01. Nitin Sethi
Chief Digital Officer (CDO)
Nitin Sethi’s professional journey embodies a rich tapestry of roles and responsibilities, reflecting a career marked by dynamic leadership and a deep commitment to driving digital innovation. Currently serving as the Joint President and Chief Digital Officer for Consumer Business at Adani Group, Sethi plays a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape of one of India’s leading conglomerates. At the helm of Adani Digital Labs, he spearheads initiatives aimed at revolutionizing consumer experiences through digital transformation, underscoring his strategic vision and pioneering spirit within the organization.
Prior to his tenure at Adani Group, Sethi left an indelible mark on the aviation industry during his tenure at IndiGo, where he served as Vice President of Digital. As the founding leader of 6EDigital, he orchestrated a paradigm shift in the way digital practices were conceptualized and executed within the company. His efforts in establishing core digital frameworks and crafting a world-class customer experience underscore his acumen in driving organizational change and fostering innovation.
Before his foray into the aviation sector, Sethi made significant contributions to the digital landscape at Quikr, where he held the position of VP & Group Head of Experience and Product Design. His leadership in steering product design and user experience initiatives across group companies exemplifies his knack for leveraging design thinking to enhance consumer engagement and satisfaction.
In addition to his corporate roles, Sethi’s educational journey underscores his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Holding certifications from esteemed institutions such as MIT Sloan School of Management, The Wharton School, and Harvard Business School Executive Education, he has honed his skills in systematic innovation, growth strategy execution, and driving innovation-led growth.
Complementing his academic accolades, Sethi’s diverse educational background, including a Master’s in Fine Arts from the University of Allahabad and a Master’s in Commerce from Dr. C.V. Raman University, underscores his multidimensional approach to problem-solving and creativity. His foundational education in design and commerce provides a unique perspective in navigating the intersection of technology, business, and user experience.
In essence, Nitin Sethi’s professional narrative is a testament to his unwavering commitment to driving digital excellence and fostering innovation across diverse industries. With a blend of strategic foresight, domain expertise, and a passion for design thinking, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the organizations he serves, shaping the future of digital transformation in India and beyond.
02. Kulpati Jha
Chief Contracts Officer (CCO)
Kulpati Jha is the Chief Contracts Officer of Adani Power Limited. He is a seasoned professional with an illustrious career spanning over two decades, characterized by significant contributions to the energy and infrastructure sectors. Currently serving as the Head of Techno Commercial, Kulpati plays a pivotal role in fortifying the growth of organization by his meticulous way of negotiating ultra-high-value contracts, driving procurement strategies and optimizing supply chain operations for multiple thermal power stations to improve the bottom-line of organization.
His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in enhancing procurement efficiencies and driving cost optimization initiatives within the Adani Group. He is passionate about creating leaders and he is known for his efforts to make world-class procurement organizations by adopting state of art technology & innovations.
Prior to his tenure at Adani Power Limited, Kulpati held key positions at prominent organizations including JSW Energy Ltd, Reliance Infrastructure Limited, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd, Bechtel Corporation and Asahi India Glass Limited. His diverse experience across these organizations has equipped him with a deep understanding of procurement dynamics and supply chain management across various industries and geographies.
Throughout his professional career, he has leveraged his interpersonal skills and maintained a sustainable and very reliable chain of partners and vendors. His special thrust for continuous improvement in system-based governance, process automation and the use of the most modern procurement tools and technology, makes him different and keeps the organization always ahead.
During his previous roles at JSW Energy Ltd, Kulpati demonstrated his expertise in commercial operations, contributing to the success of the organization’s procurement function.
During his tenure at Reliance Infrastructure Limited, Kulpati played the strategic role of head of Contracts & Commercial to oversee procurement activities for critical projects of 6X660MW Sasan UMPP and Materials Management in 4X300MW Rosa. His leadership and strategic insights were pivotal in ensuring the timely acquisition of materials and services, thereby supporting the smooth execution of infrastructure projects. Kulpati’s experience at Reliance Infrastructure Limited further honed his skills in contract management, vendor negotiations, and risk mitigation strategies.
