Sitaram Kunte, IAS Retd.
Chairman, IOD Western Region (Former Chief Secretary Maharashtra)

Sitaram Kunte, a retired Maharashtra cadre IAS officer, boasts a stellar career. He served in key roles within the Govt. of Maharashtra, including Secretary to the Governor, CEO of Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, Principal Secretary in various departments, and Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department. Notably, he was the Municipal Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation from 2012 to 2015, overseeing infrastructure projects.

 

B. Renganathan
Corporate Law Advisor

B. Renganathan is a Corporate Law Advisor. His earlier stints were with Edelweiss Financial Services Limited and the TATA Group. He is a Fellow Member of ICSI, ICMA and a lawyer. He has 33 years of experience in the corporate field, encompassing Governance, Company law, Investment Banking, Corporate Restructuring, NBFCs and allied corporate law matters. He was a Member of the Expert Group on Secretarial Standards of ICSI. He was a member of the Company Law Review Committee constituted by MCA, to review Companies Act, 2013. He is a Senior faculty with various Business Schools, and Professional Institutions besides being attached to Industry Associations and has delivered sessions across India and abroad. He serves as Independent Directors on certain companies .

 

Hersh Shah, SIRM
CEO – IRM India Affiliate

Hersh Shah is a Chartered Accountant and an alumnus of IIM Bangalore. He is also a Technical Specialist in Enterprise Risk Management and one of the youngest risk experts in the country who started advocating the need for 360 degree risk management at a young age of 21 and has addressed over 12,000 students and professionals. Shah carries over 15 years of experience in risk management, audit and assurance, business consulting and corporate finance including structuring strategic alliances & partnerships.

 

Prajakta Kotasthane
Managing Director, Shriram Rubber Products Pvt. Ltd.

Prajakta is a second-generation entrepreneur with 20 years of experience and serves as the Managing Director of Shriram Rubber Products Pvt. Ltd. in Pune. She is leading a team of 140+ people across three manufacturing plants, and is responsible for developing & executing the organization’s vision & strategy and monitoring the annual & long-term business plans for the organization.

 

P. D. Malikner, IAS
Managing Director, Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited (MITL)

Mr. P. D. Malikner is a distinguished Indian Administrative Officer (IAS 2012 batch) whose career exemplifies a deep commitment to public service and remarkable leadership in various capacities. With a background in agricultural sciences, Mr. Malikner embarked on his journey in 1987 as a District Agriculture Officer, swiftly ascending to pivotal roles such as Tehsildar and Deputy Collector within the Revenue and Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra. His tenure as a private secretary and Deputy Secretary to Ministers in the Government of Maharashtra further honed his administrative acumen and strategic thinking. Mr. Malikner's contributions to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) as Deputy CEO and Joint CEO underscore his prowess in fostering industrial growth and infrastructure development.

 

Balfour Manuel
Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Ltd.

Balfour Manuel is the Managing Director of Blue Dart, South Asia's Most Awarded and Most Trusted Express Logistics Provider and a part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group’s business unit, DHL eCommerce Solutions. He is a Committee Member of the Express Industry Council of India (EICI) as well as the Indian Merchants’ Chambers (IMC). As Managing Director, he leads a talented workforce of 12,000+ individuals; with clear vision, execution of customer centric value proposition consolidating Blue Dart’s leadership position in the industry. Blue Dart covers 56,000+ locations in India with its own fleet of aircrafts and extensive ground network.

Blue Dart Express Ltd., South Asia's premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 56,000+ locations in India. Blue Dart is a provider of choice for its customer-centric approach and aims to strengthen this partnership. As part of DHL Group’s DHL eCommerce division, Blue Dart accesses the largest and most comprehensive express and logistics network covering over 220 countries and territories and offers an entire spectrum of distribution services including air express, freight forwarding, supply chain solutions, customs clearance. With motivated teams, dedicated capacity, advanced technology, and innovative products, Blue Dart maintains market leadership. It’s recognized as India’s most innovative express logistics company, receiving accolades such as 'India's Best Companies to Work For' and 'Best Multinational Workplaces in Asia.' It's also a 'Superbrand' and 'Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand,' listed among Fortune 500’s 'India's Largest Corporations' and Forbes ‘India's Super 50 Companies’. Notably, Blue Dart is recognized for diversity and inclusion, earning titles like ‘Best Workplaces for Women.’ Blue Dart fulfils its social responsibility through programs like GoGreen for climate protection, GoHelp for disaster management, and GoTeach for education.

