Amitabh Kant's Appointment Marks New Era for upGrad's Global Expansion Strategy

Amitabh Kant Joins upGrad's Board

In a significant move towards expanding its global presence, upGrad has announced the appointment of Amitabh Kant, a prominent figure in India’s administrative landscape and a former G20 Sherpa. This strategic decision is expected to steer the company, which specializes in online education and upskilling, into new international markets and strengthen its initiatives in workforce readiness.

Established in 2015, upGrad has made its mark as a leading provider of online and hybrid programs for individuals and enterprises alike. With Amitabh Kant at the helm as an Independent Non-Executive Director, upGrad aims to align its operations with the National Agenda of Skilling, which emphasizes preparing the workforce for the careers of tomorrow. Kant’s vast experience and insights into global economic policies are seen as assets that will greatly benefit upGrad's aspirations for international growth.

Amitabh Kant is well-known for his instrumental role in several of India’s hallmark national campaigns, such as Make in India and Startup India, as well as his leadership in the Incredible India initiative. His track record also includes significant contributions to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, showcasing his capacity for driving impactful initiatives. As the former CEO of NITI Aayog, he spearheaded various digital governance and innovation programs, which have helped shape India’s reform agenda.

During his tenure as India's G20 Sherpa, Kant was pivotal in forming consensus on critical economic and developmental issues at a global level. His understanding of international markets, combined with upGrad's vision, sets the stage for new opportunities and collaborations.

In response to his appointment, Amitabh Kant expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "India requires innovative skilling solutions, harnessing our demographic advantage. UpGrad's efforts to swiftly upskill our workforce while fostering partnerships with leading companies and educational institutions are commendable. I am thrilled to join this journey of creating an entire talent pipeline, ensuring job readiness and encouraging entrepreneurship."

UpGrad's co-founder and chairperson, Ronnie Screwvala, welcomed Kant to the Board, emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth and governance in building the company. He stated, "We are committed to nurturing upGrad with the discipline necessary for India’s evolving growth narrative. Amitabh's extensive experience in shaping transformational projects will provide us with invaluable insights as we extend our global reach."

In recent years, upGrad has made notable strides in strengthening its presence across key international markets, catering to enterprises in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the US. The company has also forged deeper alliances with prestigious universities in the UK, Australia, and North America. Additionally, upGrad has embraced technological advancements, investing heavily in AI-led learning systems and personalized educational content designed to support global mobility.

Kant’s addition to the Board underscores upGrad’s commitment to enhancing its governance framework and strategic direction as it navigates the complexities of multi-market operations. As the company embarks on its next growth phase, it aims to contribute significantly to India's economic development while responding to the global demand for skilled professionals.

In summation, Amitabh Kant's appointment to upGrad’s Board marks a pivotal moment for the company as it seeks to leverage his extensive government experience and global insights to expand its influence and deliver quality education on a worldwide scale.

To learn more about upGrad’s innovative learning platform, visit upgrad.com.