Business Speakers in India

Aditya Ghosh, Co-founder of AkasaAir is a remarkable leader known for driving hyper-growth across various organizations. With experience in managing a workforce of over 25,000 employees, Aditya has a Midas touch in transforming people-driven organizations globally. He serves on the boards of FabIndia and OYO South Asia, contributing his expertise to diverse sectors. Aditya started his career in 1996 as a corporate law executive, providing legal counsel to notable entities like InterGlobe, GSK Beecham, PepsiCo, and the World Bank. His leadership journey includes serving as the former President and Board Member of IndiGo, propelling the airline to success, and later transitioning to the unicorn OYO. A compelling speaker, Aditya shares insights and experiences from his leadership roles at various corporate events and conferences, captivating audiences with his blend of professional and personal skills.

Bijou Kurien has more than three decades of experience in the Indian Consumer & Retail industry. After earning his spurs at Hindustan Unilever Ltd., he joined the founding team at Titan Industries, where he helped build powerful brands such as Titan, Fastrack, Sonata, and Tanishq, and create India's largest exclusive brand retail chains. In his stint with Reliance Retail, he was at the forefront of one of the most ambitious retail ventures ever which dramatically transformed the Indian retail landscape. Currently, he is an independent consultant and member of the Strategic Advisory Board of L Catterton Asia (a part of the LVMH Group), an independent director on several listed and unlisted companies, advises select consumer product companies and mentors a few start-ups. Bijou has been associated with the India Retail Forum & Retailers Association of India and has been a member of the World Retail Congress since its inception.

Kulmeet serves as the visionary force behind SAP's growth and innovation strategies tailored for the Indian Subcontinent, showcasing his exceptional leadership and unwavering customer-centric approach. His role is pivotal in driving remarkable transformations and delivering extraordinary SAP experiences to clients. In the context of digital transformation, Kulmeet stands as a versatile business and technology leader, leading organizations and teams on their journey towards digital reinvention. During his tenure as Managing Director at Adobe, he played a pivotal role in accelerating business growth across Enterprise, SMB, and Consumer sectors, expanding Adobe's digital footprint. Before Adobe, Kulmeet held influential positions at Microsoft Corporation and Sun Microsystems, amassing invaluable experience in the dynamic tech landscape.

Arvind Khinvesra, an ACC-certified Coach and Corporate Trainer, brings over 30 years of diverse industry experience to his work. His extensive credentials include certifications in NLP, Project Management, Hogan Assessment, SAP Manufacturing, and Agile Methodologies. Arvind is also an accomplished author, with the book "11 Secrets of Effective Speaking" to his name.

Arvind has coached and trained individuals and organizations globally, with clients ranging from TCS and Accenture to Adani and Sun Pharma. His expertise spans a wide range of topics, from Communication Skills and Intrinsic Development to Cutting-Edge Interventions.

Arvind holds a Master's in Management Studies and a Bachelor's in Instrumentation Engineering, allowing him to blend practical industry experience with training excellence. He adapts his presentations to suit any audience, from shop floor workers to CEOs, without compromising on quality.

Committed to lifelong learning, Arvind continues to expand his skills and knowledge, making him a trusted partner.

Sneh, an Expert Motivator and Inspirational Coach for diverse demographics, embodies a quest for lifelong success, happiness, and personal growth. With 26 years of transformative experience, he reshapes belief systems and fosters positivity, reducing stress for individuals seeking triumph. His journey as a Living Legend resonates with incomparable knowledge and tangible results, impacting countless lives.

Initially resembling a young, curious MBA, Sneh's depth of understanding, modesty, and clarity unveil a genius in self-awareness and inner strength. His multifaceted nature defies molds, blending uniqueness into every facet.

Fueled by a childhood dream inspired by 'Anthony Robbins,' Sneh embarked on training at nine, obtaining a Microsoft Certified Professional title by 12. For over 25 years, he has been a guiding force, founding Sneh World, conducting life-altering seminars, and unlocking inner potential.