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Established in 1975, Shriram Rubber Products Pvt. Ltd. has three manufacturing plants in MIDC Bhosari, Pune. With about 45% exports primarily to Germany (40%), Finland, Sweden and the US, our expertise and experience is in the manufacture of critical moulded rubber products as per the customer’s dimensional & material specifications. Our focus is our customer -- we provide value by supplying the right quality products, at the right time, and at the right price.

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V. S. Sundaresan
Executive Director, Securities and Exchange Board of India

Mr Sundaresan has more than 30 years of experience in Securities Market. He is presently heading the Integrated Surveillance Department and Information Technology Department. He had supervised more than 500 investigation cases on market manipulation, insider trading, takeover of companies, public issues, collective investment schemes, compliance with continuous listing requirements, etc., during his stint as Head of Investigations Department. His past assignments include formulation and enforcement of regulations on issuance of securities, takeovers, buy-back, delisting, trading, clearing and settlement, risk management, dematerialization, registration and supervision of intermediaries. Shri Sundaresan has been a member of various SEBI and inter-regulatory Committees.

 

Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS
Development Commissioner
(Industries) & Chairman (MAITRI)

Deependra Singh Kushwah is an Indian Administrative Services Officer - 2006, Maharashtra cadre. He is presently posted as Commissioner, Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship in Govt. of Maharashtra. He also serves as the ex-officio Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) and the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS). MSSDS works towards implementing the various skill development initiatives of the Centre and the State in Maharashtra and MSInS works towards creating a vibrant ecosystem of startups and innovation in Maharashtra.

Prior to his present assignment, he has worked as the Chief Officer, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority. Also, He has also worked as District Collector and District Magistrate of Mumbai Suburban, Nashik and Sangli districts and CEO Zilla Parishad of Nanded and Dhule districts, respectively.

 

Dr. Brinda Jagirdar
Economist & Independent Director, IDFC First

Dr. (Mrs.) Brinda Jagirdar, is an independent consulting economist with specialization in areas relating to Banking and Economics including Agriculture Economics. She is an Independent Director on corporate boards: IDFC FIRST Bank Limited, Rane Brake Lining Limited, Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing Corporation Limited, SBI DFHI Limited and Rane Holdings Limited. She is a member of the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund, established by Reserve Bank of India. She is also a member of the Research Advisory Committee of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance, Mumbai. She is on the Governing Council of Treasury Elite, a knowledge sharing platform for finance and treasury professionals. She is a member of the Managing Committee of the All-India Bank Depositors Association of the Forum of Free Enterprise.

 

Pravin Sawant
Sr. VP & CHRO, 63 Moons Technologies Ltd

20 years rich experience | CHRO with Experience in BFSI | Handled large Manpower, Teams | Handled crisis situations | Manpower - Planning, upsizing, downsizing, Forecasting, Budgeting | Setting new business with timelines | Assessment Centres | L & D Managment | C&B | Extensive Employee Engagement Programs | OD Interventions & Grievence Handling | Representing HR function to the Board| Part of Corporate CSR Committee | Revamped, Regenerated Policies and framework | Experience in GPTW Management

 

Sreeji Gopinathan
Global CIO, Lupin-Limited

Currently, Sreeji Gopinathan leads the end to end IT and Digital portfolio of Lupin. This includes Data Analytics leveraging AI/ML, RPA and Enterprise BI for intelligent automation, Applications across various business functions and markets, Infrastructure & Operations, Information Security and Computer Systems Validation. In Lupin and in earlier organizations, Sreeji was instrumental in various topline, EBITDA improvement, productivity, compliance, and hygiene initiatives. These include DnD mechanisms like yield optimization, utility cost reduction, target and nudge-based system for sales performance, gamified learning, Integrated business planning, LIMS, MES, CRM, SFA, DMS, SAP, M&A integrations, Healthcare Informatics, Warehouse / material management automation etc

 

Shaji Jose
CEO & Partner, Rockfort Advisories/ Certified Independent Director

For the past 28 years my approach is optimistic, constructive, characterized by a humble nature. Patience, resilience, open-mindedness, defines me and analytical approach guide me with spirit, courage & self-discipline. These strengths aid in relationships, whether dealing with C-level candidates or family promoters. In relationships, I am forgiving, listener, effective communicator & dependable. My personality combines simplicity, determination, approachable & a positive outlook. My decisions are solely on facts, calls ‘Spade - a - Spade’. I seek forgiveness, irrespective of status, if it is proven that I am wrong. I commenced my professional life with Cadbury's & East West Airlines, focusing on ground sales. In Chrysler Motors, Dubai, I handled marketing and brand building.