Kulpati’s career journey also includes roles at Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd, Bechtel Corporation and Asahi India Glass Limited, where he showcased his ability to drive procurement excellence and streamline processes to optimize costs and improve operational efficiency. His strategic approach to procurement and supply chain management has consistently delivered tangible results and contributed to the overall success of the organizations he has served.
With a proven track record of leadership and a deep understanding of business and procurement best practices, Kulpati Jha continues to be a driving force in this field of procurement. His visionary approach to making a future-ready Techno Commercial organization has undoubtedly set new benchmarks in the industry. He leverages his professional expertise to improve the system-based governance in procurement processes and to make them more agile, efficient, effective & transparent. His commitment to excellence, coupled with his extensive experience and strategic mindset, positions him as a valuable asset to Adani Power Limited and the broader energy sector.
03. Abhishek Chandra
Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)
Abhishek Chandra is a seasoned professional with over 12 years of experience in leadership roles, renowned for his exceptional ability to build multimillion-dollar businesses from the ground up through strategic initiatives across product development, market research, sales, and business development. As the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at GoKwik, he plays a pivotal role in developing growth strategies in collaboration with the executive team and board of directors. Abhishek ensures alignment and performance across revenue-generating streams and departments, leveraging sales and marketing to drive exponential growth. At Docquity, as the Chief Business Officer, Abhishek spearheaded the launch of DocquityClinic, the first telemedicine platform across six countries, while driving scale and new initiatives to expand the platform’s reach and impact.
In his previous roles, Abhishek held key leadership positions at organizations such as Goals101 and MobiKwik, where he demonstrated his prowess in driving global revenues, monetization, and new product launches. At Goals101, he played a crucial role in leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to empower leading banks in six countries to drive incremental spending on their debit and credit card bases. During his tenure at MobiKwik, Abhishek led the introduction of new lines of business, including the Employee Expense Management Platform and the Insurance Vertical, significantly improving the organization’s overall business margins.
Abhishek’s entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in his founding of Naukri ka Jugaad, an initiative aimed at enhancing the employability of students through personality development workshops. His commitment to continuous learning is evident in his pursuit of an Executive MBA in Organizational Leadership from Liverpool John Moores University, where he further honed his skills in global leadership and strategy. Abhishek’s journey underscores his dedication to driving innovation, growth, and positive change, making him a valuable asset in any organization’s leadership team.
04. Narendra K Saini
Chief Data Officer (CDO)
Narendra K Saini is a prominent figure in the realm of business and digital transformation, renowned for his expertise in the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital technologies, strategy, innovation, and smart manufacturing. With over 24 years of experience, Narendra has excelled in various leadership roles within both products and services organizations, demonstrating prowess in P&L management, technology, business development, and people management. His entrepreneurial background adds a unique dimension to his leadership style, enabling him to drive significant impacts in smart manufacturing, sales and marketing, and supply chain management across processes and discrete industries such as steel, pharma, automotive, and connected vehicles.
Currently serving as the Chief Digital and Data Officer (CDO) at Lupin, a global pharmaceutical company, Narendra leads digital transformation initiatives across the organization and its subsidiaries. His role extends beyond traditional CDO responsibilities to encompass change leadership and business transformation through digital means, data platforms, and analytics. With a focus on emerging technologies, Narendra continuously evolves Lupin towards becoming a digital-native organization, leveraging AI, data analytics, and Industry 4.0 principles.
Narendra’s extensive career includes stints at reputable organizations such as Reliance Unlimit, Tata Technologies, Sukrut Systems, and Tejas Networks, where he held leadership positions driving technology, services, product management, and IT operations. His commitment to innovation and social entrepreneurship is evidenced by accolades such as being listed among the top 50 innovators in India for his social entrepreneurial product and receiving prestigious awards like the mBillionth South Asia Award and Red Herring Asia 100.
With dual master’s degrees from IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee, Narendra’s academic background in technology and physics underpins his strategic approach to digital transformation and innovation. Beyond his corporate endeavors, he actively contributes to the startup ecosystem as a mentor, supporting startups in various growth phases. Narendra’s multifaceted expertise, coupled with his passion for driving positive change through technology, makes him a respected leader and influencer in the digital landscape.