An established senior business leader in Retail and Consumer Technology sectors with around 14 years of expertise in Fashion, Apparel, Luxury, Lifestyle, Footwear, Beauty & Personal Care, Home Furnishing and FMCG / CPG / Food; encompassing Omnichannel, Ecommerce, Marketplaces and Offline retail across Global and Indian markets.

Specialized in AI in Retail, Planning, Revenue Growth, Brand & Category management, Marketing, Consumer Research & Insights, Sales, Digital, Strategy, Buying, Merchandising, Market Entry, Launches, Pricing, Promotions, Business Development. I have also successfully led marketplace brand partnerships with industry giants such as Amazon, Walmart- Flipkart- Myntra, Reliance and Nykaa.

Impressive Track Record: As a core founding team member and having worked with leading organizations such as IKEA, Landmark Group, Forever New, Bodyshop, Swiggy in pivotal roles; she has delivered profitable turnarounds & achieved exponential financial growth from x to 10x.

Vivek is a seasoned leader in retail and e-commerce, boasting robust expertise in strategy development, steering growth, and digital innovations, with notable P&L ownership across diverse sectors. His career highlights include pioneering India's first omni-channel venture for a prominent department store at shoppersstop.com and founding the second-largest online gifting platform in the country, giftease.com. Notably, Vivek established and headed a premier retail consulting practice at KSA Technopak, while strategically cultivating and implementing numerous businesses across consulting and corporate realms. With a wealth of experience in physical retail, omnichannel, and e-commerce, Vivek’s cross-functional proficiency spans strategy, operations, technology, and change management, fueling digital transformation and process enhancement within organizations.

The core areas of Akshat’s expertise include private equity, venture capital, M&A, joint ventures, exchange control advisory, real estate and infrastructure and investments. Akshat has also assisted several multinational companies doing business in and from the UAE/MENA and India in commercial transactions including projects, regulatory & compliance, funds & investments, labour & employment, tax and multi-jurisdictional dispute resolution. He has advised clients in diverse sectors like healthcare, hospitality, real estate, e-commerce (start-ups), and technology. He is also involved in advising and assisting several government organizations with real estate and infrastructure projects. Here at Fox & Mandal he heads a team of more than 10 lawyers. He completed his law graduation from Delhi University (2005) and post-graduation from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK (2006) and a  Company Secretary. Prior to joining Fox and Mandal, he was Founder & Managing Partner at Alpha Partners.

Venkatesa Madhan, an independent marketing consultant and seasoned marketing technologist, boasts 19+ years shaping global marketing landscapes. A catalyst for client success, he specialize in strategic, data-driven, and customer-centric marketing solutions, enhancing businesses across BFSI, Retail, HealthCare, EduTech, and FinTech. His expertise spans demand generation, account-based marketing, digital strategies, go-to-market approaches, and lead generation.

An advocate of growth marketing and digital innovation, he empowers organizations to unlock untapped potential, drive success, and innovate through marketing and tech integration. Currently pursuing an MBA at ThePower Business School, he delves into advanced marketing, entrepreneurship, business strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, further enriching his holistic approach to driving business growth.

Naresh Tanwami, a pioneering CIO, spearheads business growth via Digital Customer offerings, shaping robust value propositions in the Energy B2B market. Renowned for strategic Channel strategies and calculated risk-taking, he pioneers futuristic offerings and innovative business models, capitalizing on data and forging strategic partnerships.

With a global footprint, Naresh has overseen Enterprise applications encompassing ERP, CRM, and Data Analytics across strategic, tactical, and operational landscapes. A natural leader, he fosters leadership at all levels, seamlessly navigating from interns to CXOs.

An intrinsic Entrepreneur, Naresh boasts a seven-year entrepreneurial stint in his early career, infusing entrepreneurial spirit into every room he enters.

