Brands
Amitabh Kant joins upGrad board to drive global growth
MUMBAI: upGrad has added heavyweight strategic muscle to its leadership with the appointment of Amitabh Kant as independent non-executive director. The former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of Niti Aayog joins the board as the company gears up for an ambitious phase of global expansion and deeper alignment with India’s Viksit Bharat skilling mission.
One of the country’s most respected reformers, Kant has been instrumental in shaping national initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, Incredible India and the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor. During India’s G20 presidency, he played a central role in building global consensus on key economic and developmental priorities. His decades-long experience across digital governance, sustainability, innovation and public–private partnerships is expected to give upGrad’s global push a sharp strategic edge.
Kant said India must power ahead with modern skilling. He noted that upGrad’s work with universities and companies is creating a strong talent pipeline for both employment and entrepreneurship, adding that he looks forward to supporting this mission as part of the Board.
upGrad co-founder and chairperson Ronnie Screwvala, said the organisation is being built with discipline, strong governance and long-term thinking. He added that Kant’s independent judgement and strategic clarity will be invaluable as upGrad strengthens its global footprint and continues developing a profitable, globally relevant learning ecosystem.
In the last two years, upGrad has expanded across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and the US, while also partnering with top universities in the UK, Europe, Australia and North America. Investments in campuses, AI-led learning systems and personalised content have positioned the company to support global mobility and contribute to India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of a future-ready, highly skilled workforce.
As upGrad pushes into new markets, it is broadening its board with seasoned leaders who can steer long-term strategy and sharpen governance. Kant’s addition signals confidence in the company’s mission and strengthens its ability to meet rising international demand for skilled talent.
Brands
Apollo Tyres names Neha Agarwalla as divisional head – marketing comms & sponsorships
Former Paytm AVP to steer brand, comms and Team India tie-ups
MUMBAI: Neha Agarwalla has taken the wheel at Apollo Tyres, stepping in as divisional head of marketing communications and sponsorships for India and Asia’s commercial business.
In her new role, she will oversee marketing communications, brand activations and go-to-market strategies, while also managing the company’s high-profile association with the Board of Control for Cricket in India as part of its Team India sponsorship.
Agarwalla arrives with nearly two decades of experience across media, marketing and business strategy, bringing a blend of analytical sharpness and brand storytelling to the table.
Before joining Apollo Tyres, she spent close to eight years at Paytm, where she last served as associate vice president. During her tenure, she led media buying and business planning, and earlier held the role of general manager marketing, heading the company’s media business.
Her career arc also includes stints at Initiative, where she worked as business director and media director, and at GroupM, where she was associate director. Across these roles, she built expertise in media strategy, data analysis and integrated marketing.
An alumna of the Delhi School of Communication, Agarwalla now takes on a role that blends sport, strategy and storytelling, with cricket as a powerful pitch.
