, and Intellectual Property. A leading voice in digital and creative policy, he is the Liberal Democrat Digital Spokesperson in the House of Lords. Formerly, he served as the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Health (until 2004) and on Culture, Media and Sport (2004–2010). Lord Clement-Jones was made a CBE for political services in 1988 and a life peer in 1998. A former Partner at global law firm DLA Piper, he led UK Government Affairs and held senior roles including London Managing Partner, Chair of the China and Middle East Desks, and Co-Chair of Global Government Relations. He currently chairs Ombudsman Services Limited and the Council of Queen Mary University of London, and serves on advisory bodies including Airmic, ICAEW’s Corporate Finance Faculty, and the Council of Europe’s AI Working Group. He is also President of Ambitious About Autism, a national education and skills charity.

Vijay Karia

Chairman & MD
Ravin Group of Companies, India

Mr. Vijay Karia, is the Chairman and MD of Ravin Group of Companies. Ravin group is a leading player in Indian power and energy. He has been Chairman of the Cable Division of IEEMA. As Chairman and Managing Director 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.

Neha Kathuria

Chief Marketing Officer
LTIMindtree, UK

Ms. Neha Kathuria is the Chief Marketing Officer at LTIMindtree, where she leads the company’s global marketing vision, brand strategy, AI strategy, and integrated communications. In this role, she drives initiatives that strengthen LTIMindtree’s position as a leading global digital transformation partner, amplifying its presence across key industries and markets. Ms. Kathurua is instrumental in shaping the company’s narrative through innovative, data-driven marketing, high-impact campaigns, and strategic partnerships with major technology and business ecosystems. With deep expertise spanning brand building, demand generation, and thought leadership, she plays a pivotal role in driving growth and positioning LTIMindtree at the forefront of the industry. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and global impact.

Sir John Anderson Kay, CBE

Author, Columnist, and Britain's leading Management Thinker & Economist, UK

Sir John Kay CBE is an economist whose career has spanned the academic world, business and finance, and public affairs. He has held chairs at the London Business School, the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics, and is a Fellow of St John’s College, Oxford, where he began his academic career in 1970. He is a Fellow of the British Academy and of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He is the author of many books, including The Truth about Markets (2003), The Long and the Short of It (2009, new revised edition 2016), Obliquity (2010) and Other People’s Money (2015). Radical Uncertainty, jointly written with Mervyn King, was published in March 2020. Greed is Dead, co-authored with Paul Collier, was published in July 2020. His latest book The Corporation in the 21st Century was published in August 2024.

Venu Lambu

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director LTIMindtree, UK

Mr. Venu Lambu, CEO and Managing Director of LTIMindtree, is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience driving strategy, growth, and transformation in the technology and services industry. A member of the Forbes Technology Council, he also chairs multiple customer advisory councils across North America and Europe. Before rejoining LTIMindtree, he was CEO of Randstad Digital, the $3 billion digital arm of Randstad, where he enabled global clients to scale digital talent and leveraged India’s Global Capability Centers to drive people-centric growth. Earlier, as President and Executive Director at Mindtree, he led global markets, delivering consistent, profitable growth and creating one of the industry’s most admired enterprise value success stories. He also served as Executive Sponsor for key strategic engagements and was on the board of Cope Health, supporting healthcare incubation initiatives. An alumnus of the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore, with a General Management Certification from the London Business School, Venu is a strong advocate for cloud, infrastructure, and edge computing solutions. Passionate about AI adoption, he believes in its potential to unlock enterprise productivity. He is widely respected for fostering a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and continuous learning, building high-performing, innovation-driven teams.

The Rt. Hon. Lord Jonathan Marland

Chairman - Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and former UK Minister and PM's Trade Envoy

The Rt. Hon. Lord Jonathan Marland is the Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council. He was the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Business Ambassadors and the Minister of Energy and Climate Change. In December 2021, the Prime Minister appointed Lord Marland as a Trustee of the British Museum. Additionally, he is the Chairman of Tickets for Troops and Trustee of the Winston Churchill Society UK, where he previously served as Chairman. He is a Founding Trustee of the Atlantic Partnership. He was a Founding Director of Jardine Lloyd Thompson plc, is Co-Owner of Cricketer Magazine, and Chairman of both EcoWorld Management Ltd and Bspoke Insurance Group. He is a member of the Investment Advisory Committee of the Kuwait Investment Authority and has a variety of other business interests and directorships.

Avadhesh B. Mathur, IPS (Retd.)

Former Secretary to the Prime Minister Office, India

Mr. Avadhesh Mathur, a distinguished officer of the 1975 batch of the Indian Police Service, has served the nation for nearly five decades in roles spanning national security, diplomacy, and governance. Over his 30-year tenure with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Cabinet Secretariat, he held key positions in India’s Embassies in Belgium and Pakistan. He retired as Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2012. Following his retirement, he served as Head of the United Nations Mission in North Kosovo (2012–2014) and later as a Member of the National Security Advisory Board under the National Security Council, where he continues to contribute. His career reflects deep engagement with national security, political analysis, conflict resolution, negotiation, and strategic communication in both bilateral and multilateral contexts. As the Government of India’s Representative for Peace Talks with North East India groups (2018–2020), he played a key role in advancing political reconciliation and integrating insurgent groups into the national mainstream. Mr. Mathur has received multiple awards from the President and Prime Minister of India. He currently serves on the Governing Body of Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, and on the Board of Studies of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.

Mahendra Mehta

Founder Director - Mercure Metals & Alloys Pvt. Ltd.
Sr Vice President - Bombay Metal Exchange (BME)

Mr. Mahendra Mehta is a seasoned business leader with deep industry expertise and over three decades of entrepreneurial success. At just 22, he took charge of his family business and transformed it into one of India’s largest copper tube manufacturing companies under the brand INDIGO. He is the Founder and Director of Mercure Metals & Alloys Pvt. Ltd. (MMAPL), established in collaboration with the MTC Group. With two state-of-the-art manufacturing units in Gujarat, MMAPL is today one of India’s leading producers of copper and copper alloy products. Its advanced facility in Umbergaon, Valsad district, integrates cutting-edge technology to ensure superior quality and manufacturing efficiency. The company supplies to major brands including Daikin, Haier, Godrej, and Hitachi, supported by a strong pan-India distribution network. Mr. Mehta has played a key role in policy advocacy for India’s copper industry, contributing to initiatives under the Ministry of Finance, Commerce, Mines, DPIIT, NITI Aayog, DGTR, and IIS. As Vice President of the Bombay Metal Exchange (BME), he has strengthened industry representation and expanded BME’s regional chapters. He also leads the annual BME Conclave, a premier global platform for dialogue and collaboration in the non-ferrous metal sector. His other roles include Director, RATA; Committee Member, BIS (MTD 8 – Copper); Member, CEAMA and ICDC; Trustee, JATF (2024–26); and Vice Chairman, JITO Gowalia Tank Chapter.

