Board Advisory

Independent Director at DSP Pension Fund Managers Private Ltd., Care Rating Ltd, Central Depository Services (India) Ltd., and City Union Bank Limited, India International Bullion Exchange IFSC Limited

Mr. Mahalingam with more than 4 decades of experience, is a former Whole-Time Member at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), where he was involved in regulating securities and protecting investor interests. Mr. Mahalingam currently serves on the boards of Central Depository Services (India) Limited, City Union Bank Limited, et al. Before his tenure at SEBI, he was the Regional Director for the Reserve Bank of India, overseeing banking operations and policy implementation in the region.

Qualifications: Shri Gurumoorthy Mahalingam (Mahalingam G) holds a Master’s Degree in Science (Statistics) from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (International Banking and Finance) from the University of Birmingham.

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

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

Ms. Gangotra is a distinguished technology and business leader, currently serving as an Independent Board Director on the boards of several iconic global and Indian brands. As a former CIO and CTIO at global telecom giants - Vodafone and Airtel, and now as Founder of Ityukt Digital, she is uniquely positioned to guide companies on board assessments.

Qualifications: M.Sc. in Operational Research (Gold Medalist), University of Delhi; Leadership at Peak Program in Organisational Leadership, Center for Creative Leadership (CCL

Dr. Sinha has more than three decades of experience in investment management and financial markets. She is serving as an Independent Director on various Boards including, Lupin, Tata Capital, Aadhar Housing Finance, Ventive Hospitality, TATA Asset Management, Embassy Office Parks Management Services, Paradigmarq Advisors, Bharat Financial Inclusion, One Mobiwik Systems, Classic Legends and Metahelix Life Sciences. She chairs the Investment Subcommittee of CFA Institute and is also the Chair of the Investment Advisory Board of IIT Delhi.

Qualifications: She holds a PhD, and a Master’s degree in Finance from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Her undergraduate degree is in Chemical Engineering from IIT, New Delhi. She is a CFA charter holder, and a member of CFA Institute.

Mr. Sitaram Kunte is a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1988 batch, Maharashtra cadre, with over three decades of distinguished service in public administration and policy-making. He retired as the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra—one of the most senior and prestigious positions in the state bureaucracy.

Mr. Kunte currently serves as an Independent Director on the boards of several leading organisations, bringing his deep administrative experience to corporate governance, including Performance Chemiserve, Sotefin Bharat, Protium Finance, Afcons, DFPCL, et al.

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

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

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

Mr. Ravindra Pandey has done M.Sc. from University of Allahabad and CAIIB from Indian Institute of Bankers. He has also attended executive Management program at IIM, Lucknow and Euromoney, London.

Mr. Pandey is a senior banker; superannuated as Dy. Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI) after a stellar career spanning 37 years with SBI; with proven track record in top leadership roles in domestic and international assignments. He has in-depth knowledge and skill in shaping, nurturing and leading a strong organization. He is also a digital strategist, led adoption of emerging, disruptive and innovative processes/technologies to enable business transformation.

Mr. Pandey had served on the Board of large and highly reputed organizations. At present, he is on the Board of large and diverse listed /unlisted companies including Manufacturing, NBFCs, Hospitality sectors. He is providing valuable strategic guidance in the areas of Business Strategy, Risk Management, Digital Transformation, Audit & Compliance, ESG culture etc and sets highest standards of Corporate Governance in these companies.

Ms. Surekha Marandi is a distinguished central banker and a leading expert in financial inclusion and development, having superannuated as Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after a highly accomplished career spanning over three decades. Her career is marked by deep expertise in banking regulation, rural credit, consumer protection, and pioneering work in microfinance and financial inclusion policy at the national level. Ms. Marandi currently serves on the board of SBFC Finance Ltd. and Satya Microcapital Ltd. Her past Board Engagements included serving as Nominee Director on the boards of Bank of Baroda and United Bank of India (now Punjab & Sind Bank), amongst other distinguished positions.

