Vikram Chandra is the founder of Editorji Technologies - a start-up that seeks to transform video news through innovation in user experience, using artificial intelligence. Editorji provides personalised video newscasts on mobile phones and can be downloaded at editorji.com/download.
In his earlier avatar, Vikram was one of India's best-known TV news anchor, presenting shows like "The Big Fight", 9 o’clock News and Gadget Guru together with programmes for social transformation such as the Cleanathon, Greenathon and “Save our Tigers”. He has helped pioneer innovations such as news on mobile phones, the live streaming of video on the internet and the first major news app in India. Vikram has been named ‘Global Leader for Tomorrow’ by the World Economic Forum in Davos; and has won the Indian Television Academy Award for "Best Anchor for a Talk Show", the Hero Honda Award for Best Anchorperson and the Teacher's Achievement Award for Communication, along with featuring in the top 20 on the Impact list of the Digital Power 100. He was educated at Oxford University and St Stephen’s College, before attending the Mass Media Institute at Stanford University.
Manish Tiwary, the driving force behind Amazon India's consumer business, is on a mission to reshape India's buying and selling landscape. With six years at Amazon and a transformative 20-year journey at Unilever, Manish's expertise spans sales, marketing, and management. He's graced Unilever's India Board, overseen sales for South Asia, and led as the Managing Director for Unilever Gulf, covering 34 countries from Dubai. An alumnus of IIM Bangalore with a Computer Science degree from BIT Mesra, Manish's blend of tech and business acumen is truly commendable.
Senior Vice President - International Consumer Amazon
Russell Grandinetti, a pivotal leader at Amazon since 1998, currently serves as the Senior Vice President of International Stores. He's at the helm of Amazon's e-commerce operations in regions including Europe, UK, Japan, India, China, Brazil, and more. Additionally, he oversees key areas like Consumer Payments, Prime, Books, Consumer Marketing and Engagement, and Amazon Business. In his illustrious journey with Amazon, Russell has held significant roles such as Senior Vice President for Kindle, General Manager for Amazon’s book business in North America, and Treasurer during Amazon's foundational years. Before his Amazon tenure, he was a securities analyst for tech and Internet sectors at Morgan Stanley and a systems designer at Andersen Consulting. Russell is a proud Princeton graduate with a B.S.E. in Operations Research.
Senior Vice President India and Emerging Markets Amazon
As the Senior VP for India and emerging markets, Amit spearheads Amazon's tech investments, reshaping how customers shop and businesses operate. His efforts amplify local innovations and boost Amazon's customer experience. Since joining Amazon in 1999, Amit's been a trailblazer, launching Amazon in Italy and Spain, and taking on roles like AWS's Tech Director and Jeff Bezos's Global Technical Advisor. With a Master's from Stanford and a Bachelor's from IIT Kanpur, Amit's leadership is top-notch. Quite the tech maestro, isn't he?
Vice President, Customer Fulfilment, ATS, GSF and Supply Chain Amazon
Abhinav Singh is the Vice President, Customer Fulfilment, ATS, GSF and Supply Chain, Amazon. During his 10 years at Amazon, he has lent his expertise in optimizing transportation, product development, network design and vendor negotiation. He has efficiently led multi-dimensional teams which focussed on transportation operations and network management. His fluency with the supply chain processes and technology-driven logistics has been instrumental in creating Amazon’s seamless delivery experience. Abhinav began his career in the Oil and Gas Industry and was awarded the rank of a Master Mariner. He holds a Masters’ in Business Administration from the Indian School of Business.
Member (Operations and Business Development), Railway Board Government of India
Ms Jaya Varma Sinha joined the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) in 1988. She is currently serving as Member, Operations and Business Development, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways. She is the first woman officer to be appointed to this Apex post of Indian Railways. She is responsible for the overall transportation of freight and passenger services on Indian Railways. Prior to the current assignment she was Additional Member, Traffic Transportation, Railway Board. In the last 2 years, Indian Railways has registered an all time high growth of over 20% in the freight segment and has broken the mark of 1.5 Billion Tonnes annually in freight. In her career of over 35 years in Indian Railways, she has worked on diverse verticals spanning operations, commercial, IT and vigilance. She was also the first woman to be appointed as the Principal Chief Operations Manager of South Eastern Railway. She had worked as the Railway Advisor in the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh during which the famous Maitri Express from Kolkata to Dhaka was inaugurated. Ms Sinha is an alumnus of Allahabad University, and has a keen interest in photography.
