Business Leaders List 2.0
Indiaspora is excited to share our Business Leaders 2.0 List. Like our 2020 Business Leaders List, we once again shine a light on some of the most prominent leaders in business today.
While a few are widely recognized names, others may be less familiar—yet all hold key roles as CEOs, Presidents, or Board Chairs at some of the world’s largest and most influential companies.
About
The Indiaspora Government Leaders List recognizes more than 200 leaders of the Indian diaspora who have reached the pinnacles of public leadership, now serving as prime ministers, agency heads, parliamentarians, legislators, and dozens of other key roles in 15 countries around the world.
Representing the interests of more than 550 million citizens, this powerful group demonstrates the rise of the diaspora as leaders in the political and government space.
Methodology
To compile this list, Indiaspora researched government websites and other publicly available resources to compile a comprehensive list of diaspora leaders serving in the following positions:
- Heads of government and deputy heads of government
- Ministers and agency heads serving as part of a government’s cabinet
- Ambassadors* and consuls general*
- Parliamentarians and federal legislators*
- Chief justices
- Heads of central banks
- Senior civil servants*
- Additional U.S. leaders, including federal administration nominees and appointees, and state and local leaders
*Countries with a significant history of diaspora migration were included, such as Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Officers of Indian citizenship were not included because the list aims to highlight the contributions of the diaspora.
CEO (designate), LTIMindtree
Venu Lambu
Venu Lambu is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in driving strategy and hyper-growth in the technology and services industry. He has a proven track record of enabling businesses to transition to digital, building and managing high-performance teams, and executing successful business turnaround initiatives. A recognized thought leader, Venu has been a strong advocate for the value propositions of applications, cloud services, infrastructure, and edge computing. Passionate about AI adoption, he deeply believes that AI can unlock significant productivity across large enterprises. A strong believer in the power of people, Venu fosters a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and continuous learning. He is known for his ability to build high-performing teams that thrive on trust, innovation and a shared vision for success.
He is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and chairs multiple customer advisory councils across North America and Europe. Before rejoining LTIMindtree, Venu served as the CEO of Randstad Digital, the $3 billion digital arm of Randstad, focused in enabling digital talent across global clients and leveraging Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India to drive revenue through a people-centric approach.
Prior to that, as President and Executive Director at Mindtree, he led global markets, delivering consistent and profitable growth, creating one of the industry’s best enterprise value creation case studies. He also served as the executive sponsor for several strategic engagements and was a board member of Cope Health, supporting healthcare business incubation initiatives. Venu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore, India and General Management Certification from the London Business School. Indiaspora is proud to have Venu Lambu on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
Chairman and CEO,Stryker
Kevin Lobo
Kevin Lobo is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stryker Corporation, a leading global medical technology company. He became CEO in October 2012 and assumed the role of Chair of the Board in July 2014. Lobo joined Stryker in 2011 and had previously served as Group President of Orthopaedics. Lobo received an undergraduate degree from McGill University and an MBA from the University of Toronto. He has a broad business career across multiple industries, having held finance positions with KPMG, Unilever and Kraft Canada.
Under his leadership, Stryker’s revenues have grown from $8 billion to over $15 billion—a phenomenal track record. Lobo serves on the Board of Directors for Parker Hannifin (NYSE:PH) and the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed). He is also a member of the Business Council.
His extensive experience spans multiple industries and functions, with particular expertise in finance, operations, and strategic leadership in the medical technology sector. Lobo has been instrumental in driving Stryker’s growth through strategic acquisitions and operational excellence across its global operations. His vision for the future centers on leveraging technology to address evolving healthcare needs, improving access to care, and enhancing patient experiences. Indiaspora is proud to have Kevin Lobo on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
CEO, Indorama Ventures
Alokhe Lohia
Aloke Lohia is the Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, a global leader in petrochemicals and the world’s largest manufacturer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Lohia has lived in Thailand for over 30 years and has transformed IVL into a global powerhouse with over 24,000 employees across 33 countries.
Under his leadership, IVL has achieved significant milestones, including major acquisitions and substantial growth in revenue, which reached $11.4 billion in 2019. He spearheaded initiatives like Project Olympus, aiming for $610 million in efficiency gains by 2023, and committed $8 billion towards advanced recycling and bio-based plastics to meet IVL’s target of 25% sustainable feedstock by 2030.