Qualifications: Advanced Management in Financial Management Services, Cambridge University, UK; Advanced Management Program, Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Manila; Leadership Development Program, Harvard Kennedy School; Postgraduate Scholar, Jadavpur University; Certification in COBOL Programming, CMC Ltd.; and Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB)

Dr. Vaish brings over 30 years of experience in Financial & Capital Markets. He currently serves as the Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee, and is a Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee at GHCL Ltd. Dr. Vaish is also an Independent Director on the Board of Mirae Asset Trustee Company Private Limited, participating actively in its Audit Committee. He chairs SEBI’s Working Group to streamline the role and obligations of Trustees of Mutual Funds, influencing significant regulatory reforms. His past roles include serving on SEBI's Committee on Corporate Governance (Narayan Murthy Committee), among various high-level committees.

Qualifications: (Hon.) from S.R.C.C. Delhi, an M.B.A. in Finance from F.M.S., Delhi University, and a Ph. D.

Sushmita Ghatak, with more than 30 years of professional experience, currently serves as an Independent Director on the boards of four companies, including as chair of risk management committee / NRC / audit committee. Her expertise spans risk management, financial reporting, audit & internal controls, ESG and corporate governance for companies that operate in highly regulated financial markets, strongly leverage technology for transformation and range from start-ups large companies.

Prior to her role as an ID, she had been in in an executive leadership role for 15 years as MD & CEO, and earlier as ED & COO, at ICRA Analytics Ltd, a wholly owned material subsidiary of ICRA Ltd. During her tenure at Group ICRA, she was a member of the apex risk management & leadership committees and served for 12+ years on the boards of four Group ICRA companies. Later, as a Strategic Advisor - ESG and Sustainability, she assisted in the transformation and growth initiatives of an impact advisory firm.

She completed her under-graduate studies from University of Delhi with specialization in Economics, and then did her MBA from IIM Calcutta. She is a Fulbright-CII-Nehru Fellow and attended 3-month leadership course at Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University. She is a certified Independent Director and has certifications on ESG and Corporate Sustainability from Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, CFA Institute and NYU Stern, and is a member of the National Association of Impact Leaders, IICA and Fellow, Institute of Directors.

Mr. Rajnickant Patel is a distinguished leader in the financial services sector with an illustrious career spanning more than 4 decades. A visionary and strategist, Mr. Patel has held esteemed positions, including MD & CEO of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX).

Among his landmark achievements is leading the corporatization of BSE, transforming it into a globally recognized institution with billion-dollar valuations. His profound experience includes Reserve Bank Of India, MNC Bank, Nationalised Banks, Capital Markets, Commodity Markets, and Corporate Strategy, making him a luminary in the Financial Sector. Mr. Patel’s governance acumen is evident in his advisory role to corporate boards & leading enterprises, where he fosters integrity with ethical practices and innovation to guide business leaders to success. He is Founder Chairman of Intellidea Group and Director of many other companies.

On the global landscape, he has represented India as Chairman of the South Asian Federation of Exchanges (SAFE), Director of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) and as a keynote speaker and thought leader, reinforcing his influence in shaping financial policies. His Awards & Recognition include Brand Guardian of BSE as a Business Super Brand, Indira Super Achiever Award, Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors, London, IT People Award for Innovation and more. With a legacy built on excellence, innovation, and strategic foresight, Mr. Patel continues to inspire and lead with unwavering commitment, driving progress and transformation across industry segments.

Qualifications:

• Master of Commerce, University of Rajasthan 
• Bachelors of Law, University of Mumbai 
• Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB), Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) 
• Treasury and Forex Management, ICFAI 
• CSR from University of Pennsylvania 
• Behavioural Economics, University of Toronto 
• Global Business Practice, Georgetown University 
• Economics Development, University of Oxford 
• Financial Programming & Policies, International Monetary Fund (IMF) 
• Design Thinking, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Mr. Srivastava is a seasoned petroleum geologist with over 40 years of experience, including 38+ years at ONGC. Mr. Srivastava has held pivotal leadership roles such as Director (Exploration), CMD (Additional Charge), and Director-HR (Additional Charge) at ONGC. He has also served as Principal Technical Advisor to DG-DGH, and Senior Advisor-Exploration at Vedanta Ltd. Currently, he serves on the Board of Essar Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Limited as an Independent Director.

