Dr. Padmakumar Nair

Vice Chancellor Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology

Professor Padmakumar Nair, Vice Chancellor, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology and the founding Dean of Thapar School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is a passionate researcher, teacher, and scholar in innovation in higher education, leadership development, nanostructured materials, and sustainability. He has more than 55 publications in journals of international repute. He has been cited more than 2900 times in academic journals with a Google Scholar H-factor of 29. Professor Nair has worked both in academia and industry and has a combined experience of more than 38 years in various sectors such as oil & gas (Shell in Amsterdam), education (Netherlands, Denmark, US, Japan, China, and South Korea), consulting (PwC, Japan and the US) and advanced R&D (NL, Japan and US).

Amit Arora

CHRO VST INDUSTRIES LIMITED

Amit Arora is a seasoned HR leader with 20+ years of experience across consumer goods and industrial sectors. He is CHRO at VST Industries (2022–present). Previously, he held senior HR roles at Hindustan Unilever (2020–2022), GSK Consumer Healthcare (2015–2020), Philips (2012–2015), GE Oil & Gas (2012), DuPont (2010–2012), and Reliance Industries (2005–2010). A Masters in HRM, he is known for strong employee relations, strategic execution, and stakeholder engagement.

Amit Rastogi

Working in Coromandel International Limited, a leading agri-inputs company of India, as Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer.

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from State University at New York at Buffalo, USA, 1991. B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from I.I.T. Kapur, 1985. Before joining Coromandel in 2005, worked with Shell, USA and Hindustan Unilever in various roles spanning R&D, Manufacturing and Projects. Selected for Fulbright Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University, USA in 2010. In current role, reporting to MD & CEO and taking care of new technology initiatives. Member of technical committees of industry associations – . International Fertilizer Association. Fertilizer Association of India. Confederation of Indian Industries

Amit Singh

CHRO CARE Hospitals, Quality CARE India Limited

Dr. Amit is Chief of Human Resources at Care Hospitals , Quality Care India Limited since early 2024. In this role he responsible for the alignment of the HR strategic planning process to the vision, long term and annual operating plan to the HR delivery through HR Centers of Excellence in Talent & Brand, Performance & Learning, Rewards &, and Employee Experience to achieve business outcomes.

Amit Verma

Managing Director & General Manager - India The Citco Group Limited

Amit is the Country Managing Director and General Manager for The Citco Group of Companies in India. In this role, he is responsible for managing the two legal enƟƟes of the firm across three locaƟons in the country, with over 5000 employees. He is also part of global OPSMT and TransformaƟon steering commiƩee for the firm.

Anil Nama

CIO CtrlS Datacenters

Anil Nama serves as CIO at CtrlS Datacenters. He brings over 30 years of IT experience in the defense and corporate sectors, both in the products and services segments. He was associated with the Indian Armed Forces and was part of Computer Network Défense. He has been instrumental in CtrlS' growth for the past 17+ years, driving innovative solutions.

Anish Bansal

India Country Head - MNC DBS Bank

Anish Bansal is India Country Head – MNC Coverage at DBS Bank (2024–present), based in Mumbai. With over two decades in corporate and institutional banking, he previously held senior leadership roles at DBS (2019–2024), HDFC Bank (2018–2019), Standard Chartered Bank (2005–2018), and ICICI Bank (2004–2005). An IIM Lucknow alumnus, he specializes in multinational coverage, corporate banking, cross-border corridors, and complex deal execution across cash, trade, FX, and lending.

Anthil Anbazhagan

Managing Director Entain

Anthil Anbazhagan serves as the Managing Director of Entain India, where he is entrusted with leading the company’s global technology strategy, platform engineering, and enterprise-scale delivery. With over two decades of international experience across fintech, gaming, telecommunications, and automotive sectors, Mr. Anbazhagan is widely recognised for his ability to architect complex systems, build scalable technology organisations, and drive innovation across large distributed teams.

ARUN PALIVELA

India Director, Head of Innovation Center Align Technology

Arun Palivela is the India Director and Head of the Innovation Center at Align Technology (2023–present), leading the Align Innovation Center and Invisalign R&D in India. A senior technology leader, he previously held global IT leadership roles at Epiq (2020–2023) and Wells Fargo (2012–2020). Arun specializes in building high- performing delivery teams, offshore strategy, IT governance, automation, and large- scale infrastructure operations.

Ashish Babbar

Vice President and General Manager Microsoft

Ashish is a 25-year software industry veteran with 20 years at Microsoft. He has a track record of driving business strategy and technology at the foundation of multiple large-scale services in Azure Cloud. He is Vice President and General Manager at Microsoft responsible for Azure Migration and is delivering AI agents for friction free experience for customer's transitioning to Azure. He is a champion for diversity and inclusion, building world class teams focused on delivering high business impact.

