Kunal Malhotra is a seasoned professional specializing in Cybersecurity and Technology Risk, with over 10 years of leadership experience in delivering comprehensive Risk Transformation projects. His expertise spans Program Governance, Quality Management, Industry Benchmarking, Business Continuity Planning, Cyber Resilience, IT Audit, and Controls Testing.
Kunal has successfully established and led Cybersecurity and Technology Risk practices for organizations of various sizes, offering tailored insights across sectors such as Financial Services, IT, Telecom, Energy, Education, Government, and Pharmaceuticals.
As a thought leader and speaker, Kunal addresses critical topics including Risk Transformation, Cybersecurity Best Practices, Compliance Strategies, Incident Response, and Emerging Cyber Threats. His sessions empower audiences with actionable knowledge to navigate today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, making him a trusted voice in the field of cybersecurity.
Abhilash Tomy is a retired Indian Navy officer, naval aviator, and yachtsman renowned for his daring exploits and remarkable survival stories. Awarded the Kirti Chakra for valor, he became the first Indian to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the world in 2013. Known as India's Titanium Man, he achieved this feat twice. He also finished the world's toughest solo sailing race, the Golden Globe Race, without GPS or modern technology. Despite facing life-threatening challenges, including a near-fatal storm in 2018, Abhilash's passion for sailing has led him across oceans, showcasing his unwavering determination. In his keynotes, he shares how he turned setbacks into opportunities, highlighting the importance of innovation, risk management, and adaptability.
Mohit Sachdeva, a Chartered Accountant with over 19 years of experience, excels in risk-based internal and operational audits, forensic reviews, and enterprise risk management. Currently heading the Internal Audit and forensic investigation at Sony India Pvt. Ltd., he collaborates with esteemed Co Auditors like Deloitte, EY, and GT. Mohit plays a pivotal role in developing and executing the annual Internal Audit plan, driving risk management activities, and serving as an independent advisor to the Managing Director. His expertise extends to designing risk management policies, conducting compliance training, and implementing data analytics tools. Mohit is known for his proficiency in negotiation, relationship management, and ensuring transparency in forensic investigations, making him a valuable asset in the financial sector.
Balram Nambyar is a seasoned financial services executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in the Banking and Financial Services Industry. Known for building and managing global banking operations, Balram has held key roles across major markets including the UK, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Brazil. His expertise spans strategy, governance, regulatory risk, operations transformation, and large-scale program management.
With a reputation for principled leadership and a results-driven approach, Balram has led cross-border teams and initiatives in complex regulatory environments. In recent years, he has been actively engaged in India’s startup ecosystem, advising early-stage ventures on business strategy, operational scaling, and capital raising.
His global perspective, operational excellence, and commitment to strong values make him a trusted advisor and strategic leader. Balram continues to contribute to the evolution of financial services and innovation through his deep industry insights and mentorship of emerging businesses.
An associate at Harvard Kennedy School, Dr. Thillai Rajan is a revered professor at Indian Institute of Technology Madras. He co-founded YNOS Venture Engine, where they offer a suite of products and programs for early-stage entrepreneurs, innovators, research centres and investors. He also co-founded GeoNomics Research & Technologies, an infrastructure analytics & consulting firm focused on infrastructure governance. In February 2020, he conceptualized the setting up of Innovation, Venturing, and Entrepreneurship in India (IVEIN) Network, a unique partnership between leading institutions, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta, IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode. He is the recipient of the Chevening Gurukul Fellowship at the London School of Economics, Endeavour Executive Award at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, and the Fulbright Nehru Senior Research Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Nilaya Verma, an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, co-founded Primus Partners, embodying optimism, passion, and shared values. He specializes in guiding clients through India's complex business landscape. Formerly at KPMG India, Nilaya led sales, business development, and communications, driving strategic initiatives like the Platinum Account Programme. His expertise spans national priority programs for the Indian government, including Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities, alongside international engagements in South Asia, Europe, and Africa. Nilaya's collaborative approach extends to partnerships with global institutions like the IMF and World Bank. With a track record of driving transformative change and fostering cross-functional collaboration, he is recognized as a leader in business and government advisory, embodying a commitment to integrity and impactful entrepreneurship.