He was awarded with National Mineral Award (Govt. of India, 2007), and ONGC Chairman’s Award (Geologist of the Year, 2001).

A visionary leader with a proven track record in hydrocarbon exploration, energy transition, and corporate governance, Mr. Srivastava continues to drive innovation in India’s oil & gas sector.

Qualifications: M.Sc. (Geology), Lucknow University; M.Tech. (Engineering Geology) – IIT Kanpur; Diploma in Non-Executive Directorship – Financial Times, UK; Advanced Management Programs – IIM Kolkata, Harvard Business School

Mr.  Madaan  comes  with  a  vast  practical  experience  of  more  than  3  decades  in  the Corporate, Legal,   Secretarial,   Capital   Markets,   Financial   and   Managerial   Disciplines   and   his   law   firm specializes into Corporate Legal Advisory, Arbitration and Litigation (High Courts and NCLT). 

An alumnus of SRCC (DU), a law graduate from Campus Law Centre (DU), a fellow member of ICSI, diploma holder in Labour Laws and Corporate Laws & Management, Mr. Madaan has addressed more  than  1000  Conferences  and  Seminars  organized  by  various  Professional  Bodies,  Industry Associations,   Ministries   &   Universities   on   orientation   of   Boards   and   members   of   Senior Management  on  diversified  subjects  prominent  being  Companies  Act,  Corporate  Governance, Board Practices & Procedures, CSR, Independent Directors, LODR, NCLT, IBC and POSH. 

Mr. Madaan has been the Chairman of ICSI–NIRC in 2005 and Co-Chairman of National Council for Mergers & Acquisitions of ASSOCHAM for 7 long years and member of various committees of PHDCCI,  ASSOCHAM.In  more  than  100  cases  under  IBC,  2016,  Mr.  Madaan  has  acted  as  Legal Counsel  and  Advisor  to  many  Corporate  Debtors,  Financial  Creditors  and  Operational  Creditors, Resolution  Applicants,  Resolution  Professionals  and  Liquidators.  He  has  also  represented  many clients in various meetings of Committee of Creditors and Stakeholders’ Consultation Committee during CIRP and Liquidation Process respectively. 

A  Regular  Faculty  at  Institute  of  Directors  for  its  ‘Masterclass  for  Directors’  and  for  Training Programs for Proficiency Test for Independent Directors, Mr. Madaan has written various articles on different subjects for professional magazines and web portals. 

Mr. Pinge has over 37 years of experience in Ethics, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, and Internal Audit. He serves on the boards of multiple prominent companies, including Automobile Corporation of Goa, Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, Hero Housing Finance, Goa Carbon, Arvind Fashions. Mr. Pinge has been honored with notable awards like the “ACIIA” and “ICAI” for his contributions to the field. He actively contributes to the industry by teaching at the "Masterclass for Directors" for the Institute of Directors in India, fostering leadership and ethical business practices.

Qualifications: A Chartered Accountant and Law Graduate

Mr. Srinivasan with experience of almost four decades has held significant leadership roles, including Chairman cum MD of United India Insurance Company Limited and the New India Assurance Company Limited, leading major insurance firms through periods of growth and change. He serves as an Independent Director at Inxchange, contributing his vast experience in the insurance sector to the company's strategic direction. He is a former CMD, United India Insurance Company Ltd. & The New India Assurance Co.

Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in commerce from the University of Madras. Fellow member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), and Federation of Insurance Institutes.

Mr. Rao with 38 years of experience is the former Chairman & MD of Indian Bank and Canara Bank, showcasing significant leadership in India's banking sector. He currently serves as on the boards of several prominent organizations, including, Taj GVK Hotels & Resorts, and Apollo Hospitals, HRFC ERGO Health Insurance, MMTC PAMP India. And CRISIL Ratings. Previously, he was the Chairman of the Indian Banks Association and held leadership roles at Indbank Merchant Banking Services Ltd. and Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Co. Ltd. He has served on the Boards of Exim Bank, General Insurance Corporation Ltd, and other major corporations as a nominee Director of the Government of India. Mr. Rao has been involved in various capacities such as Member of the Board of Supervision at NABARD, Member of the Board of Governors at the National Institute of Securities Markets, and on the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd., India.