 

Chirag Naik
Associate Partner, MZM Legal LLP

Chirag Naik is an Associate Partner at MZM Legal LLP's globally recognised white-collar criminal defence, investigations and disputes practices. Having worked with international clientele and law firms on various complex matters, he has been described as "very knowledgeable in terms of the law", "very responsive and thorough" and is known for providing "clear and in-depth legal analyses". Skilled at crisis management, Chirag is praised as "very tenacious and hardworking". His practice area covers white-collar criminal defence, criminal compliance, government investigations, dispute resolution, IT law and regulatory enforcement matters.

 

Rajesh Jogi
Non Executive Director, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank & Xander Finance Pvt. Ltd

Rajesh is currently a non-executive / independent director on various Boards including Xander Group entities and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank. In addition, he mentors a digital food tech start-up. He serves as Chair of the risk or audit committees of two Boards and is a member of other key board committees like the nomination & remuneration and the business strategy committees. He is an experienced Risk professional with over 26 years in senior executive roles in risk and governance in the banking industry at Citibank and RBS/NatWest. As a senior risk executive, he held leadership positions for India and Asia. In 2021, he founded Riskalytix, the risk advisory firm. He was responsible for governance and oversight through executive director roles since 2011 on the boards of key legal entities. He has substantial experience managing regulatory relationships.

 

C. Ramulu
Former Finance Director - Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited

Mr. C. Ramulu, was Director (Finance) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mr. Ramulu commenced his career in the Petroleum Industry with the American multinational, M/s. Caltex India Limited (M/s. Chevron), which was later nationalized. His wide experiences of over 35 years encompass all facets of Financial Management including Corporate Finance, Treasury Operations and General Management including Strategy Planning and Management of Joint Ventures etc. He worked as President – Finance of Hinduja National Power Corporation Ltd, a Mega thermal power project of over Rs. 8000 Crs, set up at Visakhapatnam, AP., from 2011 to 2017.

 

Dr. Poornima Dore
Author & Social Finance Expert & Former Director, Tata Trusts

An Economist and Business Leader with deep experience in solving for impact at scale, institution building, digital transformation, corporate and development finance. Enjoys action, strategic advisory and research: is well published in her field, with her recent book 'Regional Economic Diversity' drawing critical acclaim. Is considered an expert on social finance: advises leaders and organisations keen to build strategy, strengthen capacities or allocate capital towards long-term impact. Teaches at prestigious management and technical institutes. Recognised as one of the Top 100 Analytics Leaders in South Asia.

 

Khyati Maheshwari
CFO & Executive Director (South Asia) - Wella Company

She is currently positioned as the CFO and Executive Director at Wella Company for India & South Asia.

Over the years, she has set up and headed finance function, FP&A , Commercial finance, Supply Chain Finance, Center of Excellence for finance on national levels. Drove achievement of P&L, business growth targets, implemented ERP systems, leveraged technology, and financial analytics to improve business plans, developed governance and control framework.

 

PN Shetty
MSME Bharat Manch & Founder & CEO
RupeeBoss Financial Services Pvt. Ltd.

Founder and CEO, RupeeBoss Financial Services Pvt Ltd. President- MSME Bharat Manch Mr Shetty has over 25 yrs. of experience in the finance industry, having worked in one of the leading loan distributors before starting RupeeBoss.com. He has strong background in finance, business strategy, sales and MSME ecosystem and has been a driving force behind the growth and success of RupeeBoss Financial Services Pvt Ltd. Recently, Mr Shetty has initiated a Nationwide MSME platform – “MSME Bharat Manch” with other MSME solution providers on the board. MSME Bharat Manch provides an ultimate solution to cater all the entrepreneur needs of the Indian MSMEs helping them to get empowered to scale & strengthen their business.

 

Dharmarajan Sankara Subrahmanian
Founder & CEO - Impactsure Technologies

Mr. Dharmarajan, Founder & CEO of Impactsure Technologies, leads an AI/ML-powered document analytics SaaS firm, offering tailored solutions for Banks and Enterprises. With 25+ years of Business Leadership spanning Corporate, Family Managed Business, and Startup realms, he excels in Board Management & Corporate Governance. As a Certified Corporate Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Dharmarajan's expertise is recognized globally, evident in his official membership with the Forbes Technology Council. He contributes thought leadership on Digital Transformation, emerging technologies, and ESG, enriching communities worldwide through Forbes articles.