Arun is a distinguished Data Scientist, AI Intrapreneur, Writer, and speaker in the spheres of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. With 15+ years of experience, he leads AI initiatives and digital transformation across various businesses, transforming complex challenges into structured AI problems. His impressive track record includes designing, implementing, and delivering end-to-end AI solutions at scale, utilizing cutting-edge algorithms & methodologies across diverse industries such as banking, marketing, healthcare, and pharma. Arun is currently the Associate Director Data Science at Novartis and champions disruptive Generative AI technologies within his organization and is developing Gen AI-powered finance copilots for various business groups to revolutionise productivity.

Dr. Pillai is a thought leader in the domain of using behavior science and consumer neuroscience to help organizations enhance their customer and employee engagement. He is a certified neuroscience performance coach and a doctoral researcher in management, cognitive, behavioral, and human sciences. Dr. Pillai works with organizations to understand and influence human emotions, motivations, habits, and cognitive barriers to engagement. He has co-authored publications and regularly shares insights on topics such as stress, customer experience, and behavior change. 

Prof. Anjal Prakash is an Associate Professor (Research) and Research Director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. He specializes in water and climate change, urban resilience, and gender and social inclusion in South Asia. He has held roles at institutions such as TERI-School of Advanced Studies and ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal, where he led the Himalayan Adaptation, Water, and Resilience (HI-AWARE) program. Prof. Prakash is actively engaged with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), serving as coordinating lead author for the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) and a lead author for IPCC's 6th Assessment Report. He holds a Master's from Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a Doctorate from Wageningen University. Prof. Prakash's publications and editorial roles underscore his commitment to environmental and social sciences.

Tojin T. Eapen is an innovation consultant and educator with expertise in idea management, creative artificial intelligence, and bioinspired system design. He currently serves as a principal consultant at Innomantra Consulting, a firm he co-founded in 2010. He is deeply passionate about addressing how individuals and organizations can leverage technology and AI tools to enhance their creativity. He explores this topic extensively in his co-authored article, "How Generative AI Can Augment Human Creativity" published as the cover piece of the July/August 2023 edition of the Harvard Business Review.

Innate ability to approach problems, whether in life or business, with the unwavering belief that there is always at least one solution. - Adept at fostering a growth mindset among leadership, inspiring continuous learning, development, and progress. - Ability to make excellence the DNA of the leadership team. - Creates and nurtures a conviction where failure is not an option. Thus, driving teams to achieve outstanding results. - Expertise in identifying the root cause of complex business challenges, developing practical solutions, and ensuring their successful implementation. - Capability to ensure consistently deliver of solutions, overcoming obstacles with strategic approach and action.

Sushil Muhnot, former Chairman & Managing Director of Bank of Maharashtra, boasts 34 years of distinguished experience in finance. As Chairman & MD of SIDBI, he bolstered the institution's growth. Prior roles include Executive Director of IDBI Ltd and MD & CEO of IDBI Capital Market Services Ltd. During his tenure at Bank of Maharashtra, he upheld profitability despite challenges, implemented governance reforms, and prioritized financial inclusion, notably excelling in PM's Jan Dhan Yojana. His leadership fostered growth, expanding outreach and retail business, establishing investment banking divisions, and achieving ISO: 9000 certification for treasury and trade finance departments. Sushil Muhnot's career reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation in finance, leaving a lasting impact on the institutions he served, as well as nurturing start-ups in the financial ecosystem.

Founder of 'Body In Motion', Vani is a rare and dynamic combination of a Wellness Entrepreneur, Medical Fitness Specialist, Corporate Wellness Strategist, Movement and Rehab Specialist, Indian Classical Dancer, Columnist and Speaker. Being one of India's first certified specialists in Cancer Exercise, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Arthritis Fitness, her extensive experience and cutting-edge certifications make her a leading wellness expert for individuals with chronic/degenerative health conditions. As a respected Columnist and Speaker, she shares her knowledge globally, inspiring audiences to prioritize their health and well-being. She brings the same dedication and scientific approach to the business world and helps teams and leaders reach peak performance and unlock explosive personal and revenue growth by building a robust, focused, and resilient work culture.

