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Keki Mistry joins Kedaara Capital as independent operating advisor
MUMBAI: Private equity firm Kedaara Capital has roped in one of the savviest, most respected and experienced minds in Indian financial services. The PE firm has announced the appointment of Keki Mistry as an independent operating advisor to its funds. A chartered accountant and a veteran of the banking & financial services sector, Mistry brings over four decades of expertise, having played a pivotal role in shaping some of India’s leading financial institutions.
Mistry began his career with AF Ferguson & Co before joining HDFC in 1981, where he rose through the ranks to become vice-chairman & CEO from 2010 to 2023. Under his leadership, HDFC transformed into India’s largest financial services conglomerate, founding key entities such as HDFC Bank., HDFC Asset Management Co, HDFC Life Insurance Co, and HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co.
Following HDFC’s merger with HDFC Bank in 2023, Mistry joined the board of HDFC Bank as a non-executive director. He also holds board positions with several prominent companies, including Tata Consultancy Services, Flipkart, and Torrent Power.
At Kedaara Capital, Mistry will act as a strategic advisor, offering insights into financial services and guiding investments in the sector. His unparalleled experience and leadership are expected to provide significant value to Kedaara’s portfolio.
The PE typically invests between $25-75 million in each investment, and it can invest a significantly larger amount (>$200 million) in select situations.
Kedaara Capital is run by three founders & managing partners Manish Kejriwal, Sunish Sharma and Nishant Sharma. It is reputed to be amongst the top private equity firms in India.
In addition to his professional achievements, Mistry is known for his love of cricket, theater, and golden era Hindi music. His contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement award from the Financial Express and the Hall of Fame recognition from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
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Primus Partners appoints Akasa Air co-founder Neelu Khatri as independent director
Veteran aviation and defence professional joins as independent director
NEW DELHI: Primus Partners has appointed Neelu Khatri, a founding member of Akasa Air, as an independent director, strengthening the consulting firm’s board as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
Khatri brings more than three decades of experience across defence, aviation, aerospace technology and consulting. She was part of the core team that helped build Akasa Air from concept to launch, contributing to what has been widely described as one of the fastest airline scale ups in recent aviation history.
At Primus Partners, she will provide strategic guidance on corporate governance and help steer the firm’s long term growth plans. Her experience of building a start up into a full scale organisation is expected to support the consulting firm as it expands its footprint.
Primus Partners co-founder and chairperson Davinder Sandhu, said the appointment brings valuable expertise to the board. “Neelu’s journey across defence, aviation and consulting brings a rare blend of operational insight and strategic thinking. Her experience in rapidly scaling Akasa Air will be invaluable as we continue to grow while maintaining a strong focus on corporate governance,” he said.
Primus Partners, an India headquartered management consulting and solutions firm, has emphasised governance and board oversight since its early days. The company has also taken an unconventional approach by inviting its Gen Z employees to attend board meetings so that younger perspectives can contribute to discussions.
Speaking on her appointment, Khatri said the consulting sector is entering a transformative period shaped by emerging technologies. “The industry is evolving rapidly with the rise of AI. This is an exciting moment for an Indian origin consulting firm like Primus Partners to expand its product offerings and strengthen its presence globally,” she said.
She added that as the firm pursues ambitious expansion plans, her focus will be on ensuring strong governance frameworks and effective risk management as the organisation scales.