 

Dr. Sujata Seshadrinathan
Director - Strategies & IT -Basiz Fund Services

Dr. Sujata Seshadrinathan is a Promoter and Majority Shareholder in Basiz Fund Services, a Global Leader in Fund Administration and Financial reporting services, working with upwards of 8000 funds per year. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration focusing on Blockchain adoption for Accounting Applications. Her educational qualifications and work experience make her a fine amalgamation of software, finance and accounting knowledge. She has developed automated technology solutions and products for accounting applications in fund administration and holds 2 patents in this space. She has over 2 decades experience in IT/ITES across Syntel, Mastek, Foster Wheeler etc. Sujata is an Adjunct Professor for management courses teaching Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation. Among her many skills are proven results in the areas of Strategic management, go to market strategy, product and enterprise development, and Training and skills management. Apart from the above she is an astute investor managing a proprietary portfolio that has returned in excess of 8.5% in dollar terms for the past 15 years.

She is a frequent speaker at events and panels and contributes regularly to publications on entrepreneurship and technology related topics.

Dr. Sujata has been recognised for entrepreneurial excellence and industry leadership with several awards, including "Women's Entrepreneur of the Year award for the SAARC region(Bronze)", 2023 by WCIC, Sri Lanka and Trailblazer Woman Achiever & Woman Entrepreneur award 2023 by FICCI FLO, Mumbai. She has also been honoured as India's Top Women in Finance 2023 at the Indian Women in Finance Summit and Top 10 Women Leaders in Accounting and Taxation – 2023 by Women Entrepreneur India.

 

 

Shourya K. Chakravarty
Chief Human Resources Officer - Aptech Limited

Shourya K. Chakravarty is an esteemed and strategic professional currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Aptech Limited, a pioneer in the non-formal vocational training business with a significant global presence.

He has almost three decades of illustrious experience in Human Resources, CSR, administration, and impactful employee communications through guiding dynamic teams while shaping and executing people strategies. His professional journey commenced with the Aditya Birla Group, where he cultivated his skills across manufacturing and corporate functions and later held key roles of growing responsibility and complexity at renowned companies such as General Mills India, GE, HSBC, and Firstsource Solutions. He has also served as the former CHRO at QualityKiosk Technologies, leading pivotal HR transformations. His efforts focused on fostering an empathetic culture and realigning systems, policies, and governance to meet overall business requirements while actively engaging with key stakeholders, both internal and external, including the Board, CXOs, and employees. Shourya holds an MBA degree in HR from XISS Ranchi and a bachelor's degree from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. His leadership embodies a system-driven, people-first approach with meticulous attention to detail along with proven record of transforming HR strategies from reactive to proactive and ensuring tangible business success makes him distinguished.

 

CA. R. Jayaprakash
Finance Professional - Mentor & Advisor to early stage entrepreneurs

Mr. R. Jayaprakash is Finance and Risk management professional with more than 18 years’ experience. He has worked in leadership position with BDO Global (5th largest accounting and consulting network) in India and United Kingdom. One of the youngest professional to be promoted as partner in his firm in India. Has thrived in playing a role of consultant and interventionist. Personally led and delivered engagements involving formulating and implementing India focused business strategy for various clients. He has advised cross border transactions cumulatively worth more than USD 2 billion in various capacities.

Lead a consulting / outsourcing practice which delivered Virtual CFO service. Presently consulting with start-ups and emerging companies to assist them in their M&A, Restructuring and Financing strategies. Advices matured organizations on Risk Management Framework and Financial derivatives. He is currently visiting faculty with SP Jain Global Business school (Australia), NMIMS (India) and Institute of Directors (India). Written a book titled “A Handbook on Financial Management” published by Institute of Directors, India specifically directed towards needs of Board of Directors.

 

Aliasgar S. Mithwani
Chief General Manager, SEBI

Mr. Aliasgar S. Mithwani, Chief General Manager with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Mumbai has extensive experience in supervision, surveillance, investigation and enforcement of securities markets laws spanning over 26 years. Presently, heading the Integrated Surveillance Department, SEBI.

Before joining the Surveillance Department, he was heading Commodity Derivatives Market Regulation Department, SEBI.

He has also worked in the Office of International Affairs of SEBI and was a member of Committee 4 (Committee on Enforcement and the Exchange of Information) of IOSCO. Currently, he is member of IOSCO Committee on Emerging Risk (CER).

Apart from a post-graduation in Management specializing in finance, he also has a degree in Law and specialization in Securities Market Law.