Dr Sovani is a postgraduate in pharmacology. He has about 40 years of experience in the pharma industry in various Indian and multinational firms in the field of clinical research, regulatory affairs, medico marketing, training and pharmacovigilance. He currently runs a consultancy firm, that is providing services in clinical research planning and execution, medico marketing, sales force training, GCP training, gap analysis in research, due diligence of CROs and pharmacovigilance coaching. He is an MD in Pharmacology with additional Management training from IIM. He retired as the Country Manager, India, for Revogenex Inc, a US based pharma start up.
An adventurer by education, profession and passion. Samar has been paving the path to promote and popularize Slacklining and Highlining in India. With a mission to spread balance and its values, Samar is the first professional Slackliner in a nation of 1.3 billion people. He holds multiple National Records in Slacklining. His Free-solo record is a feat that defies death, gravity and overcomes physical and mental barriers.
Over the years Samar worked with cricketers (Jonty Rhodes, Vijay Murali), Bollywood stars (Kalki Koechilin, Shonali Bose), corporations (VFS Global, Capgemini), and refugee kids (Syrian). He has worked with the Govt. of Chhattisgarh to bring positive values and mindset to at-risk youth in Rural and conflict-affected areas of Chhattisgarh.
With over 35 years of experience in the construction industry, they are a senior business leader and head special initiatives at Larsen & Toubro, a leading engineering and construction company in India. Leading corporate strategy and thought leadership, he focuses on sustainability, innovation, and digital technology. His track record includes executing high-value projects in residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. He excels in leadership development, marketing, tendering, execution, contracts, and claim management. Additionally, he successfully divested a Larsen & Toubro subsidiary, showcasing strategic acumen and financial management skills. His passion lies in creating value for stakeholders and contributing to the growth and transformation of the construction industry.
Manoj Agarwal is a board-facing Internal Audit and Risk Management leader with over 24 years of experience driving governance, risk, and compliance functions across high-growth industries such as Retail and Services. Currently serving as Senior Risk Management and Audit Professional at Metro Brands, he has successfully transformed audit into a strategic value-adding function aligned with global standards and business objectives. Manoj is known for his “No Surprises” approach, fostering transparency, trust, and board-level confidence. He has led cross-functional risk programs, championed digital assurance, and implemented frameworks like COSO-ICF, ERM, FCPA, and ESG risk governance. As a board member of IIA India and contributor to the IIA Global Guidance Development Committee, he actively shapes internal audit practices worldwide. Manoj also mentors emerging audit leaders, helping them evolve into strategic advisors. His work supports IPO readiness, digital transformation, and operational resilience in rapidly evolving markets.
Paul Devassy is a distinguished Risk and Resilience leader with over three decades of experience spanning the Indian Army, BFSI, Manufacturing, E-commerce, Hospitality, ITES, and Chemical sectors. His core expertise lies in Corporate Security, Business Continuity, Crisis Management, Supply Chain Security, and Brand Protection. Paul has successfully led global risk mitigation and resilience programs for Fortune 500 companies across 40+ countries.
As CEO of IIRIS Knowledge, he now spearheads initiatives in executive coaching, capacity building, and organizational resilience. His leadership legacy includes critical roles at WTW, OYO, Amazon, Henkel, Standard Chartered, and Fidelity, where he managed high-stakes investigations, crisis operations, and public policy engagement.
Paul currently serves as the Senior Regional Vice President of ASIS International for South & Southeast Asia. A respected keynote speaker and trainer, he also advises law enforcement and regulatory bodies on crisis response, anti-counterfeiting, and security governance.
Hemant Dusane is a Cybersecurity and IT Risk Management professional with 18 years of executive leadership in well-known organizations. A passionate innovator, he specializes in security risk management to optimize investments, prevent losses, enhance customer retention, and reduce corporate liabilities. He has successfully implemented ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and ISO 20000 projects across EMEA and APAC regions. Hemant is a renowned cybersecurity evangelist and speaker, recognized globally for his contributions to Information Risk Management. His leadership and technical expertise drive exceptional results in security risk management.
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