A.V. Ranganath

Commissioner of HYDRAA Telangana Government

A.V. Ranganath, IPS is a Senior Inspector General of Police and the first Commissioner of HYDRAA (since July 2024), leading Hyderabad’s integrated disaster and flood management authority. An engineering graduate from Vasavi Engineering College, he joined the IPS in 1998 after a brief stint at SIDBI. With extensive experience in Greyhounds, anti-Naxal operations, traffic reforms, crime investigation, and district policing, he is a recipient of the President’s Police Gallantry Award (2012) and PMG (2008).

Bipin Chandra Dutt Pendyala

General Manager Appen

Bipin Chandra Dutt Pendyala is General Manager–India at Appen (2023–present), where he established the India entity, built product engineering teams, and strengthened compliance and global delivery. With 20+ years in IT and BPM, he has led operations, strategy, and P&L across Appen, invenioLSI (2019–2023), MosChip (2017–2019), CA Technologies (2009–2013), Knoah Solutions (2002–2009), NVIDIA (2000–2002), Tech Mahindra (1997–1999), and the Indian Air Force (1990–1996). A customer-centric leader and entrepreneur, he has co-founded healthcare ventures, served on boards, and driven award-winning growth across global markets.

Chandra Boddoju

Country Head ConvergeOne

Chandra Boddoju is a seasoned IT leader with 30+ years of experience across Wipro, CSC/DXC, and Atos in delivery, P&L, transformation, and account leadership roles. As MD & Country Head of ConvergeOne’s GCC in Hyderabad, he built the center from inception to 700+ professionals in under three years and serves on C1’s global executive team. Former MD & CEO of Xchanging Solutions, he brings deep expertise in post-merger integration, profitability management, and building high- performance teams delivering outcome-driven operations

Dileep Narayan

Vice President and General Manager Microsoft

Captain Dileep Narayan, is a strategic HR leader with over 26 years of diverse, multi-cultural experience spanning the Indian Army, manufacturing, and global tech environments. He thrives on transforming organizations by designing innovative people programs on a foundation of strong leadership, analytical rigor, and a relentless commitment to integrity.

Dinesh Kalluri

Managing Director, Deloitte

Dinesh Kalluri is a Managing Director at Deloitte, where he leads the Operations Transformation offering for the US-India (USI) practice, driving capability building and go-to-market strategies focused on solving core business challenges for global clients. Based in Hyderabad, he has spent over 15 years serving Banking & Capital Markets organizations, with strong expertise in enabling large-scale operations modernization, particularly across digital payments and fintech ecosystems. An MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Dinesh is widely recognized for advising enterprises on complex operational transformations that enhance efficiency, strengthen customer experience, and deliver sustainable value. Known for building high-performing teams and scalable consulting capabilities.

Gautam Jain

Managing Director PwC India

Experienced Investment Banker working across diverse functions and industries. Identifying, structuring & concluding structured fund raise and cross border deals. Strategically working with clients on tax and cost optimisation, Pre IPO including setting up offices in tax free zones.

Hari Chandana Dasari

Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Government of India

Hari Chandana Dasari is an officer of the Indian Administrative Service with 16+ years in public administration (2010–present). She has served as District Collector & DM, Narayanpet; Zonal Commissioner at Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (2015–2020); and Sub-Collector, Vijayawada (2012–2014). Renowned for civic innovation, she pioneered India’s first pet park, self-sustaining Loo Cafés, women-run toilet marts, mobile She-Toilets, tele-medicine during COVID-19, and ISO 14001 green public offices.

Hari Thalapalli

CEO, CallHealth

Hari Thalapalli is a multi-disciplinary leader with almost four decades of experience in the Technology and Healthcare Services space. His expertise spans a wide range of domains, including Business Strategy, Marketing, Operations, Consulting and Human Resources. This multi-disciplinary background has equipped him with a holistic understanding of complex business environments, enabling him to navigate unexpected challenges and seize unseen opportunities with confidence.

Harish Kumar Chukka Bhasker

Senior GCC Leader

Harish Kumar is a GCC/GBS and healthcare leader with 20+ years’ experience building and transforming global capability centers. He is Vice President–HealthTrust at HCA Healthcare India (2025–present). Previously, he held leadership roles at Carelon Global Solutions (2018–2025), Legato Health Technologies (2018–2023), Citrix (2014–2018), Thomson Reuters (2012–2014), UnitedHealth Group (2011–2012), DXC Technology (2007–2011), Tech Mahindra (2005–2007), SHV Energy (2004–2005), Lifestyle International (2002–2004), and HMT Limited (1999–2000). A multi-award winner (2021– 2025), he specializes in GCC setup, P&L ownership, digital transformation, ERP, AI, and M&A integration.