Indradeep Ghosh is Executive Director of Dvara Research where he drives the research agenda and leads research priorities in coordination with the practice heads. Dvara Research is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit policy research institution based in India. Dr. Ghosh brings an interdisciplinary orientation to understanding and solving the problems of financial inclusion and social protection in India, and an enthusiasm for co-creating solutions in a style of constructive engagement with other research organizations, academic researchers, and practitioners.

Dr. Ghosh also interfaces regularly with policymakers and regulators to advocate for sensible pro-poor financial inclusion and social protection policies. In 2020, Dr. Ghosh led the drafting team for the Social Stock Exchange report (by SEBI’s Working Group), and in 2021, Dr. Ghosh served on the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India’s Research Guidance Group. 

Sameer is Chief Executive Officer at AIQRATE, a bespoke global AI advisory and consulting firm. Sameer is a globally recognized AI advisor, business builder, evangelist and thought leader known for his deep knowledge, strategic consulting approaches in AI space. Sameer has consulted with several Fortune 500 global enterprises, Indian corporations , GCCs, startups , VC/PE firms, Academic Institutions in driving AI-led strategic transformation and innovation strategies. He has a rich and proven experience of building and scaling AI businesses and practices. His experience puts him at the intersection of business and technology, helping organizations get ready for the digital revolution. Sameer is a renowned author , columnist, blogger and five times TEDx speaker. He is the author of best selling book – AI and Analytics : Accelerating Business Decisions.

Mr. Manan Jain is the Global Lead- HR People Partner and Experience at YASH Technologies, a global IT services organization. Mr. Jain is a true leader, a great visionary and remarkable at planning, strategizing and guiding successful implementations. His contribution for the last 10 plus years at YASH has been magnificent. He overall has 11 plus years of experience primarily in IT and ITes industry. He is a core member of the team which has helped YASH in getting awarded and recognized 6 times in a row in Top 50 Great companies to work for.

Ganesh is the former Managing Director and CEO at KFin Technologies Pvt Ltd (erstwhile Karvy Fintech), the largest multi-asset,  multi-region business platform in India as Managing Director and CEO. With over 25 years' tenure with the firm, most recently as MD and CEO, Ganesh managed bouquet of offerings across asset classes for the Investment and Wealth Management industry in India and Asia.

A Chartered Accountant & Cost Accountant by profession, he has driven ‘Managed Services’ and ‘Platform Play’ across Mutual Funds, Pension Funds, Alternates, Retirement Solutions, Bonds & Debt, Corporate market services amongst others. With the company, Ganesh grew businesses from scratch to achieve 4x valuation in 10 years, serviced 100mn investor accounts with AUM of $100bn and a daily throughput of nearly 500,000 transactions (120mn pa) across 50 plus Investment Managers and 500 plus listed corporates. He provided a full suite of services to marquee American, European and Asian Fund Managers.

Sameer has Business and Growth leadership experience of over 20 years across cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions (MandA), Private Equity, Venture Capital, Corporate Venture Portfolio management, Investment banking (both buy-side and sell-side), Strategy, and Corporate Development. He has been involved as Investment Partner to growth stage entrepreneurs and advisor to mature stage companies and management in growing business and to overseas companies to enter India. Also, act as Mentor to young portfolio companies and entrepreneurs in scaling up their businesses.

Maj Gen Neeraj Bali, Sena Medal, a distinguished Indian Army veteran and corporate professional, brings a wealth of experience to organizational culture transformation. Commissioned in 1978, he served over 37 years as an infantry officer, contributing significantly in J&K and various border regions. Gen Bali commanded a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion during heightened terrorism, earning the Sena Medal. Post-retirement, he excelled as CEO of a leading Engineering PMC Company, doubling its revenue in two years. His leadership extended to a rural education Society overseeing 92 schools. An acclaimed author, his book, "The Winning Culture," delves into lessons from the Indian Army. As a certified Life and Leadership Coach, professional speaker, and management advisor, Gen Bali imparts his expertise globally, addressing prestigious forums and institutions on organizational culture, leadership, and competitive intelligence.