Secretary, Department of Posts and Chairperson, Postal Services Board Government of India
Shri. Vineet Pandey is the current secretary of posts and chairman of postal board. An office of the 1986 batch of Indian Postal Service, he has more than 35 years of experience across roles such as Director General (Postal Services), Head (Financial Services), Head (Business Development and Marketing) and Chairman (Postal Life Insurance Investment Board). He has also worked in organizations such as Telecom Consultants India Limited, Department of Personnel and Training, and Warehousing corporation of India. Shri. Pandey holds is a post graduate in Economics from Lucknow University and holds a diploma in management from MDI.
Chetan Krishnaswamy joined Amazon's International Public Policy Team in April 2020 after an impressive 7-year tenure at Google. There, he built a formidable team, established pivotal government partnerships, and significantly enhanced Google's standing in India. Before his Google chapter, Chetan shaped policy at Dell India and Intel, even earning Intel's highest accolade. And here's an interesting twist: he began his career in journalism, spearheading tech coverage for renowned publications like the Times of India. From journalism to corporate strategy, Chetan's trajectory is truly remarkable!
With 28 years in finance, Raghava has made significant strides in the FMCG and E-Commerce sectors. An IIT Bombay Computer Science engineer and IIM Calcutta MBA, he journeyed through diverse roles at Hindustan Unilever, spanning seven locations and three countries. Now, as VP, Finance and CFO for Amazon India, he's at the forefront of the e-commerce revolution. A sought-after speaker and occasional blogger, Raghava was recognized as one of India's top six CFOs and featured in the 2021 book 'CFO Niti' by Pramod Bagri and Sandeep Kumar.
At Peak XV Partners, Rajan is on a mission to elevate Surge as the premier scale-up program for startups worldwide. He's not just an advisor but a mentor, guiding founders with his vast tech knowledge and operational expertise. Surge's goal? Propel startups by offering unparalleled access to capital, talent, and invaluable company-building insights. Rajan's past roles, including leading Google in India and Southeast Asia, have honed his knack for fostering tech growth. A seasoned angel investor, he's supported numerous early-stage startups. His leadership stints at Microsoft, Dell, and as a Partner at McKinsey in Chicago further enrich his mentorship at Surge.
Chairman, Pahle India Foundation Former Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog
Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Chairman of Pahle India Foundation, has a rich tapestry of roles spanning academia, government, industry, and multilateral institutions. Formerly the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, he's now part of the Global Leadership Council at GASP, New York, and holds directorial roles at Parley India Foundation. His academic journey began at ICRIER, later leading it as Director & CEO. He's been a Professor at IIFT and a Senior Fellow at CPR, Delhi. In government, he's served the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Industry. His decade-long stint at the Asian Development Bank, leadership roles at CII and FICCI, and board memberships at SBI and RBI showcase his diverse expertise. Dr. Kumar holds a Ph.D. from Lucknow University and a D.Phil from Oxford University.
Srinivasu MN is a Director and a co-founder of BillDesk. BillDesk is one of India’s largest payment solutions platform processing nearly USD 150 billion digital payments annually. BillDesk provides an unified and scalable payments platform across multiple delivery channels using a wide range of payment methods.
Today, BillDesk’s services are used by India’s largest banks and businesses institutions across diverse industry segments and the platform processes a dominant share of the online transactions that are conducted through aggregator platforms, in India. Vasu holds a PGDM from IIM Ahmedabad. Prior to founding BillDesk, Vasu worked with ITC Limited and Arthur Andersen.
Bhupen hopped on board with Amazon in 2015, steering India's Delivery experience. Under his leadership, they rolled out the Prime Program, speedy deliveries, and eco-friendly initiatives like Amazon Day. In 2022, he shifted gears to Global Trade, focusing on tech that helps Indian sellers reach 200 countries. With over 20 years in the game, Bhupen's journey spans from operations consulting in Dallas to product leadership in Philadelphia and global strategy consulting with McKinsey. He's a Wharton MBA grad and an IIT Mumbai alum. From strategy to tech, Bhupen's been everywhere!
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology Government of India
Dr Jitendra Singh, is the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; and the Department of Space.
He is a physician known for his work on diabetes and endocrinology. He has been a professor, a consultant, clinical practitioner, author of eight books, and a newspaper columnist as also the ex-chairman for the National Scientific Committee Diabetes and the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India.