Elisa Moscolin

EVP Sustainability & Foundation - Sage Group, UK

Ms. Elisa Moscolin is a sustainability professional with a track record of driving this agenda in global blue-chip organisations. She advises Boards and Executive teams on sustainability strategy and execution. She has worked in the ICT and Financial Services sectors. She is currently Executive Vice President for Sustainability and Foundation at Sage Group plc. where she is leading its sustainability agenda. Prior to that, Ms. Moscolin was Head of Sustainability & ESG at Santander where she led the transformation from old-fashioned CSR to sustainability. During her time at Santander, she turned around all legacy programmes, worked with the Board and Executive team to agree on the bank’s ESG vision and ambition, designed a new ESG strategy, built a diverse and high-performing team, designed a sound governance and operating model, established an active dialogue with top investors and enhanced the bank’s ESG credentials. Ms. Moscolin was also responsible for the bank’s Foundation, which she restructured by working closely with its Board of Trustees to enhance its governance, reputation, and impact. Before Santander, she worked for Vodafone Group in global and local roles in Italy, the UK and Kenya. In Kenya she worked with Safaricom, a subsidiary of Vodafone which developed M-Pesa, the iconic mobile-based money transfer and banking platform that has greatly improved financial inclusion in the country.

John Mulligan

Head - Sustainability & Startegy
World Gold Council, UK

Mr. John Mulligan is Head of Sustainability Strategy at the World Gold Council (WGC), leading its climate change and nature-focused research programmes and associated engagement with investors, policy makers and market stakeholder organisations. Additionally, he contributes to the organisation’s wider insight and communications outputs to improve understanding of the whole gold supply chain, including the integration of ESG and sustainability considerations into strategic market perspectives. Mr. Mulligan also now serves as President of the Sustainable Development Commission of CIBJO (the World Jewellery Confederation), chairs the climate programme of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI2030) and the ISO Technical Committee on Jewellery & Precious Metals, and is the main convenor of the Gold Principles Group, seeking to drive progress on sector-wide responsible and sustainable business practices. He joined the WGC in early 2005 and has degrees from the University of Sussex and Birkbeck College, University of London.

Prof. Brendon Noble

Director - Institute for Healthy Urban Living, University of Westminster (UK)

Prof. Brendon Noble is a medicines development specialist and biotechnologist with an interest in musculoskeletal health, biomaterials and cell therapy production. He is Professor of Regenerative Medicine and Head of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster and served as Chief Scientific Officer & Director of Strategy at the U.K. Stem Cell Foundation. He has been working in the field of stem cell biology since 1989. He developed his work in the Medical School at Cambridge University where he jointly held a Medical Research Council (MRC) Programme grant in the MRC Bone Group and was then Professor of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh where he directed the Bone and Cartilage Repair Programme in the Medical Research Council "Centre for Regenerative Medicine". He has co-founded two cell therapy companies and has patented in the cell therapy field. He is familiar with the complexities and challenges associated with new cell therapy production for clinical use.

Dipti Pardeshi

Advisory Board Member and Former Director, WHO and IOM, Geneva

Mrs. Dipti Pardeshi is an accomplished executive with over three decades of experience, the last two of which have been dedicated to leading high-impact business and IT initiatives within United Nations international organizations. Most recently, she served as the Director of the Business Management Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, where she enhanced organizational performance through large-scale strategic global business-IT programs. Her career includes significant roles such as Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN’s Migration Agency, in London, and Chief Information Officer for IOM in Geneva. In these roles, she successfully implemented large-scale migration management programs, enhanced ICT governance, and deployed a comprehensive ERP system across 120+ countries. Mrs. Pardeshi holds an Executive MBA from London Business School and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Maharashtra Institute of Technology. Her national experience in India includes working for the World Bank-funded Maharashtra Emergency Earthquake Rehabilitation Programme, where she established a comprehensive database for tracking services and donor reporting. She has represented her organizations in various international forums and task forces, contributing to global initiatives on migration management, prevention of human trafficking, labour market integration, and ICT. Known for her strategic vision and leadership, she continues to champion initiatives that promote technology, health, safety, and well-being on both global and national scales.

Praveen Pardeshi, IAS (Retd.)

Chief Economic Advisor to Hon. CM Maharashtra & Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), India

Mr. Praveen Pardeshi is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1985 Maharashtra cadre with over 34 years of distinguished service. He has served as Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Principal Secretary of the Revenue and Forest Department, and Municipal Commissioner of Greater Mumbai. He was Member (Administration) at the Capacity Building Commission, Government of India, overseeing the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s flagship initiative Mission Karmayogi. He led the training of over 100,000 citizen-facing railway staff and 400 UT police personnel to promote citizen-centric values. Since July 2023, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of MITRA, a policy think tank under the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, driving the state’s mission to become a USD 1 trillion economy by FY 2028. Mr. Pardeshi secured the All-India First Rank in the 1985 Civil Services Examination. He has also served in senior roles with the United Nations, including UNDP Geneva and UNITAR, and led the acclaimed post-earthquake reconstruction in Latur. He holds advanced degrees from LSE and the Delhi School of Economics.

Dr. Faruk G. Patel

Chairman & MD - KP Group, India

Dr. Faruk G. Patel is a visionary entrepreneur, dynamic leader and philanthropist driving the growth of KP Group into one of India’s premier players in renewable energy and sustainable engineering. From a modest beginning in 1994, he has grown the enterprise into a business empire valued at over Rs 165 billion (all-time high Rs 228 billion) and overseeing more than 4,000 acres of land bank. Under his leadership, KP Group has built a renewable portfolio exceeding 5.9 GW and aims to achieve 10 + GW by 2030. The group’s flagship firms – KPI Green Energy, KP Energy and KP Green Engineering – have secured public listings and rapidly expanded in solar, wind, hybrid and green-hydrogen sectors. Raised in Kothi village, Bharuch, Dr Patel remains deeply committed to social impact and sustainable development. Through the KP Human Development Foundation, he has supported 36 + educational institutions and launched the world’s first old-age home for differently-abled individuals. He has been honoured with awards such as the Mahatma Award India 2024, and ranked on the Hurun India Rich List, reflecting both his business success and social commitment. Dr Patel continues to lead with innovation, integrity and purpose—reshaping industry and society for a sustainable future.

