Established in 1990 under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860, the Institute of Directors (IOD), India was founded as the apex professional body for corporate directors-dedicated to building effective boards and advancing boardroom leadership.
Established in 1990 under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860, the Institute of Directors (IOD), India was founded as the apex professional body for corporate directors-dedicated to building effective boards and advancing boardroom leadership.
Over the past 35 years, IOD has grown into India’s leading organisation for directors, with a vibrant network of over 31,000 senior executives from the public, private, and government sectors-both in India and abroad-including more than 11,000 trained Certified Directors through its acclaimed Masterclass for Directors.
With its headquarters in New Delhi and regional offices in Bengaluru, Chennai, Gujarat, Hyderabad and Mumbai, IOD provides region-specific support and services across India’s diverse corporate landscape.
IOD remains at the heart of India’s boardroom ecosystem-strengthening governance frameworks, driving director development, and cultivating a future-ready leadership community.
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To be a professionally cohesive fraternity of Board Directors in India and world-wide, that can spearhead the change to a more Sustainable World and also to be a nodal organization for the Directors to fulfill their mentoring and leadership role in creating sustainable wealth and happiness for all stakeholders of the business and society at large.
To lead corporate social, environmental and economic transformation, through visionary and holistic boardroom strategies & practices, by focusing on issues of good governance, transparency and accountability for Directors and their effective leadership in a sustainable world.
01
A membership-based organisation representing directors across sectors and supporting peer collaboration.
02
Comprehensive training for directors, board chairs, CEOs, MDs, and aspiring board leaders-focused on governance, compliance, ESG, risk, and performance.
03
A trusted repository of board-ready professionals from diverse backgrounds, supporting Independent Director appointments across companies.
04
High-impact national and international conventions that offer platforms for directors to share insights, build networks, and tackle boardroom challenges.
05
Globally recognised awards in 16 corporate verticals, benchmarked against the Golden Peacock Excellence Model-honouring exemplary leadership and innovation.
06
Bespoke services covering board evaluations, governance diagnostics, industry sentiment analyses, and boardroom policy guidance.
07
Regular publications including professional books, handbooks, and the widely read Director Today journal, keeping directors informed of emerging trends and best practices.
2024
The IODGLOBAL Driving Excellence Award for Leadership (IDEAL) is a prestigious recognition presented by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India annually. Launched in the year 2024
2022
Lt. Gen. Surinder Nath PVSM AVSM (Retd.) took over as the President of Institute of Directors with effect from 02 December, 2022
2020
IOD launched IOD Blog in 2020. Over the years grown 31,000+ Sr. executives, representing prominent organizations from both the private & public sectors and Govt. of India, from India & abroad.
2013
IOD launched the portal for IOD Directors Databank, in 2013. It is an empanelment portal; through which IOD maintains a panel of qualified directors.
2011
Lt. Gen. J. S. Ahluwalia PVSM (Retd.) took over as the President of Institute of Directors in the year 2011
2010
Over the years IOD has been instrumental in providing strong networking platforms for all its Director members to interact with other professional across India and abroad. IOD's National and International conferences play a key role in promoting networking by sharing corporate knowledge and experiences.
2003
IOD's 'Masterclass for Directors' set up in 2003, covers Training in corporate directorship, and 'Golden Peacock Awards' in 16 different corporate functional disciplines and other flagship initiatives aim to improve the competitiveness of individual directors and their organisations.
2000
IOD held the first International Conference on Corporate Governance in Delhi. IOD was the first who ignited a revolution in the boardroom. Nurturing Directors of the future.
1994
Golden Peacock Awards, instituted by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India in 1991 and in July 29, 1994 Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Bharat Ratna was the first IOD Distinguished fellow.
1990
IOD was set up with a unique vision in July 12, 1990 by Late Dr. Madhav Mehra.
IOD is committed to its endeavor of Building Boards of the Future.
The IOD, India's activities extend from Boardroom Trainings, Researches, Publications, Board Advisory Services and Monthly Lectures to Workshops and networking of Members, Directors and Global Leaders through various National & International Conventions and platforms to debate the issues of topical interest, held in India and Abroad.
Over the last 35+ years, IOD India has been organising its annual Global Conventions in India, Dubai | Singapore | London and Europe focusing on various boardroom issues and also the Global Business Meets by bringing together industry leaders, policy makers and board members from various parts of the world.
The IOD, India's 'Masterclass for Directors’ training for 'Certified Corporate Directorship', and 'Golden Peacock Awards' in 16 different corporate disciplines, both have become global benchmarks. IOD has also setup a special wing called 'IOD Directors Databank, mandated to look after the placement of Independent Directors in India
IOD platforms are regarded as most powerful network of business leaders and policy makers globally, which keeps senior executives and board members abreast of latest developments on various boardroom issues and new trends in Corporate Governance & Business Excellence.
To be the apex professional association of Corporate Directors in India.
To provide information, advisory and consultancy services on corporate issues-mainly directors’ training, boardroom practices, corporate governance, CSR, quality and sustainable development to industry, and business.
To promote international corporate cooperation on all issues, relating to governance, quality, environment, and directorial responsibilities and duties.
As an apex association of Corporate Directors in India, IOD’s primary role is two-fold:
Represent the issues relating to directors, including independent directors, whether in government, public or private sector, in appropriate fora.
Professional training and continual up-gradation for development of top executives & directors, focusing on corporate governance and boardroom practices, also raise quality of governance practices & compliance through corporate competition.