His vision for the future involves scaling chemical recycling and enhancing the company’s global footprint to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. Indiaspora is proud to have Aloke Lohia on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
Non-Executive Chairman, Mahindra & Mahindra
Anand Mahindra
Anand Mahindra is the Chairman of Mahindra Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate, in over 100 countries across diverse sectors. He joined Mahindra in 1981 and ascended to leadership roles, becoming the Managing Director in 1997, and Chairman in 2012. The group operates in aerospace, agribusiness, aftermarket, automotive, components, construction equipment, defense, energy, farm equipment, and various other sectors.
Mahindra graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard College (1977) and secured an MBA from Harvard Business School (1981). As Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited and Tech Mahindra Limited, his tenure has seen the Group expand domestically and internationally. The Group has also grown inorganically through a series of acquisitions that include Peugeot Motorcycles-France, Holiday Club Resorts-Finland and Pininfarina S.p.A-Italy. Mahindra has been included in Fortune Magazine’s ‘World’s 50 Greatest Leaders’ and Asia’s 25 most powerful businesspeople.
He has received numerous awards – the Padma Bhushan in 2020 and the Knight of the Legion of Honor from France in 2016. Mahindra also founded the Nanhi Kali project, which provides education to underprivileged girls in India, and has donated significantly to educational and cultural initiatives, such as the Mahindra Humanities Center at Harvard University. He is known for his keen interest in filmmaking, photography, and blues music. He established the Mahindra Blues Festival, which is held annually in Mumbai since 2011. He also serves as chairman of the Governing Council National Institute of Design and President of India Design Council. Indiaspora is proud to have Anand Mahindra on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
President & CEO, Micron Technology
Sanjay Mehrotra
Sanjay Mehrotra is the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Micron Technology, Inc., a leading global semiconductor and memory solutions company. Mehrotra joined Micron Technology in May 2017, taking on the role of President and CEO. Since then, he has been leading the company through a transformative period, capitalizing on advancements in computing architecture and artificial intelligence technologies.
Sanjay earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley and is a graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program (SEP). Mehrotra co-founded SanDisk in 1988 and was president and CEO from 2011 until 2016. He previously was executive vice president and chief operating officer, senior vice president of engineering, vice president of product development and director of memory design and product engineering. His leadership as President and CEO from 2011 to 2016 oversaw SanDisk’s growth into a Fortune 500 company before its acquisition by Western Digital.
Mehrotra was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2022, one of the highest distinctions in the profession. Sanjay is passionate about promoting STEM education and has supported programs that inspire youth to discover science, technology, engineering, math and computer science. Indiaspora is proud to have Sanjay Mehrotra on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
Executive Chair, ArcelorMittal
Lakshmi Mittal
Lakshmi Niwas Mittal is the Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal, the world’s second-largest steel and mining company. He studied at Shri Daulatram Nopany Vidyalaya, Calcutta from 1957 to 1964 and graduated from St. Xavier’s College, affiliated to the University of Calcutta, with a B.Com degree in the first class. Mittal founded what became ArcelorMittal in 1976 when he built a greenfield rolling mill in Indonesia. With a vision of globalization, he made 47 acquisitions over 15 years. In 2005, Mittal purchased International Steel Group and formed Mittal Steel, the world’s largest steel company. The following year, Mittal merged with Arcelor, creating ArcelorMittal.
Mittal served as CEO of ArcelorMittal from 2006 to 2021, and currently serves as Executive Chairman. Known for his strategic vision in the steel industry, Mittal’s business strategy has always focused on consolidation. He has transformed the global steel industry through his aggressive acquisition strategy and operational excellence, building ArcelorMittal into one of the world’s leading integrated steel and mining companies with operations across multiple continents.
Mittal greenlit the world’s largest integrated steel plant in Hazira, Gujarat—24 Mt capacity, with phase 1 due by 2026 and full scale by 2029—demonstrating his commitment to India’s steel self-reliance. Simultaneously, Mittal launched a ₹50,000 crore (~US $6 bn) investment in renewable energy and green hydrogen in Gujarat, aligning his empire with sustainability goals. He pledged $25 million to Harvard’s South Asia Institute, now renamed the Lakshmi Mittal South Asia Institute, and directed climate‑focused research grants through the institute’s platform. Indiaspora is proud to have Lakshmi Mittal on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
Founder & Chairman, Bharti Enterprises
Sunil Mittal
Sunil Bharti Mittal was born in Punjab, India and is the founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, one of India’s leading conglomerates. He attended Wynberg Allen School in Mussoorie and later Scindia School at Gwalior, graduating in 1976 from Panjab University, Chandigarh, with a Bachelor of Arts and Science. Mittal founded Bharti Enterprises in the same year. After graduating from Punjab University, Mittal started his own small-scale manufacturer of bicycle parts. He gradually expanded into wool blankets and stainless-steel surgical equipment. After relocating to Bombay, he studied Indian import policies and began an import business.