A business practitioner with over two decades of leadership experience in starting and growing operations with various global fortune 500 companies like Philips, Johnson Controls, ABB, UTC and Bajaj Group (BEL). Currently associated with various Organizations as part of Advisory boards , building startups and Independent Director in Allied Digital Services. An author of Amazon's Best Seller and Golden Book Award-winning Book 'Reimagine High-Value Sales'. Authority in B2B in both complex sales and SaaS modeling. Associated with various Education Institutes, as a Member of the Board of Studies and an Honorary Member of the National Council for Green and Eco-friendly Movement (CGEM) at ASSOCHAM. A 'Mentor of Change' in the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. An agent for positive change who helps businesses transform.

With over 20 years of experience in marketing, Ajeesh is a creative and data-driven leader who can help you grow your brand and revenue. He is the Founder CEO and Fractional CMO of Ajeesh Venugopalan, a marketing consultancy that offers end-to-end solutions for B2B and B2C segments.
As a Kotler Award winner and a certified graphic designer, web developer, and film maker, he has a blend of the right and the left brain, and a passion for creating engaging and impactful content and campaigns. He has hands-on experience in marketing automation, SEO, social media, event management, analyst relations, and account-based marketing. Whether you need a CMO who can get you started in the right direction, or a partner who can support your existing marketing efforts, he is ready to help you achieve your goals.

Manu specializes in building brands and bringing Rapid Revenue Growth to organizations engaged in Consumer & Technology Products. He has expertise in setting up and growing multi-channel, multi-vertical, multi-brand organizations, and delivering outstanding revenue in India and MEA. He has expertise in devising effective Marketing & Customer Experience Strategies and has strong knowledge of content marketing, digital & e-commerce setup, performance marketing & ROI analytics. He has had success in bringing international organizations, brands, and foreign investors to India and building brands, recruiting teams, setting up operations, and building desired revenue. He currently helps both Start-ups & Grown-ups in their quest for Innovation in Strategy, GTM, Course-Correction, Tactical Thinking, Creativity, Higher Revenues, Brand Strengthening and strong Customer Affinity.

Vijay Kumar is a technology enthusiast, researcher, startup mentor and inventor with 10 US patents across SMAC (Social, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud), AI/ML, Video/Media, Security and Blockchain. He has held technology, delivery, operations and strategy roles across startup and conglomerates. As a Digital Consultant, Vijay writes, trains and speaks on emerging technologies, FinTech and digital disruption leveraging AI/ML, Blockchain, AR/VR, IoT, BIoT and Cyber Security across India, UAE and Europe. He is a graduate of NIT Warangal, IIIT-Bangalore and ISB Hyderabad with stints at The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) and Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University). Besides, Vijay has worked across start-up (Bangalore Labs), Wipro, Adobe, Oracle and TiVo for 19 years before starting DigiFortex, a venture on Data Security, Cloud, Privacy and GRC. Vijay is certified on Data Privacy, Cloud, Security, Networks, Network Management, GRC, AI/ML, Firewall/VPN, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency.

 

Shilpa Ajwani is the Chief Executive Officer of Unomantra, a business consultancy firm specializing in enabling Businesses to grow faster. She is a seasoned business leader with over two decades of strategic leadership experience at the world's leading Direct Selling Companies. Prior to this, she was among the directors at Tupperware India for four years. Furthering the Company's mission of women empowerment, promoting workplace diversity and ecological sustainability, she has spear-headed several transformational initiatives.