05. Anika Agarwal
Chief Customer Experience Officer (CCEO)
Anika Agarwal stands out as a seasoned marketing and customer experience leader, with a distinguished career spanning over two decades dedicated to enhancing consumer brands and driving business growth through transformative customer experiences. With a robust background in marketing, digital transformation, and direct-to-consumer business units across retail, telecom, and insurance sectors, Agarwal has consistently delivered exceptional results by leveraging digital technologies and deep customer insights.
In her current role as the Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at Orient Electric, Agarwal leads initiatives aimed at amplifying brand presence and elevating customer satisfaction through innovative marketing strategies and seamless customer experiences. Her strategic vision and leadership are instrumental in steering Orient Electric towards customer-centricity and market leadership in the dynamic consumer goods industry.
Prior to her tenure at Orient Electric, Agarwal held pivotal positions at renowned organizations such as MMTC-PAMP India Private Limited and Max Bupa Health Insurance, where she spearheaded marketing, digital transformation, and direct sales functions. Her contributions were instrumental in driving business growth, winning industry accolades, and establishing Max Bupa as a trusted brand in the health insurance sector.
Agarwal’s expertise extends beyond traditional marketing roles, as evidenced by her leadership in setting up and leading Digital Centers of Excellence. These initiatives aimed at enhancing customer experience across the digital value chain, encompassing sales, technology, data analytics, digital marketing, and product development. Her efforts have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the ‘Marketer of the Year 2020’ by ACEF and inclusion in the Digital Power 100 list by Impact, underscoring her influence and impact in the marketing domain.
Throughout her career journey, Agarwal has demonstrated a commitment to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Her strategic acumen, coupled with a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics, has been instrumental in driving sustainable business growth and enhancing brand equity across diverse industries.
Educated at premier institutions such as LBSIM, New Delhi, and Delhi University, Agarwal holds an MBA in Marketing & Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Her academic achievements, combined with her professional accomplishments and industry recognition, attest to her exceptional leadership capabilities and strategic prowess in navigating complex business landscapes.
In summary, Anika Agarwal emerges as a trailblazing leader in marketing and customer experience, leveraging her wealth of experience and expertise to drive organizational success and create lasting value for consumers and businesses alike. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with a customer-centric approach, positions her as a driving force in shaping the future of marketing and brand management in today’s rapidly evolving digital era.
06. Sunilkumar KN
Chief Compliance Officer (CC0)
Sunilkumar KN stands out as a distinguished professional with an illustrious career spanning over 24 years in the banking sector, where he has excelled as a Chief Legal and Compliance Officer. His extensive experience includes leadership roles in regulatory compliance, business advisory, and banking laws, acquired through tenures at prestigious institutions such as Federal Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and the Reserve Bank of India. Throughout his career, Sunilkumar has demonstrated remarkable expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance with stringent legal requirements, earning him a reputation as a trusted advisor and strategist in the financial industry.
At Federal Bank, Sunilkumar has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing robust compliance and conduct frameworks to effectively manage regulatory and reputation risks across various banking functions. His leadership in building comprehensive policies for financial crime compliance, covering areas such as money laundering, sanctions, and bribery, underscores his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct within the organization.
Prior to his current role, Sunilkumar held key positions at Standard Chartered Bank, where he made significant contributions to the Group Trade Compliance division as the Head of Compliance. His responsibilities included overseeing compliance with trade regulations, including uniform rules and practices, and ensuring adherence to foreign exchange regulations. Sunilkumar’s deep understanding of banking regulations, coupled with his expertise in trade regulations, has been instrumental in guiding the bank through regulatory complexities and fostering a culture of compliance excellence.
Sunilkumar’s academic background further complements his professional achievements, with a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Constitutional Law from the University of Kerala and a Bachelor’s degree in Law with a specialization in Commercial Law from the University of Calicut. His academic pursuits have equipped him with a strong foundation in legal principles and jurisprudence, enabling him to navigate intricate legal landscapes and provide sound legal counsel to his organizations.
In addition to his legal acumen, Sunilkumar possesses exceptional leadership capabilities, as evidenced by his track record of effectively leading cross-functional teams and managing stakeholder relationships. His ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements clearly and concisely, coupled with his aptitude for strategic decision-making, has positioned him as a trusted advisor to senior management and regulatory authorities alike.