Manoj Jain

Chairman & Managing Director - Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Mr. Manoj Jain is the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. He assumed the role on June 20, 2024, after serving as Director (R&D) since September 26, 2022. He also held additional responsibilities as Director (Bangalore Complex) from August 1, 2023, and Director (HR) from November 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023. Mr. Jain joined BEL in August 1991 as a Probationary Engineer after earning his BE in Electronics from REC Jaipur (now MNIT Jaipur), where he graduated with a Gold Medal. Over his career spanning more than three decades, he has made significant contributions in the fields of R&D, defence networks, avionics, and radar systems. He began at BEL’s Kotdwara unit, working on digital multiplexers and CDOT exchanges, and later contributed to secure defence communication technologies and radar display systems at BEL’s Central Research Laboratory in Bangalore. He served as Chief Scientist at CRL-Bangalore and later as General Manager at BEL’s Product Development & Innovation Centre and the Electronic Warfare & Avionics Strategic Business Unit. A recipient of multiple R&D and defence excellence awards, he has published technical papers, filed patents, and regularly engages with DRDO and armed forces stakeholders.

Annabel Reoch

Global Head - of Ethics and Compliance, KPMG UK

Ms. Annabel Reoch is a Partner and Global Head of Ethics and Compliance at KPMG in the UK. She is UK Head of Social Impact and leads our Forensic ESG Integrity services supporting clients in identifying, mitigating, responding to and investigating ESG risks such as Human Rights, Modern Slavery, Conflict Minerals, Greenwashing and Sustainability Fraud and Misconduct. She has over 20yrs experience helping clients design, embed, monitor and investigate ethics and compliance incl. responding to allegations of modern slavery in the supply chain, illegal deforestation and bribery and corruption, Annabel has led a wide variety of forensic investigations and compliance engagements in the UK and internationally. Her recent experience includes assisting clients in preparing for sustainability regulation such as EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Swiss Ordinance on due diligence and transparency (VSoTR), Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA)and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). She has led teams designing and executing supplier integrity due diligence programmes and responding to regulatory enquiries including where independent monitors have been appointed or in cases where settlement agreements require independent review of an organisation’s compliance programme

Dr. R. Seetharaman

Economist, Independent Director - L&T Finance Limited
Ex. Banker and Group CEO - Doha Bank, Qatar

Dr. R. Seetharaman, former Chief Executive Officer of Doha Bank (2007–2022), is a globally respected banker and economist known for his remarkable contributions to banking, trade, investment, economics, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and philanthropy. With over four decades of experience in the financial services industry, he has been instrumental in promoting green banking and sustainable development across the Middle East and internationally. Following his distinguished career in finance, he founded the Seetharaman School of Sustainable Development, a non-profit organization aligned with six UN Sustainable Development Goals, dedicated to advancing global sustainability. He currently serves as an Independent Board Member at L&T Finance Limited. A Chartered Accountant and gold medalist in Commerce, Dr. Seetharaman also holds certifications in IT Systems and Corporate Management. He has received multiple doctorates, including three PhDs—from the European University, Sri Sri University, and the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management—along with honorary doctorates from Washington College, European University, and the Arts, Science and Technology University, Lebanon. Dr. Seetharaman has been recognized globally for his thought leadership, receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (2017), Green Economy Visionary Award (2016), Global Excellence Award in Renewable Energy (2017), and several Lifetime Achievement Awards, including from the Institute of Directors (2015). A prominent economic voice, he is regularly featured on international media such as BBC, CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Sky News for his insights on global banking and sustainability.

Poonam Sharma

President - FICCI FLO, India

Ms. Poonam Sharma is the 42nd National President of FICCI FLO and a distinguished entrepreneur in the health and wellness sector. A global advocate for Ayurveda, she is closely associated with the Baidyanath Group, a pioneering Ayurvedic brand with a legacy of over a century. As the Founder and Director of Ayurvedant and Mantra Herbals, she has been instrumental in promoting the benefits of Ayurvedic medicines, tonics, and cosmetics across international markets.

Beyond her business pursuits, Ms. Sharma is deeply committed to women’s empowerment and social welfare. She leads the Veerangna Foundation, an initiative focused on uplifting women in Bundelkhand through skill development, healthcare services, and community-based support programs. Her philanthropic work reflects her enduring belief in fostering self-reliance and sustainable growth among underprivileged women and children. Hailing from a family with strong roots in business and politics, and raised in an Army background, Ms. Sharma embodies discipline, service, and integrity. She actively supports special needs children in Jhansi, organizes medical camps in rural areas, and conducts aid programs for police, paramedical, and paramilitary personnel — a heartfelt tribute to her Armed Forces heritage. Despite her extensive travels and leadership responsibilities, Ms. Sharma remains deeply connected to grassroots initiatives. Guided by the belief that privilege comes with responsibility, she continues to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and drive meaningful social and economic progress.

Ashish Singh

Head - Retail Liabilities, IDFC FIRST Bank, India

Mr. Ashish Singh is the Head of Retail Liabilities at IDFC FIRST Bank, where he leads the strategic growth of the bank’s deposit franchise across Retail, Government, Startup and Non-Resident (NR) segments. He is driving a technology-led transformation in retail deposits, while also spearheading the expansion of the payments business, business banking solutions for the MSME segment, and agri-focused financial solutions, with a strong emphasis on farmer-centric product offerings. In his earlier role at the bank, he successfully established and scaled the rural banking business, creating a distinctive and profitable multi-product model that has become a benchmark in India’s rural financial services landscape. With over 24 years of experience in retail banking and financial services, Mr. Singh brings deep expertise in semi urban, rural markets and inclusive banking. Prior to joining IDFC FIRST Bank, he held leadership roles at Fullerton India and ICICI Bank, contributing significantly to their retail and rural strategies. He holds a Post Graduate degree in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University. Beyond his professional pursuits, Ashish is a passionate fitness enthusiast and a committed long-distance runner.

Jen Sisson

Chief Executive Officer - International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN), UK

Ms. Sisson is the CEO of the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN). Led by investors responsible for assets worth over $US 90 trillion, ICGN advances the highest standards of corporate governance and investor stewardship worldwide in pursuit of long-term value creation. She represents ICGN on the Japanese Financial Services Agency’s Council of Experts and on the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators stakeholder working group. She joined ICGN from Goldman Sachs Asset Management where she was EMEA Head of Stewardship, overseeing voting, engagement, and industry collaboration activities in the region. Previously she led policy outreach for the UK Financial Reporting Council (FRC), on ESG, audit and reporting matters including the creation of the 2020 UK Stewardship Code and the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code. Jen started her career at PwC. Ms. Sisson holds a BA in Business, Accounting and Finance from the University of Newcastle and a Masters in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge.