Qualifications: Graduate in Agriculture and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance.

Mr. George is the Whole-Time Director of Thejo Engineering Limited, based in Chennai. He previously served as the Chairman of the Equipment Leasing Association of India and was a Member of the Advisory Committee of the RBI, illustrating his influence and engagement in broader industry issues. Mr. George is a certified director in corporate governance from INSEAD, Paris, reflecting his commitment to leadership and ethical business practices.

Qualifications: He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master's degree from the International Institute for Management Development, Lausanne. He has enhanced his expertise through management programs at Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Prof. Coulson-Thomas has advised directors and boards in over 40 countries. He is the Director-General of IOD India, UK, and Europe Operations and is the President of the Institute of Management Services, UK demonstrating his leadership in key professional organisations. He holds prestigious positions such as Honorary Professor at Aston University, Visiting Professor at Lincoln International Business School, and Distinguished Professor at Sri SIIM, where he is also the President of the Council of International Advisers. He received a CSR Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 CSR Leadership Summit, acknowledging his extensive contributions to corporate social responsibility. He has assisted directors in over 40 countries to enhance director, board, and corporate performance, showcasing his global impact on corporate governance. He is the author of over 60 books and reports on governance, strategy, and leadership, making significant contributions to the literature in these fields.

Mr. Mehta is a distinguished legal professional with nearly 30 years of experience in corporate laws, an eminent Author and acclaimed expert on SEZs (Special Economic Zones) and LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships). He currently serves as a Member of the Central Board of Trustees, EPFO, under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India. Additionally, he is the Co-Chair of the National Council on SEZs and Industrial Parks at ASSOCHAM and a Member of the MCA Expert Group on the Companies Bill, 2011/2013. As the Managing Partner of Centrum Legal, Mr. Mehta brings extensive expertise in Corporate Governance, Business Restructuring, Legal Due Diligence and Risk Management, Compliance Management, IPOs, IBC, Labour Laws, FEMA, etc. Before founding Centrum Legal, he was a Partner at Vaish Associates Advocates for over 12 years and was handling Corporate and Legal advisory matters. He also held key managerial roles in legal, secretarial, and finance functions across Indian and multinational corporations, including Telstra V-Comm, Machino Basell India Ltd., and Malana Power Company Ltd. A sought-after speaker at national and international forums, Mr. Mehta’s insights are also published by Taxmann, Commercial Law Publishers, and Wolters Kluwer India.

Qualifications: Fellow Member of ICSI & ICAI and holds an LL.B. degree from the University of Delhi.

Mr. Balakrishnan have 49 years of work experience. He was the former CMD of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Founder Chairman of HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL). His exemplary service and professional excellence have been recognized with “The Distinguished Alumni Award 2008” from IIM Bangalore, acknowledging his significant contributions to the industry and academia.

Qualifications: A chemical engineer from Calicut University and holds a postgraduate degree in management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore, Class of 1976.

Mr. Thawani is a seasoned metallurgist with over 47 years of techno-commercial experience, including 41 years within the Tata Group, showcasing his deep expertise in the industry. He has held several significant positions such as CEO & Managing Director of Tata Sponge Iron Limited and JAMIPOL Limited, as well as CEO of Neelachal Refractories Limited, all under the Tata Group. His governance experience spans over 13 years in various board roles, including Executive Director at Standard Chrome Limited and Nominee Director at the Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha. Under his leadership, Tata Sponge Iron achieved its highest-ever profits for six consecutive years and received the world's first TPM award for a sponge iron company, setting industry benchmarks. He was graduated from IIT Kharagpur in 1972 and enhanced his leadership skills through a CEO Coach Accreditation program with the Coaching Foundation of India, Chennai in 2011.