Chairman of Global Creative, Ogilvy Worldwide Executive Chairman, Ogilvy India
Piyush Pandey needs very little introduction. A luminary in advertising, he has reshaped Indian advertising and elevated its global stature. Recognized as the top influencer in advertising for 14 consecutive years, he received the 'Padma Shree' in 2016 and the prestigious Lion of St. Mark Lifetime Achievement Award at Cannes in 2018. After the success of his debut book "Pandeymonium" in 2016, he unveiled "Open House" in April 2022.
Hon. President, India SME Forum Managing Partner, SDRC International
Vinod began with international collaborations, spearheading Joint Ventures in sectors like Electronics, Telecom, and Media. He later led a top IT Consulting firm in India as its MD and innovated in navigation technology. Now, as a serial investor focused on sustainable development, he invests in high-potential SMEs across sectors like Food Processing, Pharma, and Automotive in 19 Indian states. Passionate about elevating SMEs, Vinod serves as the Honorary President at the India SME Forum. He advises global institutions like UNCTAD and ITC on sustainable livelihoods and is a board member of the World Union of SMEs.
Chief Executive Officer, The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI)
With over 20 years under her belt, Khyati Naravane has mastered brand building, relationship cultivation, and strategic planning. She's lent her expertise to giants like World Trade Center Mumbai and Gateway House Think Tank. Now, as the CEO of FTCCI, she's steering the Chamber's growth and evolution. Khyati's accolades include the Telangana’s Woman Leaders award 2022, a nod from the World Book of Records London for COVID-19 safety efforts, and the Abhinandana 2020 Shining Star award for her outstanding societal contributions.
Atul Mehta, the COO of Shiprocket, is on a mission to simplify e-commerce shipping in India. He's the driving force behind sales, operations, and ensuring Shiprocket becomes the go-to logistics platform for e-commerce sellers. With over 16 years under his belt, Atul's expertise spans from brand management to sales. He's an IIT Kharagpur and IIM Kolkata alum. Before Shiprocket, Atul made waves at Amazon, scaling Amazon Pantry nationwide, and led the Pepsodent brand at Unilever. His vision? Propel Shiprocket to the forefront of e-commerce fulfillment in India and beyond. Big plans, and he's just getting started!
Gurmukh Sidhu is Chief Operating Officer at ValueFirst. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in consultancy and sales management. He is an engineer and showcases a blend of technical prowess and strategic thinking. Gurmukh is a visionary who has consistently driven operational excellence throughout his career.
Manesh Mahatme serves as the Director of Product & Engineering at Amazon, where he leads initiatives in the domain of Consumer Internet and Fintech. He brings a wealth of experience and is at the forefront of innovation, heading initiatives that redefine customer experiences. Prior to his role at Amazon, Manesh held pivotal positions shaping the landscape of digital finance. As the Director & Head of WhatsApp Pay, he spearheaded strategic directions that elevated digital payments within the WhatsApp ecosystem. His contributions as Director & Board Member at Amazon Pay India marked six years of instrumental leadership, guiding the growth of one of India's prominent fintech players. In his tenure as GM - Product & Marketing at Airtel Money, he played a key role in shaping mobile commerce solutions. Additionally, Mahesh served as the AVP & Alternate Channels Manager at Mashreqbank in UAE, where he introduced a fully operational Mobile Banking service in the GCC region, while achieving a threefold increase in Online Banking users within a span of 2 years. Mahesh graduated from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani and holds a B.E (Hons) in Electrical & Electronics Engineering.
Kara Hurst stands at the helm of Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon, orchestrating a vast spectrum from renewable energy to social responsibility. Before her Amazon chapter, she shone as the CEO of The Sustainability Consortium, an initiative so impactful it was hailed by Scientific American as a transformative idea in 2012. Kara's 11-year tenure at BSR saw her pioneering global industry practices, fostering partnerships, and leading key offices. Notably, she co-founded the Responsible Business Alliance, a testament to her forward-thinking approach. Venturing into Silicon Valley, she was the Executive Director of OpenVoice, innovating teen content for platforms like AOL. Earlier roles saw her championing educational initiatives at the Children’s Health Council, diving into research at the Urban Institute, and serving alongside political luminaries like Mayor Willie Brown and Senator Moynihan. With academic roots at Barnard College and UC Berkeley, Kara's multifaceted journey is both impressive and inspiring.
With 30 years spanning copy-writing, journalism, and film writing, Minari Shah is a communications powerhouse. Passionate about brand reputation, she's spent seven impactful years with Amazon, handling diverse roles in the communications realm. Minari is dedicated to mentoring, especially nurturing fearless women leaders. She boasts a Master's from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a BA in History from Stella Maris College. Her drive and expertise make her a force in the industry.