Prof. Mark E. Smith CBE

President & Vice Chancellor - University of Southampton
UK

Professor Mark E. Smith is the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton. He took up this role on 1 October 2019. Professor Smith was Vice-Chancellor at Lancaster University from January 2012 until September 2019. He was previously Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick. In addition to his role as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, he has held a number of external appointments including Senior Independent Member of UKRI EPSRC’s Council, and was board member of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, chairing their Research Wales Committee. He also chaired UKRI’s Financial Sustainability Research Group. He is Chair of Advance HE and a Council member of Research England. He was the former Chair of the University and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) 2016-2022. He has also served on the Boards of Jisc, HESA and HESCU (the HE sector’s career service unit). He was awarded a CBE for Services to Research and Higher Education in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Palash Srivastava

Deputy Managing Director - India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL), India

Mr. Palash Srivastava is the Deputy Managing Director of India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL), India. He has about three decades of experience in infrastructure transaction advisory/ investment (debt, equity, and funds), public private partnerships in infrastructure, management consulting and fund raising, capacity building & training in India. He has led teams through a variety of leadership roles as Business Head/Regional Manager/Practice Head/Project Manager ranging from a small knowledge based/project teams to over 50 professional staff managing contracts & concessions for organisations such as IDFC Group, CRISIL, Feedback Ventures, IL&FS & Adity Birla Group. He has also worked on transactions in all core infrastructure sectors roads, ports, airports, railways, urban transport, water supply and solid waste management; Agriculture Warehousing; Industrial parks and Special Economic Zones, IT, Tourism / Leisure & Entertainment, Real Estate, Healthcare. Mr. Srivastave has an MBA from RA Podar Institute of Management and completed his Civil Engineering from Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur.

Dr. Shaleesha A Stanley

Pro Chancellor - Jeppiaar University, India

Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley, with over three decades of distinguished experience in teaching and research, currently serves as the Pro Chancellor of Jeppiaar University, a dynamic and fast-growing state private university in Tamil Nadu. Recognized as one of the most innovative thinkers in education today, her career bridges the intersections of research, policy, and practice, bringing transformative change to academic institutions and systems. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that education is a powerful tool for empowerment. With this conviction, she has consistently championed access, equity, and excellence in learning—ensuring that every learner, regardless of background, is given the opportunity to realize their full potential. As a respected thought leader and change-maker, Dr. Shaleesha has collaborated with educators, policymakers, and communities, driving initiatives that aim to build adaptive, inclusive, and learner-centered education systems. Her expertise spans curriculum design, teacher development, educational leadership, and public policy, making her an invaluable voice in both academic and administrative circles. An influential speaker, author, and mentor, she frequently shares her insights at national and international platforms, and continues to play a key role in shaping the next generation of educators and leaders. Through her unwavering commitment to excellence and her visionary approach to education, Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley remains an inspiring force, dedicated to building a brighter, more equitable future for learners across the spectrum.

Usharani Manne

Founder-Director, Polmon Instruments Pvt. Ltd.
Past Chairperson, FICCI FLO, Hyderabad

Usha is an Electronics Engineer and MBA (Executive) from OUBS, UK. She established Polmon Instruments Ltd., a company specialized in providing indigenous Measuring & Control Instrumentation and Automation solutions to the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences sectors.

Holding the key portfolios of Finance, HR and Administration, she defines systems and policies, facilitates industry-academia linkages, looks after staff welfare, devises culture-building activities for a 600-strong workforce. She also designs and achieves Polmon’s CSR goals and handles infrastructure development and management for the company’s expansion plans.

Usha took over as the 20th Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad and served through the year 2020-21, during which she successfully organized the FIWA Awards where 14 women leaders from various walks of life were honoured; launched 'Tirumani', a brand for the Cheriyal artists of Telangana; collaborated with IIMR and IIT for incubation programs and with Govt. of India's DDU-GKY program for job-skilling and corporate placement of urban youth.

She served as Convenor for FLO StyleTatva, a fashion and lifestyle exhibition that had >200 stalls, generated a turnover of ~ INR 5 Crores for the participants, and a revenue of about INR 1.3 Crores for the Hyderabad Chapter of FLO.

As Governing Body Member, Usha currently leads the FLO Women Independent Directors Initiative as part of which she organizes Independent Directors’ Masterclass programs and goal-oriented leadership programs for women entrepreneurs. She led the FLO MSME Assist Cell in 2024-25, and was the brain behind the first-ever FLO MSME Awards conducted successfully in March 2025.

Usha is the recipient of:
(1.) WCIC Prathibabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Award 2022, SAARC
(2.) International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Award 2020
(3.) ‘Woman Achiever Award 2020’ for Entrepreneurship, Government of Telangana
(4.) Vanitha Ratna Award 2019, Indywood Billionaires Club
(5.) Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur Award, FAPCCI 2008

Girija Subramanian

Chairman cum MD - The New India Assurance Co Limited, India

Ms. Girija Subramanian is the Chairperson and Managing Director of The New India Assurance Co Ltd. India. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Statistics and is a Fellow member of the Insurance Institute of India as well as an Associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, London. She began her professional journey in 1988 as a Direct Recruit Officer at GIC Re, where she built a distinguished career spanning over 34 years in the insurance and reinsurance sector. Over the course of her tenure, she has handled diverse portfolios across multiple lines of business — most notably Aviation, Life, Health, and Property — demonstrating deep technical expertise and leadership excellence. Prior to taking charge as the Chairperson and Managing Director of The New India Assurance Company Ltd., Ms. Subramanian served as the Chairperson and Managing Director of the Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC) since September 2022. A seasoned professional with extensive experience and a proven record of performance, Ms. Subramanian continues to contribute significantly to the growth and innovation of India’s insurance sector.