He was one of the first Indian entrepreneurs to identify the mobile telecom business as a major growth area. Mittal is chairman of Bharti Airtel, an Indian telecommunications company. The New Delhi-based business operates in 17 countries, has more than 490 million customers and had revenue of $18 billion in the year to March 2024. Bharti Airtel is the world’s third biggest mobile service provider. Bharti Enterprises has diversified interests in telecom, space communications, digital solutions, real estate, hospitality, insurance, agri and food, besides other ventures. Bharti has joint ventures with several global partners like SingTel, SoftBank, and AXA. Sunil Mittal is involved in various philanthropic initiatives through the Bharti Foundation, which focuses on education and rural development.
Mittal achieved significant milestones in 2025. In February, he was awarded an Honorary Knighthood (KBE) by King Charles III for strengthening UK–India business ties, particularly through investments in BT and OneWeb. Airtel announced a landmark tie-up with SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite broadband to India, pending regulatory approval. Indiaspora is proud to have Sunil Mittal on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
CEO, Welltower Inc.
Shankh Mitra
Shankh Mitra is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Welltower Inc., a leading real estate investment trust focusing on healthcare infrastructure. He was appointed CEO and joined the Board of Directors on October 5, 2020, succeeding Thomas J. DeRosa who stepped down after leading Welltower for more than six years.
Mitra earned an MBA in Applied Value Investing with Dean’s List honors from Columbia Business School and holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Jadavpur University. He joined Welltower in 2016 and has served as the Company’s Chief Investment Officer since 2018, adding the roles of Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer in April 2020. Prior to joining Welltower, Mitra served as Portfolio Manager, Real Estate Securities at Millennium Management LLC. He also served as a Senior Analyst at Citadel Investment Group and Fidelity Investments. Mitra began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Mitra’s leadership philosophy centers on data-driven decision-making, and the mentoring of early career professionals. He is deeply passionate about capital allocation, predictive analytics in the area of statistical learning and machine learning. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Public Storage (NYSE: PSA) and is a member of the Nareit Advisory Board of Governors. Mitra is also passionate about storytelling in the senior living sector, aiming to reshape public perception and enhance the industry’s narrative. He envisions a future where Welltower leverages its vast consumer data to refine its offerings and better serve the senior housing market. Indiaspora is proud to have Shankh Mitra on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
CEO, YouTube
Neal Mohan
Neal Mohan is the Chief Executive Officer of YouTube, having been selected to succeed Susan Wojcicki as YouTube’s CEO on February 16, 2023. Mohan brings deep experience in digital advertising and platform development to his leadership role at one of the world’s largest video platforms. Mohan holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University (1996) and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business (2005). He was an Arjay Miller Scholar at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, a prestigious award recognizing academic excellence. Before becoming YouTube’s CEO, Mohan was senior vice president of display and video ads at Google.
Some of his major achievements include developing YouTube Music, YouTube Premium, and YouTube Shorts. As CEO, Mohan unveiled four strategic pillars—reinforcing YouTube as the epicenter of culture, boosting creator support, optimizing TV experiences, and integrating advanced AI tools like Dream Screen, auto-dubbing, and Shorts enhancements.
At WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, he announced that YouTube has paid over ₹21,000 crore (~US $2.5 billion) to Indian creators in three years and pledged another ₹850 crore investment to nurture the “Creator Nation.” Under Mohan, YouTube’s ad revenue remains strong—around $50 billion annually—with a 15% ad-revenue growth in 2024. His efforts solidify AI-driven tools and creator empowerment at the platform’s core. Indiaspora is proud to have Neal Mohan on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
Group CEO & Director, WNS Holdings
Keshav Murugesh
C. Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO of WNS Holdings, delivered a stellar performance in 2025. He propelled the company to $1.3 billion in FY 2024 revenue, with a global workforce exceeding 63,000 across 16 countries—significantly expanding its digital-led BPM footprint. Murugesh holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Commerce and is a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Under his leadership, WNS became a frontrunner in domain‑intensive BPM, integrating AI and analytics to co-create transformative solutions—such as slashing false positives by 60% for an insurance client via GenAI deployment. He also reinforced WNS’s ESG commitments through the WNS Cares Foundation, reaching over 100,000 underprivileged children across education and mentorship programs.