In conclusion, Sunilkumar KN’s exemplary career trajectory underscores his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and regulatory compliance in the banking sector. With his extensive experience, deep regulatory understanding, and strong leadership skills, Sunilkumar continues to make invaluable contributions to the success and reputation of the organizations he serves, setting a benchmark for compliance professionals in the industry.
07. Ashwini Kumar Choudhary
Chief Risk Officer (CR0)
Ashwini Kumar Choudhary brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Risk Officer at Union Bank of India, where he currently serves with distinction. With a career spanning over two decades in the banking and financial sector, Choudhary has honed his skills in various facets of risk management, including market risk, operational risk, and credit risk.
Prior to his current role, Choudhary held the position of Chief Risk Officer at Tata Cleantech Capital Limited for over a decade, where he played a pivotal role in steering the risk management function of the organization. His tenure at Tata Cleantech Capital Limited underscores his deep understanding of enterprise risk management and credit underwriting, essential skills in today’s dynamic financial landscape.
Before his tenure at Tata Cleantech Capital Limited, Choudhary held senior leadership positions at esteemed organizations such as Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited, HSBC, HDFC Bank, and Bank of Baroda. His diverse experience across different sectors and roles has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of risk management practices across the banking industry.
Choudhary’s educational background further enhances his expertise in risk management. Holding a Post Graduate Diploma in Banking & Finance from the National Institute of Bank Management, along with certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CAIIB (Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers), and FRM (Financial Risk Manager) from the Global Association of Risk Professionals, he brings a robust foundation of knowledge to his role.
Throughout his career journey, Choudhary has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a strategic approach to risk management. His leadership in navigating complex risk landscapes and implementing robust risk mitigation strategies has contributed significantly to the success and resilience of the organizations he has served.
In essence, Ashwini Kumar Choudhary’s professional trajectory exemplifies a dedication to fostering a culture of risk awareness and resilience in the banking sector. With his astute leadership and deep domain expertise, he continues to be a driving force in shaping risk management practices and ensuring the soundness and stability of financial institutions.
08. Anirban Ghosh
Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)
Anirban Ghosh is a distinguished leader with a multifaceted career spanning diverse industries and continents. Currently serving as the Head of the Centre for Sustainability at Mahindra University, Anirban brings over eight years of experience in championing sustainability initiatives within the Mahindra Group. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in enabling companies to adopt innovative approaches to sustainability in the face of climate change, earning him recognition as a Distinguished Chief Sustainability Officer and placement among the Top 100 CSR Professionals globally.
Anirban’s journey in sustainability leadership began at Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., where he served as the Vice President of Sustainability, CSR, and Ethics. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative projects in water conservation, road safety, and agriculture productivity enhancement, contributing to significant socio-economic impact. His visionary leadership helped double the per capita income of beneficiaries of water conservation initiatives, showcasing the power of sustainability-driven interventions.
Prior to his role in sustainability, Anirban held strategic positions at Mahindra and Mahindra, where he led initiatives in strategic planning, new business development, and market leadership defense. His expertise in consumer insights, competitive intelligence, and business planning played a crucial role in driving the organization’s growth and market expansion strategies. As the President of Mahindra USA Inc., Anirban played a pivotal role in building the brand and enhancing distribution effectiveness through innovative strategies and leveraging IT solutions.
Anirban’s journey in leadership began with roles in sales, marketing, and product management at renowned organizations such as Modi Xerox Limited and Blue Star Ltd. His early experiences in building brands and driving sales effectiveness laid the foundation for his later success in strategic leadership roles. Anirban is a graduate of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, where he specialized in marketing, complementing his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Jadavpur University.
Beyond his professional achievements, Anirban is a passionate advocate for sports and cultural activities, having excelled as a school captain in cricket, table tennis, and debating. His commitment to holistic development and community engagement reflects his belief in the power of leadership to drive positive change both within organizations and society at large. Anirban Ghosh’s exemplary career trajectory and contributions to sustainability underscore his status as a visionary leader and a driving force for positive change in the corporate world.