Rakesh Swami

Group President - Corporate Affairs, Godrej Industries Group, India

Mr. Rakesh Swami is the Group President - Corporate Affairs of Godrej Industries Group. He is a corporate affairs and public policy veteran, leading global corporate affairs for the Godrej Industries Group. He is a seasoned professional with 24 years of experience in strategic government partnerships, external stakeholder management, government and regulatory affairs, business advocacy, strategic planning, conflict management, corporate social responsibility, public-private partnership (PPP) and general administration. He has stellar experience in setting up green field projects and leading industry-neutral policy interventions with central and state governments, adding significant value to the industry and industrial development in the country. At Godrej, Mr. Swami steers the corporate affairs function enabling proactive business-centric advocacy in alignment with organizational goals and values that will bolster the Group’s rich legacy of 127 years of serving the nation, its people, and the planet. Before joining Godrej, he was heading government relations for Honeywell and a key member of the India leadership team. His professional career spans across organizations like General Electric, Reliance Industries Ltd, Essar Energy Ltd, Tata Motors Ltd and John Deere India Pvt Ltd. Mr. Swami is also a Research Council member of the esteemed Central Scientific Industrial Research-Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIR-CSIO), Government of India and a Board member of the India Home & Personal Care Industry Association (IHPCIA).

Dr. Mark C. Thompson

Chairman & Founder - Chief Executive Alliance, USA

Dr. Mark Thompson is a globally recognized authority on CEO succession, executive readiness, and high-stakes leadership transitions, having led over 100 board-level engagements preparing C-suite successors for enterprise leadership. He is the founding chairman and CEO of the Chief Executive Alliance and the CEO Leadership Plan Review (LPR), and formerly served as CEO of the CEO Academy, a SHRM company in partnership with Wharton and McKinsey. Earlier in his career, Mark reported directly to Charles “Chuck” Schwab as executive producer of Schwab.com, the world’s first large-scale digital platform for online investing, where he helped introduce the first chief customer experience officer role. He earned a place on Forbes’ Midas List as a founding board member of Esurance and as chairman of three companies—Rioport, Interwoven, and Integration Associates—acquired by Allstate, Hewlett-Packard, and Silicon Labs. He also served as a founding advisor to Richard Branson’s Entrepreneurship Centers and Virgin Unite. A leadership expert, he was inducted into the Thinkers50 Coaching Legends and the Global Gurus Hall of Fame by Marshall Goldsmith, recognized as the world’s number one CEO coach. At Stanford University, Mark co-founded the Realtime Venture Design Lab, completed his master’s degree, and launched over 100 episodes of the Chief Executive Summit Series. His doctoral research at Purdue University explores leadership skills critical to C-suite succession. He is co-author of the New York Times bestseller Admired, Success Built to Last, and Now, Build a Great Business.

Kate Thornley

Chief Negotiator - UK-India FTA, Department for Business and Trade, Govt. of UK

Ms. Kate Thornley joined the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), formerly the Department for International Trade (DIT), in 2018 following a tenure at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). She has extensive experience in international trade policy, market access, and bilateral negotiations, having led initiatives across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. In 2022, Kate assumed responsibility for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations, a complex, high-profile bilateral trade project that she successfully concluded in May 2025. Kate’s expertise spans trade strategy, policy formulation, and international diplomacy, reflecting her ability to navigate complex regulatory and political environments. Through her leadership, she has strengthened the UK’s trade relationships in emerging and established markets, contributing significantly to the country’s global trade agenda. Her career demonstrates a commitment to fostering sustainable economic partnerships, promoting cross-border commerce, and advancing the UK’s strategic interests in international trade.

Shailendra R. Veer

Chairman - Veer Technologies, India

Mr. Shailendra R. Veer is the Chairman of Veer Technologies, India. He is a Physics and Electronics Major from Fergusson College, Pune, and has extensive experience across Public Relations, Healthcare, and Technology sectors. Over a decade, he engaged in full-time voluntary work, planning and executing numerous healthcare, education, and environmental projects, some in collaboration with prominent international organizations. In 2010, he founded his own company to develop solutions in the medical sector, partnering with leading Japanese, British, and European technology companies and equipment manufacturers. Expanding his vision, in 2015, Veer Technologies diversified into research and development, focusing on advanced technologies. Today, Veer Technologies is actively working in aerospace and satellite technologies, including applications in airplanes, helicopters, satellites, and airspace/space scanning systems, leveraging cutting-edge innovations to address global technological challenges. Mr. Shailendra R. Veer’s career reflects a combination of technical expertise, entrepreneurial leadership, and a commitment to impactful projects that span healthcare, technology, and advanced aerospace research.

P. Velrasu, IAS

CEO - Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation Limited, India

Mr. P. Velrasu is a distinguished IAS officer with over two decades of experience in governance, infrastructure development, and public policy. He currently serves as CEO of MIDC, driving strategic initiatives to enhance Maharashtra’s industrial competitiveness and attract global investment. During his career, he has held key positions including District Collector of Nashik and Thane, Municipal Commissioner of Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation, and Secretary of Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, significantly contributing to urban infrastructure, water resource management, and governance reforms. He led the Marathwada Water Grid, a transformative initiative to ensure water security in drought-prone regions, and as Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) at MCGM, he spearheaded climate resilience programs, flood mitigation, pollution control, coastal protection, and oversaw Mumbai’s COVID-19 response and the Coastal Road Project. At MIDC, he has championed reforms to improve transparency and efficiency, digitized land allotment processes, and promoted Public-Private Partnerships for world-class industrial parks. His strategic vision emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and inclusive industrial growth. Academically, he holds dual Master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics (IARI) and Public Policy (University of California, Berkeley), integrating global best practices with local governance. He has represented Maharashtra at national and international forums, highlighting the state’s industrial strengths and investment potential, and is recognized as a thought leader in infrastructure planning, economic policy, and industrial development.

Martin Wolf CBE

Chief Economics Commentator - Financial Times, UK

Mr. Martin Wolf CBE is Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, London. He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 2000. He was a member of the UK government’s Independent Commission on Banking between June 2010 and September 2011. He is an honorary fellow of Nuffield College, Oxford and King’s College, London. He has received honorary doctorates from six universities, including the London School of Economics. He is a University Global Fellow of Columbia University, New York. Mr Wolf won the Ludwig Erhard Prize for economic commentary for 2009, the 33rd Ischia International Journalism Prize in 2012, the Overseas Press Club of America’s prize for “best commentary on international news in any medium” for 2013 and the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gerald Loeb Awards. His most recent publication is The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism (London and New York: Allen Lane, 2023).

Giuseppe Zafarana

Chairman - of the Board of Directors, Eni, Italy

Mr. Giuseppe Zafarana has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Eni since May 2023 and is a member of the Italian Corporate Governance Committee. He also chairs the Board of Directors of Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei since June 2023 and, from June 2024, serves as Chairman of the Board of Finint Investments, an asset management company within the Banca Finint Group. Mr. Zafarana began his military career in 1981, rising through the ranks to hold several prominent positions, including General Commander of the Guardia di Finanza from May 2019 to May 2023. His distinguished service has been recognized with numerous awards and honours, notably the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He holds degrees in Law, Political Science, and Economic and Financial Security Sciences, and earned a 2nd Level Master’s Degree in Corporate Tax Law from Luigi Bocconi University, Milan, reflecting his strong academic foundation in law, governance, and financial oversight.