Murugesh is a past Chairperson of NASSCOM and chaired the NASSCOM BPM Council for two consecutive terms. He is the Chairman of The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) UK India Business Forum (IBF). As a thought leader, Murugesh championed stronger public‑private partnerships at NTLF 2025. Indiaspora is proud to have Keshav Murugesh as our member, and be featured on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
Chairwoman, HCL Technologies
Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Roshni Nadar Malhotra is the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, a leading global technology company with a market capitalization of approximately $48-55 billion. She assumed this role in 2020, succeeding her father, Shiv Nadar, who founded the company in 1976. Before joining the family business, Roshni worked as a television news producer. She returned to HCL in 2008 and steadily rose through the ranks, focusing on the company’s broader strategic initiatives.
As chairperson, she oversees HCL’s transformation in the AI era, balancing productivity improvements with workforce optimization. Roshni has a Communications Degree from Northwestern University, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Under Roshni’s leadership, HCL has expanded significantly, including a major acquisition of IBM’s software products for $1.8 billion. Her philosophy centers around innovation and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of social responsibility.
Roshni serves as a Trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which focuses on closing India’s socio-economic gap through education initiatives. She launched the VidyaGyan program, providing free education to underprivileged students, particularly from rural areas. She has been featured in Fortune Magazine’s ‘Most Powerful Women’ lists and serves on the Global Board of The Nature Conservancy. Indiaspora is proud to have Roshni Nadar Malhotra on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
Executive Chairman and CEO, Microsoft
Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella is the Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, one of the world’s most valuable companies. Since being named CEO in February 2014, he has led Microsoft through a remarkable transformation, becoming the third person to hold the office in the company’s nearly 40-year history, after co-founder Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.
Nadella attended Hyderabad Public School before pursuing higher education. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology in 1988. He later moved to the United States, where he earned a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 and held various leadership roles in both enterprise and consumer businesses across the company before becoming CEO. He quickly became known as a leader who could span a breadth of technologies and businesses. Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has experienced unprecedented growth and has become a leader in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and enterprise software solutions, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. Nadella defines his mission as “empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more”. His leadership has been characterized by a cultural shift toward collaboration, innovation, and a mobile-first, cloud-first strategy.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Nadella has shown interest in sports investments, including purchasing the Seattle Orcas cricket team alongside other business leaders. Indiaspora is proud to have Satya Nadella on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
CEO, Vedanta Resources Limited
Deshnee Naidoo
Deshnee Naidoo is the Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Resources Ltd, a leading global mining and metals company. She was appointed to this role effective January 20, 2025, returning to Vedanta after previously serving as CEO of Vedanta Zinc International.
Naidoo is a South African engineer with a 27-year track record in mining. She started her mining career at Anglo American Platinum in 1998 where she built her career, holding a range of positions. She was appointed CFO of Anglo American Thermal Coal in 2011, where she managed thermal coal and manganese across three geographies – South Africa, South America and Australia. She previously held senior roles at Vedanta from 2014 to 2020, including CEO of Vedanta Zinc International and Africa Base Metals, where she led the $400 million Gamsberg zinc project in South Africa. Between 2021 and 2024, she served as CEO of Vale Base Metals, overseeing a $26 billion carve-out and major global projects.
Naidoo will oversee a proposal to spin out Vedanta’s base metals assets, positioning the company for its next phase of growth in critical minerals. Her diverse experience spans corporate and operational levels, various disciplines, and multiple commodities across different geographies. Recognized among the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining, Naidoo is also a champion of gender diversity in the mining sector. Indiaspora is proud to have Deshnee Naidoo on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
Global CEO, Chanel
Leena Nair
Leena Nair is the Global CEO of Chanel, the iconic French luxury fashion house. She made history in January 2022 when she became Chanel’s first female and Indian-origin chief executive officer, marking a significant milestone for both the brand and diversity in luxury fashion leadership. Nair attended Holy Cross Convent High School in Kolhapur before pursuing higher studies at The New College, Kolhapur. She later completed her MBA, which launched her distinguished career in human resources and business leadership. Before joining Chanel, Nair spent three decades at Unilever, where she rose through the ranks to become the company’s first female and youngest-ever Chief Human Resources Officer. Her extensive experience in HR and organizational leadership positioned her uniquely for the transition to luxury fashion.