Kalyan Kumar

Managing Director CEO Nexer Group

Kalyan Kumar is Managing Director and CEO of Nexer Group India, a global executive with deep expertise in IT strategy and digital transformation. He leads international teams driving innovation, operational excellence, and market expansion. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Columbus, IT Convergence, Anthelio Healthcare Solutions, and Genpact, with strong P&L ownership and global delivery experience. A speaker and mentor, he is committed to shaping future-ready enterprises, academia, and startups through visionary, people-centric leadership.

Krishna Praveen Polavaram

Polavaram CFO & Site Director Berkadia Services India Pvt Ltd

Krishna Praveen Polavaram is the CFO & Site Director at Berkadia Services India Private Limited, where he leads finance, accounting, risk management, internal controls, facilities, and CSR initiatives (2025–present). With nearly two decades at Berkadia (2007–2025), he progressed from Team Leader to SVP–Finance. Earlier, he built strong finance operations at Alliance Consulting (2005–2007) and Genpact (2001–2005), specializing in audits, transitions, and financial controls.

Lakshmi Narayana

Managing Director DAICEL CHIRAL TECHNOLOGIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Lakshmi Narayana is Managing Director of Daicel Chiral Technologies India (2016– present). Earlier, he served as Vice President (2011–2016) and Director–Technical (2006–2011) at Daicel, Head–Analytical at GVK BIO (2003–2006), and Analytical Researcher at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (1995–2003). With nearly three decades in pharmaceuticals and chiral sciences, he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a recipient of multiple national and international leadership and quality awards.

Manish Arora

Managing Director Eli Lilly and Company

Manish Arora is General Manager of Eli Lilly Services India Pvt. Ltd., leading the establishment and launch of the Hyderabad innovation and technology center. With 20+ years across IT, digital transformation, and manufacturing operations—and global assignments in China, Denmark, and the US—he has held senior roles at Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. An MBA from Indiana University with a Chemistry degree from Kean University, he is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt known for building high-performing teams and delivering tech-led operational excellence.

Puja Khemka

VP and Board Member Schrödinger India

Puja Khemka is VP and Board Member at Schrödinger, where she serves as Head of India – Finance & Operations (2022–present), leading finance, operations, and global initiatives. Previously, she spent nearly a decade at D. E. Shaw & Co. (2012–2022) in corporate finance roles, and began her career with Ernst & Young and PwC. A CA and CPA, she brings deep expertise in finance and governance.

Rajiv Gajria

Vice President and Managing Director, Blackbaud

Rajiv Gajria is an experienced global leader driving transformation, innovation, and value across healthcare, life sciences, fintech, social impact, and technology. He is Vice President & Managing Director, Blackbaud India (2024–present). Previously, he held senior leadership roles at PureSoftware (2020–2025), HighRadius (2022–2024), CA Technologies (2018–2020), Oracle (2010–2018), Phase Forward (2003–2010), Cox Insurance Services (2000–2003), and Binhindi Informatics (1999–2000), leading large teams, global delivery, go-to-market strategy, digital transformation, and centers of excellence

Richa Jain

Managing Director, NTE India Northern Tool + Equipment

Richa Jain, Managing Director at Northern Tool & Equipment with close to two decades of experience partnering with global business leaders to build, scale, and transform Global Capability Centers. In the past she has led People and Corporate Services functions, where she focused on operating model design, leadership capability, culture, and aligning people strategy with business outcomes. Richa has deep experience working with US-based leadership teams, driving organization effectiveness, talent strategy, and change at scale. She is a certified executive coach and a regular speaker at industry forums on GCC evolution, leadership, and the future of work.

RITESH DOGRA

Gen AI Innovation Head

Ritesh Dogra Gen AI Innovation Head, driving strategic alliances and market expansion. Previously, he served as AVP – Tech Commercialization & Head of GenAI at Indegene (2021–2025), and Founder & CEO of TalkDoc.AI (2020–2021). Earlier, he held leadership roles at Medium Healthcare Consulting (2011–2020) and began his career with BP (2005–2008).

DR. REENA DAS

CHRO HR Director, Keolis Hyderabad Mass Rapid Transit System

Reena Das is a dynamic and accomplished Human Resources professional, currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Keolis Hyderabad Mass Rapid Transit System Pvt Ltd in India. With an impressive 25 years of rich experience in end- to-end HR management and industrial relations, Reena has established herself as a true leader in the field.