09. Aniket Bose
Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO)
Aniket Bose epitomizes excellence in supply chain management, leveraging a rich tapestry of experiences across various industries to drive operational efficiency and strategic growth. Currently serving as the Chief Supply Chain Officer at DaMensch, an innovative enterprise, Bose spearheads all backend operations with a keen focus on manufacturing, quality control, product development, warehousing, logistics, and customer support. His leadership is instrumental in orchestrating seamless coordination across these critical functions, ensuring streamlined operations and superior customer satisfaction.
Before joining DaMensch, Bose held pivotal roles at esteemed organizations, including Fashinza and Shuttl, where he left an indelible mark through his strategic vision and operational prowess. At Fashinza, he served as the Head of Operations & Supply, where he played a transformative role in solving manufacturing challenges for the fashion industry. His achievements include enabling a remarkable scale-up from zero to a monthly Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of $3 million within a year, a testament to his ability to drive rapid growth and operational excellence.
Prior to his tenure at Fashinza, Bose contributed significantly to the success of Shuttl, a leading technology-enabled transportation platform. His roles ranged from Supply Head – Pan India to City Head – Delhi NCR, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in scaling operations, optimizing costs, and driving revenue growth. Noteworthy accomplishments include spearheading the transformation of supply models and achieving substantial cost reductions while significantly improving operational efficiency.
Bose’s entrepreneurial spirit and penchant for innovation are evident from his experience as a Co-Founder of One Stop Shop, a home services platform in the UK. His multifaceted role involved leading cross-functional teams, conceptualizing operative systems, and overseeing product management, resulting in substantial business growth and industry recognition.
Educated at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Bose holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electrical Engineering. His academic foundation, coupled with hands-on experience and leadership roles across diverse sectors, underscores his holistic approach to problem-solving and strategic decision-making.
In summary, Aniket Bose emerges as a dynamic leader in the realm of supply chain management, blending domain expertise with innovation to drive organizational success. His track record of accomplishments, spanning roles in established corporations and entrepreneurial ventures, reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to driving transformative change in the business landscape.
10. Nitesh Bakshi
Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
Nitesh B., a distinguished legal and compliance professional with over 15 years of comprehensive experience, epitomizes leadership and expertise in navigating complex legal landscapes. With a significant portion of his career spent at Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, Nitesh has honed his skills in legal advisory, compliance management, and corporate governance to become a trusted leader in his field.
Currently serving as the Senior Director of Legal, Ethics, Compliance & Quality at Novo Nordisk India, Nitesh oversees a multifaceted portfolio, leading a team of seasoned professionals across various functions. His role encompasses a wide array of responsibilities, including legal advisory, contractual agreements, compliance review, internal audits, and risk management. Nitesh’s strategic vision is underscored by a deep commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks such as FCPA and anti-bribery laws.
Throughout his tenure, Nitesh has demonstrated a remarkable ability to handle intricate legal matters, negotiate large-scale contracts, and manage high-stakes litigation cases with finesse. His extensive experience extends to mergers, acquisitions, public issues, due diligence, and corporate governance, reflecting his proficiency in navigating diverse legal challenges across different business contexts.
Prior to his role at Novo Nordisk, Nitesh held key positions at VST Industries Limited, Global Green Company Limited, and United Breweries Ltd., where he played instrumental roles in shaping legal and secretarial functions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of corporate governance.
Nitesh’s academic background, including a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Delhi University and a fellowship from The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, underpins his robust legal acumen and provides a solid foundation for his professional endeavors.
As a strategic leader, Nitesh is driven by a mission to enable Novo Nordisk to achieve its strategic objectives while upholding the highest standards of integrity, quality, and excellence. His unwavering dedication to legal and ethical principles, coupled with his innate ability to inspire and lead teams, distinguishes him as a valuable asset in the legal fraternity.
In summary, Nitesh B. emerges as a seasoned legal and compliance leader with a wealth of experience, a commitment to excellence, and a track record of driving organizational success through sound legal counsel and ethical leadership. His contributions to Novo Nordisk and the broader legal community underscore his reputation as a trusted advisor and strategic partner in navigating the complexities of today’s regulatory landscape.
For any kind of nominations/corrections, please contact swati@startuplanes.com