Sanjeev Jaiswal, IAS

Vice President & CEO
Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), India

Mr Jaiswal is a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Maharashtra cadre with a distinguished career spanning more than 28 years in public service. He has served in key administrative and leadership roles including Municipal Commissioner of Thane and Nagpur, Additional Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) during the COVID-19 crisis, and currently as Vice President & CEO of MHADA, leading major affordable housing and urban redevelopment initiatives. Throughout his tenure, he has spearheaded high-impact programmes such as the DigiThane Smart City initiative, the revival of over 38,000 + projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 24×7 water supply transformation in Nagpur, and robust disaster-relief operations during floods and earthquakes. Guided by his core principles of transparency, participation and sustainability, he champions governance that bridges the gap between citizens and institutions. His vision emphasises resilient systems, inclusive growth, and public service oriented around the people, particularly the underserved and marginalised. Mr Jaiswal holds a strong track record of institutional reform and digital governance, anchored in an ethos of integrity and measurable impact. He remains committed to building trust-based public institutions and delivering results that create meaningful progress for communities.
 

Sanjay Khanna

Chairman-cum-MD
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), India

Mr. Sanjay Khanna is the Chairman and Mi anaging Director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), one of India’s leading integrated energy companies. A Chemical Engineering graduate from NIT Tiruchirappalli and postgraduate in Finance Management from the University of Mumbai, he brings over 32 years of experience spanning refinery operations, project commissioning, and technical services. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Khanna has been instrumental in setting up new plants and commissioning several critical refinery units across BPCL’s major facilities in Mumbai, Kochi, and Numaligarh. As the Head of Kochi and Mumbai Refineries, he led key modernization and capacity expansion projects, driving operational efficiency, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. Under his leadership, BPCL continues to advance its vision of being a future-ready energy enterprise, strengthening India’s energy infrastructure while fostering cleaner and more efficient solutions. In addition to his role at BPCL, he serves as a Director on the Boards of Bharat PetroResources Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, where he contributes strategic insights to India’s energy diversification and downstream development initiatives. His career exemplifies technical excellence, visionary leadership, and an enduring commitment to national energy security.

Chandra Kumar Verma

Managing Director & CEO
Chieron Active Ingredients Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Chandra Kumar Verma is a dynamic and accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry, specializing in APIs, intermediates, and formulations. As the Managing Director and CEO of Chieron Active Ingredients Pvt. Ltd. and Glochem Industries Pvt. Ltd., he has been instrumental in driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and global expansion. Under his leadership, business platforms have achieved sales revenues exceeding USD 200 million, with gross margins above 60% and EBITDA beyond 35%. He has successfully scaled organizations and launched over 300 APIs and 50 FDFs across regulated and emerging markets. Mr. Verma’s strategic foresight has resulted in five successful M&A transactions and over 50 global partnerships, strengthening international alliances and innovation capabilities. Renowned for his vision and business acumen, he continues to steer both Chieron and Glochem toward sustained growth, innovation, and global excellence.

Dr. Regeena J. Murali

Founder & Chancellor
Jeppiaar University, India

Dr. Regeena J. Murli is a leading educationalist, industrialist, and philanthropist, and serves as Founder and Chancellor of Jeppiaar University and Chairman & Managing Director of the Jeppiaar Group of Institutions, which includes Jeppiaar Engineering College, Jeppiaar SRR Engineering College, Jeppiaar CBSE School, and Jeppiaar Matriculation School. Under her dynamic leadership, the Group has emerged as a recognized centre of academic excellence in technical and management education. Deeply inspired by her father, Late Col. Dr. Jeppiaar, she continues his legacy of service through the Jeppiaar Sports Academy, which provides free education, accommodation, and sports training to over 450 economically underprivileged yet talented students. The Academy includes initiatives such as the Jeppiaar Tamil Thalaivas Kabaddi Academy, Jeppiaar Smashers Table Tennis Team, and Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy. A passionate advocate for holistic education and women’s empowerment, she has also adopted Manambathy village and Elil Muga Nagar in Tamil Nadu, improving infrastructure and supporting education and livelihoods. Dr. Regeena has received numerous accolades, including the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award for Excellence in Education, the EduIcons Award for Sports Promotion, and the MGR Ratna Award. Her vision is to create an inclusive education system that nurtures talent, instils life skills, and empowers students to become leaders of tomorrow.

Dr. Murthy Devarabhotla

Founder & President
The Diplomatic Club, India

Dr. Murthy Devarabhotla is a distinguished global leader in trade diplomacy, corporate governance, and sustainable development. As the Global President of The Diplomatic Club, he has championed international collaboration through initiatives promoting peace, cultural exchange, and economic partnerships. A special invitee for Royal Diplomacy Programs, he has also addressed the United Nations General Assembly on the Sustainable Development Goals. With over two decades of leadership, Dr. Devarabhotla serves as Chairman of the Travian Group and Managing Director & CEO of Tudor Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd., leading ventures across consulting, mass transit, eco-tourism, and technology. He heads a Global Think Tank Forum, serves as a Public Policy Expert and Investment Advisor to several nations, and acts as Trade Commissioner for a Latin American country. A visionary advocate of People’s Diplomacy, he continues to unite global youth through exchange programs, fostering sustainable growth and inclusive governance worldwide.

Prof. Sir Andrew Likierman

Prof. of Management Practice & Former Dean London Business School, UK

Prof. Sir Andrew Likierman was educated at the University of Vienna and Balliol College, Oxford. A long-serving member of the London Business School faculty, he was Dean from 2009 to 2017. His current research focuses on human judgment, with published work on leadership, boards, professional decision-making, and crisis management. His latest book, Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices, was published in January 2025. His career spans the public, private, and professional sectors. In government, he served on the Cabinet Office Central Policy Review Staff and as Managing Director of the UK Treasury and Head of the Government Accountancy Service, where he led the transition from cash to accrual-based reporting. He has held non-executive roles as Chairman of the National Audit Office, Deputy Chairman of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, and Director of the Bank of England, and was awarded the Sunday Times Non-Executive Director of the Year in the public/not-for-profit sector. In business, he has led and advised major organisations, including Barclays Bank, Beazley plc, Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, and MORI Ltd. A past President and Gold Medal recipient of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, he also served on the Cadbury Committee on UK corporate governance and Kofi Annan’s UN governance steering committee. He lives in London with his family.