Starting as a YouTube channel in 2017, Lamba built Mainstreet Marketplace as one of India's largest platforms for resellers of sneakers and streetwear apparel. Offers brands like Yeezy, Jordan, Adidas, Nike, Drewhouse and Supreme, it claims Bollywood celebrities such as Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor as customers. Last year, Mainstreet opened a 1,600 square foot store in New Delhi, which is said to be Asia's largest sneaker resale store. In January, Mainstreet raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round to expand its limited-edition sneakers line-up and boost technology adoption.
Harsh Agrawal, co-founder of NEERX, is changing the game in agritech. Launching NEERX at a mere 24, he's blended innovation with digital tools to reshape farming. Making waves in Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2023, Harsh has put a unique 'Made in India' stamp on agritech. Their standout tech, "SHOOL," recognised by ISRO, monitors crops and soil like never before. NEERX's mobile platform, merging sensor data with crop insights, now aids farmers in over 10 Indian states. Harsh's mission? Crafting solutions for India by perfectly balancing innovation and consumer needs. Quite the agritech whiz!
Founder & Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) Nexus Power
Odisha's shining star, Nikita Baliarsingh, made it to "Forbes International Under 30" as the co-founder and CIO of Nexus Power, an innovative eco-friendly battery tech firm. They're crafting biodegradable EV batteries from crop residue, pushing EV adoption while boosting agriculture. Since its 2019 launch, Nexus has garnered numerous accolades, with Nikita gracing Forbes 30 Under 30, Vogue India, and more. An alumna of Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar, she's also pursued specialized courses from IITs and IIM Bangalore. A TEDx speaker, her story resonates globally. Beyond business, she's a filmmaker, writer, musician, and sports lover. For Nikita, entrepreneurship is an emotional journey, not just a destination.
Mekin, founder & CEO of Udhyam Learning Foundation, has empowered over 16 lakh students with entrepreneurial mindsets and boosted incomes for 5,000 Istri entrepreneurs. He's a co-founder of G.A.M.E and Social Change at ACT Grants and sits on TeamLease's board. As an angel investor, he's backed giants like Urban Company & Quizizz, focusing on large-scale impact in human capital & Ed-tech. Starting at Yahoo!, Mekin's entrepreneurial spirit shone at Flipkart, where he transitioned from a small tech team leader to Chief People Officer for a 35k-strong force. Passionate about unlocking potential, Mekin's also a sports, music, and food enthusiast.
VP Product Management - Product Development Amazon
Vivek has been with Amazon (US and India) for over 16 years across various functions. He currently leads Fulfillment Channels across Emerging markets and the India Global Trade business both exports and imports. He and his team have led the growth of FBA, spearheaded the launch of Seller Flex, a unique India first fulfillment channel. Vivek also led the launch of the India Seller Lending program which leverages a network of banks and NBFCs to help Amazon sellers with their working capital needs. Under Global Trade his team helps IN sellers access Amazon marketplaces WW and vice-versa. Vivek’s prior roles at Amazon include leading Customer Service operations, Supply Chain operations and a stint developing technology platforms. Vivek has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from VTU, Master of Computer Science from University of Texas at Arlington and a Post Graduate MBA from the Indian School of Business.
Amit Nanda is currently the Director of Selling Partner Services at Amazon, where he's all about creating products & solutions to elevate sellers. With a solid 9 years at Amazon, he's worked in diverse areas like Private Brands and Hardlines. Before Amazon, Amit wore the hat of Head of Marketing for Retail Banking & Cards at Citibank for 4 years. His professional journey kicked off at Hindustan Unilever, navigating various sales and marketing roles for 9 years. Education-wise, he's an IIMA management grad and also holds a Bachelor's from Delhi College of Engineering.
Anita Kumar Head – Amazon in the Community, APAC Amazon
Anita Kumar heads the Corporate Philanthropy programs for Amazon India and APAC, which span across Education, Disaster Relief and Employee Volunteering. Anita has over 15 years of experience in the development sector across research and strategy in diverse areas including education, skilling, gender, drinking water and health. She is especially interested in helping young people thrive, and investing and partnering with innovative social change organizations and entrepreneurs. In a previous avatar, she led the sales and go-to-market strategy for Procter & Gamble for five years. She holds a Masters in Development from the London School of Economics and an MBA from IIM Calcutta.