Rupessh Goel

Rupessh Goel is a reputed, trusted, business-centric leader known for building high-impact capabilities and driving transformation. He is the Managing Director, leading Credit and Emerging Capabilities at First Citizens India. He has previously held global leadership roles across Credit, Wealth, Treasury, and Operations at SVB, HSBC, Barclays, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, working across 13 cities in India, China, and the USA. Rupessh is an active mentor to the startup ecosystem, a frequent industry speaker, and serves on the boards of a startup and a university.

Sairam Nair

Head Global Competency Center Sandoz India

Sairam Nair is Head of the Global Competency Center at Sandoz India (2023–present), leading enterprise-wide business-enabling functions. Previously, he spent nearly 14 years at Novartis (2009–2023) in senior global and regional leadership roles, including Alcon assignments in the US and Latin America (2012–2018). Earlier experience includes GlobalData (2006–2009), Frost & Sullivan (2005–2006), and Eli Lilly (1995–2005). He is passionate about building high-performing global teams and customer-centric operations.

Shalini Priyadarshi

Director, Cloud Support Operations NTT DATA, Inc

Shalini Priyadarshi is an enterprise GenAI and Cloud Operations leader with 19+ years of experience across Microsoft, AWS, Snowflake, and NTT DATA. She currently leads Cloud Managed Services and AI Operations at NTT DATA, driving enterprise-scale GenAI platforms, unified AI service desks, and automation-first models. Known for delivering measurable outcomes—incident reduction, SLA excellence, and cost savings— she is a respected thought leader and people-first executive shaping resilient, AI- enabled operations.

Suveka Tammireddy

Managing Director KROLL

Suveka Tammireddy is Managing Director of Kroll Digital Solutions and City Leader for Kroll’s Hyderabad office. With nearly two decades of IT experience, he leads AI, data, and automation initiatives across India, driving Kroll’s digital growth. Earlier, he spent 11 years at Credit Suisse and worked with Verizon, Patni, and Capgemini. A JNTU Hyderabad graduate, he specializes in AI, data lakes, RPA, SOX, and large-scale digital transformation.

Sudipto Mandal

CHRO & Head - Human Resources (L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad), Larsen Toubro

Sudipto Mandal is the CHRO & Head – Human Resources at Larsen & Toubro, where he leads enterprise-wide people strategy for large-scale infrastructure and engineering businesses. An MBA in HR from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, he brings over two decades of cross-industry experience spanning FMCG, IT/ITES, manufacturing, retail, engineering, consulting, and conglomerates. Widely respected for driving HR transformation, culture building, leadership development, IR, and future-ready workforce initiatives, he has held senior HR leadership roles across Eveready (1998–2000), Oracle (2000–2004), BEA Systems (2004–2006), Asian Paints (2006–2014), Spencer’s Retail (2014–2016), ZEISS Group (2016–2019), CRISIL (2019–2020), Star Cement (2020–2022), PeopleSquare (2022–2023), and L&T (2023–Present).

Swetha Vissapragada

Director - APAC, Global Talent Acquisition Electronic Arts (EA)

Swetha Vissapragada is Director–APAC, Global Talent Acquisition at Electronic Arts (2025–present), leading talent strategy across India and Australia. She has been with EA since 2020 in regional TA leadership roles. Previously, she served at Franklin Templeton (2015–2020) and Wells Fargo (2006–2015). A results-driven leader, she specializes in scalable hiring, cost-efficient recruitment, inclusion and diversity, and building high-performing, engaged talent teams aligned to business goals.

DR. URMI MEHTA

Chief Industry Engagement Officer (CIEO), Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology

Dr. Urmi Mehta serves as Chief Industry Engagement Officer at Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology. With over two decades of experience, she has forged 15+ industry-academia partnerships, led initiatives that increased internship placements by 40%, and secured funding worth several crores for research labs. She champions entrepreneurship by launching incubation programs, mentorship schemes, and live‑project collaborations. Under her leadership, curriculum alignment with industry standards improved, and students’ employability metrics rose significantly. Deeply committed to innovation and real‑world impact, Dr. Mehta bridges academic rigor and corporate relevance to advance Thapar’s mission of excellence and societal contribution.

Sirisha Deevi

Director of Engineering Experian

With 20 years of experience evolving from a full-stack developer to a technology leader, I specialize in driving transformation through Generative AI and modern data platforms. My expertise spans Supply Chain, Retail, and Credit Analytics, guided by a language-agnostic, outcome-driven mindset.

Venkat Korada

Chief Financial Officer Lloyds Technology Centre India

Venkat Korada is Chief Financial Officer at Lloyds Technology Centre India (2024– present), bringing over 28 years of experience across finance, accounting, and operations. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Microsoft (2013–2024), ADP India (2007–2012), Motorola (2002–2007), and Wipro (1996–2002). A Chartered Accountant, he has deep expertise in controllership, compliance, operations finance, digital transformation, and leveraging analytics and GenAI to drive business value.