Armed with more than 2 decades of professional experience, Bhavesh Kothari has been a pioneer in the startup mentoring domain and has mentoredmore than 7-8 dozen start-ups over the last 12+ years. A Chemistry Majors Graduate from Mumbai University with a PG Degree in Event Management, A Diploma in International Trade with an MBA in International Business, A six sigma green belt certified professional along a cer tification as an Enter- TrainerTM, he craves for learning all the time. He is a Published Author of two books on 25 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs Stories called ‘EVES AGAINST THE ODDS’ (Volume I & II). His podcast titled “Startup Shaastra” is highly regarded in the startup ecosystem as a learning tool for entrepreneurs. An avid reader, explorer and a go getter he firmly believes in “Build Value & the Valuation will follow!”

With over a decade of experience, Sakshi is deeply entrenched in the startup ecosystem. Her journey spans from the early stages before revenue to the post-funding phases, adding a wealth of knowledge to her profile.

Actively involved with Startup India and Niti Aayog, government initiatives in India, Sakshi serves as a mentor, guiding and nurturing entrepreneurs across the country.

She has also been a speaker at renowned institutes like IIT Bombay, NMIMS, and Delhi University, sharing her valuable insights.

Sakshi's impact is evident through her contribution to over 5,000 startups. She has helped these ventures build robust business models, employ effective technology, design successful marketing strategies, and expand their horizons.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sakshi is passionate about collaborating with startups and individuals aspiring to establish their businesses.

Feel free to connect with Sakshi for anything related to startups, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

Viral has nearly two decades of experience in leadership roles across industries and geographies. Viral has been at the forefront of building quick-commerce in India: he built Zepto from 0 to ~$1B in sales and helped raise over $500M from A+ global investors. He was also part of Uber's leadership team that built both ridersharing and food delivery businesses in India that played a role in the largest ever Tech IPO. Prior to spending a decade in consumer internet businesses in India, Viral was part of the Aerospace manufacturing industry in the US that counted Boeing and Airbus as its customers.  Viral holds an MBA from INSEAD. He is endorsed by the UK Government as a Global Tech Leader, thereby being awarded Residency to the UK.

Suraj Moraje is a dynamic business and social sector leader, driven by a passion for driving purposeful change in a rapidly morphing world through ethical leadership. Suraj is sought after for his views on topics like megatrends, the strategy to execution journey, and mid-career transitions! A gold medalist from NIT Surat and Young Alumni Achiever from IIM Ahmadabad, Suraj is a former Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and the former Managing Director of India's largest employer, Quess Corp. Suraj is currently building The Eka Fellowship and piloting two business venture ideas. Formerly, as Group CEO & Managing Director of Quess Corp Limited, Suraj orchestrated a comprehensive transformation, leading to significant growth and digital advancement. With over two decades at McKinsey & Company, he played key roles in tech-led transformations across Asia and EMEA. Suraj holds an educational background from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. 

Venu Gopal is a prominent life and business coach, having impacted over 20 lakh individuals through his seminars and training sessions. He has been honored with prestigious awards from the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including the Best Emerging Life Coach Award and the Social Media Star Award. Recognized by the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises as the Best Leading Business Coach in Telugu states, his vision is to empower an additional 20+ million people. With a massive social media following of over 18 lakhs, he conducts more than 200 webinars annually to mentor individuals worldwide. Committed to serving others, he shares his experiences to help shorten their journey to success and wealth, emphasizing the value of time as the most precious asset. He is dedicated to guiding the youth towards achieving greater heights in their lives.

Ankit has 12+ years of experience in Venture Investments, Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Incubation and Product launches. Ankit has completed his MBA from IIM Lucknow and B.E. (Hons) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from BITS Pilani. He additionally holds certificates in Capital and Financial markets from IIFT Delhi, Impact Investing from Thunderbird school of management Phoenix. He is currently a General Manager - at the India Growth Office at Cummins scouting for investment and growth opportunities for the business and previously worked at TechMahindra & Elara Technologies, Singapore (Housing) as Corporate strategy and M&A lead.