Gaurav Arora

Head of Business
ICICI Bank UK

Mr. Gaurav Arora is the Head of Business at ICICI Bank UK, leading Corporate, Retail, Private, and Trade Banking operations across the United Kingdom. With over 25 years of experience in retail and commercial banking, he has successfully driven business growth, profitability, and digital transformation across multiple geographies.His expertise spans Retail banking, trade finance, SME lending & wealth management. He is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance banking efficiency and foster Indo-UK financial collaboration.

Mr. Tony Fish

Board Advisor, Pioneer, Maverick, Polymath, UK

Mr. Tony Fish is a visionary entrepreneur and strategic futurist who has spent over three decades at the forefront of technological and business transformation. Known for his ability to anticipate and adapt to change, he has consistently positioned himself ahead of every major technological revolution, leading initiatives that bridge innovation, investment, and impact. His multidisciplinary approach—spanning technology, strategy, and human behaviour—reflects both analytical depth and creative agility. He extends his influence across diverse sectors, solving complex problems through adaptive intelligence. His instinct mirrors that of an Arctic tern, always sensing when and where to move before the environment shifts, while his resilience resembles that of a honey badger, fearlessly tackling challenges far beyond conventional limits. Drawing inspiration from the curiosity of Socrates, the inventiveness of Benjamin Franklin, and the leadership of Ernest Shackleton, Mr. Fish is recognised for provoking critical thought and inspiring transformation in uncertain conditions. Described as a “gravitational lens” by peers, he reframes complexity into clarity—revealing hidden opportunities, challenging established thinking, and guiding organisations to see beyond the visible horizon toward what’s next.

Prof. Sa’ad Medhat

Chief Executive
Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (IKE Institute), UK

Professor Sa’ad Medhat is the founding Chief Executive of the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (IKE Institute), the UK’s professional body for innovators and a leading provider of SciTech innovation and growth services to business, education, and government. He is also the Founder of the STEM Foundation, an educational charity that has supported over 250 UK colleges and positively impacted the lives of more than 700,000 students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A member of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, Professor Medhat also serves on BSI/ISO technical standards committees for Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Defence Standardisation. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Westminster and has previously served as Visiting Professor at the University of Suffolk and the University of St Mark and St John, Plymouth. He has held governance and advisory roles with several UK universities, colleges, and policy bodies, including JISC, SEPnet, and HEFCE. He has led accreditation and innovation programmes for organisations such as BAE Systems, Thales, EDF Energy, the UK Ministry of Defence, and London South Bank University. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of multiple professional institutes, he has published widely, holds invention patents, and previously held senior academic and industrial roles worldwide, including IBM and Intergraph Professorial Chairs.

Usharani Manne

Director, Polmon Group of Companies and Initiative Head - FLO Women Directors Ficci Flo, India

Ms. Usharani Manne is an accomplished entrepreneur, engineer, and leader, recognized for her contributions to Indian industry and women’s empowerment. An Electronics Engineer with an Executive MBA from the Open University Business School, UK, she is the Founder and Director of Polmon Instruments Pvt. Ltd., a company providing indigenous Measuring, Control, and Automation solutions to the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences sectors. At Polmon, she oversees Finance, HR, and Administration, defines organizational systems and policies, drives industry–academia collaboration, and champions employee development and welfare for a 600-strong workforce. She also leads Polmon’s CSR initiatives and infrastructure expansion programs. As Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad (2020–21), Usha spearheaded numerous impactful initiatives, including the FIWA Awards, honouring 14 women achievers; ‘Tirumani’, a brand supporting Telangana’s Cheriyal artists; and collaborations with IIMR, IIT, and DDU-GKY for incubation and job-skilling programs. She also convened FLO StyleTatva, a major fashion and lifestyle exhibition featuring 200+ stalls and generating over ?5 crore in business. Currently a Governing Body Member of FICCI FLO, she leads the Women Independent Directors Initiative and the MSME Assist Cell, conceptualizing the first-ever FLO MSME Awards (2025). Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the IWEC Award (2020), WCIC Prathibabhisheka Award (2022), and Woman Achiever Award (2020) from the Government of Telangana.

Dr. Nashwa (Joy) Saleh, CDir

Independent Non-Executive Director & Chair – Board Risk & Compliance Committee (BRCC), United Bank for Africa (UK) Ltd.

Dr. Nashwa Saleh is a Chartered Director, board member, and internationally recognized financial leader named to Innovate Finance UK’s Women in FinTech Powerlist (2022 & 2023). With over 30 years of global experience across banking, central banking, and development finance, she has held senior roles with institutions including the African Development Bank, EBRD, USAID, S&P Global, and the Central Bank of Egypt. Dr. Saleh currently serves as Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Risk Committee at United Bank for Africa UK Ltd, and as a Board Member of the Arab Bankers Association. An Associate Professor of FinTech at Kingston Business School, she is also Ambassador for Global Women in AI and a mentor for the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Digital and Supercharged Sandboxes. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, effective risk governance, and diversity in finance, technology, and board representation.

Michael Spanos

Founder & Managing Director
Global Sustain, Greece

Mr. Michael Spanos is the Founder and Managing Director of Global Sustain and an Expert Advisor to the European Commission on the Sustainable Development Goals. He serves as an Instructor for ESG Seminars for Moody’s Analytics and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and is a founding member of the UN Global Compact Network Hellas. He has extensive experience leading projects in sustainable finance, strategy, ESG reporting, and corporate responsibility, working with multinational corporations and SMEs across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. He has also served as Vice President (Sustainability) of the CEO Clubs Greece and as a member of the Sustainability Advisory Council of FMC Corporation (USA). A frequent speaker at global forums, he has contributed to international publications and initiatives with the PRI, GRI, TCFD, Social Value International, and the European Commission. He is also a visiting lecturer at universities across Europe, the USA, and Asia. Mr. Spanos holds an MBA and a Diploma in Production Engineering and Management, along with professional certifications in ESG, sustainable finance, and social impact measurement from EBRD, Moody’s Analytics, and the Chartered Banker Institute.