Nair assumed the CEO role with the philosophy to “seek to understand before you seek to change.” In her first year, she visited 25 countries to understand the brand’s global operations and culture. As an outsider to the fashion world, Nair is pioneering a different kind of leadership that celebrates compassion, empathy, and kindness. She believes in moving away from the traditional “superhero CEO” model toward more collaborative and inclusive leadership approaches.
Under Nair’s leadership, Chanel experienced strong growth in 2023, with revenues growing 16% year-on-year to $19.7 billion. Queen Elizabeth II honored Leena Nair in 2017 for her contributions to business and diversity. She continues to be recognized as a trailblazer in both the corporate world and the luxury fashion industry. Nair is working to expand Chanel’s retail footprint while navigating the challenging luxury market environment. Her leadership represents a significant shift toward more inclusive and empathetic corporate governance in the traditionally exclusive luxury sector. Indiaspora is proud to have Leena Nair on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
MD & CEO, Hindustan Unilever
Priya Nair
Priya Nair became the first woman CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India’s largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company. Her ascension marks a significant milestone in the company’s leadership evolution. She will also join the HUL Board, subject to necessary approvals, and continue as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE). Her selection was based on her vast experience across sales, marketing, home and personal care, and her proven track record in business revitalization.
Priya Nair, is celebrated for her transformative leadership across nearly three decades. She revitalized HUL’s Home Care division, boosting profit margins from 13.1% to 18.8%, and led the turnaround of Unilever’s €13 billion global Beauty & Wellbeing business. Nair spearheaded award-winning campaigns like ‘Kan Khajura Tesan’, reaching over 30 million rural consumers and winning three Cannes Gold Lions. Known for driving innovation, digital transformation, and premiumization, she has built iconic brands such as Dove, Rin, and Comfort, earning recognition among India’s most powerful businesswomen.
Born in Kerala, India, Priya Nair comes from a middle-class Malayali family. She completed her MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, which launched her distinguished career in the consumer goods industry. Her appointment represents a significant step forward for gender diversity in corporate leadership within India’s consumer goods sector. Priya Nair’s journey from management trainee to CEO exemplifies the power of sustained excellence and leadership development within a single organization, making her a role model for aspiring women leaders in the FMCG industry. Indiaspora is proud to have Priya Nair on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
CEO, Novartis
Vasant Narasimhan
Dr. Vasant Narasimhan is an American physician currently serving as the CEO of Novartis, a multinational pharmaceutical giant. He is known for his focus on innovation and access to medicines, particularly in developing countries. After graduating from Harvard, Narasimhan joined McKinsey & Company as a consultant and engagement manager for two years, focusing on healthcare and pharmaceutical consulting.
As the CEO, Narasimhan led Novartis through a strategic shift to focus on innovative medicines with significant patient impact. He was also subsequently elected to the US National Academy of Medicine in recognition of his contributions to global health. In 2025, Narasimhan was named to the TIME100 Health list, recognizing him as one of the 100 most influential people driving the future of global health.
Narasimhan envisions Novartis as a company at the forefront of medical innovation, using new technologies and ensuring affordability to improve access to medicines worldwide. Outside of the medical field, Narasimhan is known to practice yoga and meditation. Indiaspora is proud to have Dr. Vasant Narasimhan on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
CEO, Adobe
Shantanu Narayen
Shantanu Narayen is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, currently serving as the Chairman and CEO of Adobe Inc. At Adobe, Narayen has spearheaded transformative initiatives, steering the company towards becoming a global leader in digital media and marketing solutions. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Shantanu has an undergraduate degree in electronics engineering, a master’s degree in computer science, and an MBA from UC Berkeley.
Before joining Adobe in 1998, Narayen was co-founder of Pictra, Inc., an early pioneer of digital photo sharing over the Internet. Prior to that, he served as director of desktop and collaboration products at Silicon Graphics, Inc. and held various senior management positions at Apple Computer, Inc. Adobe has achieved remarkable milestones, including the successful transition to a subscription-based model and the development of groundbreaking software like Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Experience Cloud.