Peter Waziri

Board Director, CEO, Financial Strategist, USA

Mr. Peter Waziri is a board director with over 30 years of experience in corporate/investment banking, private equity, investment management, health care management, and strategy consulting. He is the Founder and CEO of Warspite Capital Advisors, a financial advisory firm with a history of advising clients on emerging market investment strategies, health care financial operations/management, commercial real estate investment, and franchise financing. He sits on the board of Xpress Wellness Urgent Care, a Goldman Sachs-backed company in the US, and on the Governing Council of Bangor University in the UK. He is a current member of the Private Directors Association (PDA) and the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in the US

Nara Bhuvaneswari

Vice Chairperson & MD
Heritage Foods Limited

Mrs. Nara Bhuvaneswari is the Vice- Chairperson and Managing Director of Heritage Foods Limited, one of India’s leading dairy and food enterprises. She has been the driving force behind its evolution, achieving remarkable growth and operational excellence. Her strategic guidance has positioned Heritage Foods today as a trusted wellness brand synonymous with quality, nutrition, and sustainability.
She has played a pivotal role in promoting innovation, process efficiency, and farmer empowerment, ensuring the company contributes meaningfully to rural development. Her focus on ethical governance and social responsibility has been central to her brand's success. In recognition of her business leadership, Fortune India ranked her among the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” in 2013.Beyond her corporate role, Mrs. Bhuvaneswari is deeply committed to social service as the Managing Trustee of the NTR Memorial Trust. Under her leadership, the Trust empowers communities through wide-ranging initiatives in education, including NTR Model Schools and merit-based scholarships, and healthcare, operating advanced blood banks and conducting health camps. The Trust also runs women's empowerment and livelihood programmes and contributes to disaster relief. She stands as a tall symbol of purposeful leadership, balancing corporate success with social responsibility. The Institute of Directors is delighted to felicitate Mrs. Nara Bhuvaneswari, in recognition of her visionary leadership and her far-reaching contribution towards empowering communities through initiatives in education, healthcare, women empowerment, youth development, and disaster relief. Under her exemplary stewardship, Heritage Foods has grown into one of India's leading and fastest-growing dairy and food enterprises, with a steadfast commitment to Quality, Nutrition, Sustainability, and Responsible Business. Her pioneering efforts in driving social transformation and nation-building exemplify a rare blend of entrepreneurial foresight, compassion, and enduring dedication to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Prof. Peter Bonfield OBE FREng FIET

Vice-Chancellor
University of Westminster, UK

Prof. Peter Bonfield OBE FREng is the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster. Earlier, he was the Chief Executive Officer of the BRE Group, a world-leading science and engineering centre for the Built Environment. He has held significant leadership roles, including President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). He currently serves as Deputy Chair of London Higher, where he has founded the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Network.Professor Bonfield has extensive experience as adviser to the UK Government, having chaired four independent official reviews. His latest Review, the 'FloodReady' Review, addresses national flooding risks. He co-chaired the 'Tomorrow’s Engineering Research Challenges' (TERC) review for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. He was seconded into the Olympic Delivery Authority where he co created and delivered the Sustainability Strategy and led the sustainable procurement of construction products. He was awarded the OBE for services to research and innovation in construction businesses. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and several other prestigious institutions, and holds several honorary doctorates. Beyond his professional career, Professor Bonfield is a former National Cycling Champion and he coached the women’s triathlon team for the 2004 Athens Olympics. The Institute of Directors is delighted to felicitate Professor Peter Bonfield, in recognition of his outstanding scholarship and visionary contributions in the fields of engineering, sustainability, and public policy. A pioneering academic and practitioner, he has dedicated decades to advancing safety, innovation, and societal wellbeing, shaping enduring frameworks that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development. Through his integrity, intellectual rigour, and steadfast public service, he exemplifies the highest ideals of responsible and enlightened leadership that inspire future generations.

N. Chandrababu Naidu

Hon'ble Chief Minister
of Andhra Pradesh, India

Mr. Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief MMinister of Andhra Pradesh, is a well-known leader with a distinguished career of public service spanning over four decades. Born in 1950, he entered public life as an MLA in 1978 and became a minister. He has since been popularly elected as an MLA nine times, serving multiple terms as Chief Minister-first from 1995–2004, then as the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 2014–2019, and again from 2024 onwards. Widely regarded as a dynamic administrator, Mr. Naidu has pioneered several governance reforms. He introduced citizen-centric initiatives such as Praja Vaddaku Palana, MeeSeva, and a system of surprise inspections to enhance transparency and accountability. A strong advocate for women’s empowerment, he launched DWCRA groups three decades ago, implemented the Girl Child Protection Scheme, and ensured reservations for women across various sectors. As a visionary reformer, Mr. Naidu foresaw the potential of the emerging knowledge economy and was instrumental in bringing Microsoft to Hyderabad-its first centre outside the USA. He developed innovative urban design Cyberabad and established premier institutions such as the Indian School of Business (ISB) and NALSAR, and introduced power sector reforms that were later adopted nationally. His efforts in infrastructure, irrigation, and farmer welfare-such as the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project and adoption of drip irrigation—have been widely recognized in India and abroad. Following a historic comeback as a mass popular leader, in 2024 elections, he has launched landmark public welfare schemes, including an annual `33,000 crore pension outlay, and secured investment MoUs worth `10 lakh crore. Under his dynamic leadership, initiatives such as WhatsApp Governance, the completion of Polavaram, and the development of Amaravati as a world-class capital are being vigorously pursued. With nearly 30 years since first becoming Chief Minister, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu remains a symbol of innovation,integrity, and inclusive growth, committed to realising the Swarna Andhra @2047 Vision and making Andhra Pradesh the world’s model state. His brilliance is reflected throughout the country when he was nationally hailed as the ‘first CEO’ of a State in India.

Pyarali Jamal, FRSA

Transformation, ESG & Sustainable Finance Specialist, UK

Mr. Jamal is a London-based transformation, ESG and sustainable finance specialist with over 25 years of experience. He has worked in banking and then spent 10 years in transaction advisory services at EY in Canada, the Global Offices and in the UK. He was subsequently CEO and COO of a London-based circular economy business and UK Head of ESG and Sustainable Finance for a boutique multi-national consulting firm. Mr. Jamal advises boards and senior management teams on ESG integration and due diligence, climate transition plans, portfolio company value creation strategies, governance best practices, and sustainable finance and capital raising. He is a member of the Sustainability Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales, of the Advisory Council for the Centre for Building Sustainable Value at the Ivey Business School, of the Research Advisory Council for the Institute for Sustainable Finance at the Smith Business School, and an Expert ESG Faculty Member for the Institute of Directors India. He has provided input to the IFRS, the UK government, to the International Standards Organization, and to others on sustainability regulations and standards. His academic credentials include an MBA from the Ivey Business School, a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, and several diplomas and certificates including in sustainable finance investing, advanced management accounting, clean energy, and impact monitoring and evaluation.