Narayen envisions a future where Adobe continues to redefine digital experiences, leveraging emerging technologies to empower creativity and business success. Committed to diversity and inclusivity, Narayen’s visionary leadership continues to shape Adobe’s trajectory, inspiring innovation and excellence in the digital landscape. Indiaspora is proud to have Shantanu Narayen on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
CEO, Tata Steel
TV Narendran
T.V. Narendran is the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel Ltd, one of India’s largest steel companies and a key player in the global steel industry. He is a distinguished leader known for his pragmatic approach to business and his focus on transforming traditional steel manufacturing for the future. Narendran is a Mechanical Engineer from NIT Trichy and completed his MBA from IIM Calcutta. He is a recipient of Distinguished Alumnus Awards from both NIT Trichy and IIM Calcutta. He is a Chevening Scholar and has also attended the Advanced Management Programme in CEDEP-INSEAD, Fontainebleau.
Narendran joined Tata Steel in 1988. He worked in the International Trading Division of Tata Steel from 1988 to 1997 wherein he spent five years in Dubai looking after Tata Steel’s exports to the Middle East. Over his decades-long career with Tata Steel, he has held various leadership positions before ascending to the role of CEO and Managing Director. His extensive experience spans international operations, strategic planning, and business development across multiple geographies.
Narendran’s leadership philosophy emphasizes remaining pragmatic in the face of resilience. His emphasis on organic and inorganic growth strategies for Tata Steel reflects a commitment to sustainable business practices. He has introduced change management processes to instill a culture of future readiness at the 100-year-old company. Narendran looks to grow Tata Steel through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion. Indiaspora is proud to have TV Narendran on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
Co-Founder & Chairman, Infosys
Nandan Nilekani
Nandan Nilekani is the co-founder and Chairman of Infosys Technologies Limited, one of India’s largest IT services companies. Nilekani received his Bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. His educational foundation in engineering laid the groundwork for his transformative contributions to India’s technology sector. As a co-founder of Infosys, Nilekani played a pivotal role in building the company from its inception. He served as CEO of Infosys from March 2002 to April 2007, during which time he helped establish the company as a global leader in IT services. After stepping down as CEO, he became co-chairman of the board of directors.
In 2009, Nilekani took on one of the most significant public service roles in modern India when he was appointed as the Founding Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), serving in the rank of a Cabinet Minister from 2009 to 2014. During this period, he spearheaded the development and implementation of Aadhaar, India’s biometric identification system that provides unique ID numbers to residents. Nilekani returned to Infosys as Non-Executive Chairman in August 2017. He has also co-founded and serves as Chairman of EkStep Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on creating technology-based platforms to improve basic literacy and numeracy for millions of children.
Nilekani has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Padma Bhushan in 2006, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Fortune Magazine named him “Asia’s Businessman of the Year” in 2003, and he received the prestigious Joseph Schumpeter Prize in 2005 for innovative services in economy, economic sciences and politics. He is the author of “Imagining India” and co-author of “Rebooting India: Realizing a Billion Aspirations,” books that explore India’s development trajectory and potential in the digital age. Indiaspora is proud to have Nandan Nilekani on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
CEO, Wipro
Srini Pallia
Srini Pallia is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Wipro Limited, one of India’s leading global information technology, consulting, and business process services companies. He assumed this role in April 2024, marking a significant milestone in his three-decade career with the company.
Born in 1967 and raised in India, Pallia earned his Master of Technology from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore between 1990 and 1992. He is a distinguished alumnus of IISc, Harvard, and McGill University, having attended advanced leadership programs at these prestigious institutions. Pallia joined Wipro in 1992, making him a true company veteran with over three decades of experience. Throughout his tenure, he has held numerous leadership positions that have shaped his understanding of the global technology services industry. As CEO and Managing Director, Pallia sets the vision and strategy for Wipro’s business, leading a team of global leaders to drive consistent execution of Wipro’s AI-powered, consulting-led approach across six key industry sectors. His leadership style emphasizes strengthening business performance while accelerating growth through innovation and strategic market positioning.
Under his leadership, Wipro continues to build innovative solutions that address clients’ most complex digital transformation needs, maintaining the company’s position as a global leader in the technology services industry that has evolved significantly since its founding in 1945 as Western India Vegetable Products. Indiaspora is proud to have Srini Pallia on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.
