Alumni News

IIM Bangalore Alumnus Praveen Sood Appointed as CBI Chief for a Two Year Term

Praveen Sood, an esteemed alumnus of IIM Bangalore, has been selected as the new Chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Hailing from Karnataka, Sood will assume the position of CBI chief for a period of two years. With an illustrious career in the police force, Sood brings a wealth of invaluable experience and expertise to his new role. His appointment is expected to fortify the CBI’s investigative capabilities and bolster its effectiveness in combating crime and corruption.

As the head of the CBI, Sood will bear the responsibility of leading and overseeing high-profile investigations, ensuring the agency’s impartiality and integrity. This appointment comes at a pivotal juncture when the CBI is actively involved in several significant cases nationwide. Sood’s exceptional leadership skills, coupled with his extensive knowledge in law enforcement, are anticipated to contribute to the agency’s mission of upholding justice and nurturing public trust.

The esteemed alma mater of Praveen Sood, IIM Bangalore, is filled with immense pride as he assumes the role of CBI chief. The institute wholeheartedly congratulates him and wishes him great success in this new and important position. Praveen Sood’s selection as the head of the CBI showcases the trust and confidence placed in his capabilities to lead the organization in achieving its goals of delivering justice and upholding the rule of law.


HDFC Life appoints Niraj Shah as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer

HDFC Life has appointed Niraj Shah as Additional – Whole-time Director, designated as Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, effective from April 26, 2023. The appointment is subject to shareholder approval and has been approved by the Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. With over two decades of experience in financial services, including roles at prominent companies like PNB MetLife, ICICI Prudential Life, EY, and BNP Paribas, Niraj has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer of HDFC Life since February 2019. Vibha Padalkar, MD & CEO of HDFC Life, expressed confidence in Niraj’s abilities and highlighted his contribution to the company’s vision and business objectives. HDFC Life, a leading life insurance provider in India, offers a wide range of individual and group insurance solutions, and has a strong distribution network through strategic partnerships and alliances.


IIMB Extends Congratulations to Alumnus Sridhar Pabbisetty

Sridhar Pabbisetty has been appointed as the Dean of the School of Government at MIT World Peace University. He previously held positions as the founding director of Kautilya School of Public Policy, COO of the Centre for Public Policy at IIM Bangalore, CEO of Namma Bengaluru Foundation, and Advisor to the Government of Karnataka’s Sakala Mission. He holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and a BE in Computer Science with distinction from Bangalore University.


IIM Bangalore Alumnus Raja Rajamannar to Receive Honor at 2023 Marketing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Raja Rajamannar, a distinguished alumnus of IIM Bangalore’s MBA program, will be recognized at the Marketing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2023. The event, held on June 7, 2023, in New York, celebrates outstanding marketing innovators. Rajamannar, currently serving as the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and President, Healthcare Business, at Mastercard, brings over 25 years of experience to his role. He has received global recognition for his innovative thinking and transformative leadership. Notable accolades include being named the ‘WFA Global Marketer of the Year’ in 2019 and ranking on Forbes’ list of ‘World’s Most Influential CMOs.’ Rajamannar’s achievements extend to the music industry, where he has been featured in the ‘Billboard Power 100’ and recognized as one of the ‘Top 50 Most Tech Savvy CMOs in the World.’ Additionally, he holds a patent in the consumer packaged goods space.


IIMB Alumnus Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay Receives Telecom Person of the Year Award

IIM Bangalore congratulates Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay, an esteemed alumnus of PGPPM and FPM programs, on receiving the prestigious “Telecom Person of the Year” and “22nd Voice & Data Telecom Leadership Award 2022.” These honors recognize his remarkable contributions to the telecommunications industry.

Dr. Upadhyay, as the Chairman of CDOT, has played a pivotal role in developing a groundbreaking Made-in-India 4G technology solution in collaboration with TCS, Tejas, and BSNL. This solution has revolutionized the telecom sector, showcasing India’s technological advancements.

These awards acknowledge Dr. Upadhyay’s outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication to the field. His relentless efforts in advancing the telecom landscape have garnered widespread recognition.

IIM Bangalore commends Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay for his exceptional achievements, which exemplify the values of excellence, innovation, and impact cherished by the IIMB community.

Congratulations to Dr. Upadhyay and his collaborators on their well-deserved recognition and success in developing the Made-in-India 4G technology solution. Their collective efforts have positioned India as a global leader in the telecommunications sector.


Dr. Kalpana Gopalan, an alumna of IIMB, nominated as Vice Chairperson (Women Empowerment) of the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice

IIM Bangalore extends its congratulations to Dr. Kalpana Gopalan, a distinguished alumna of the institute’s Doctoral Programme (PhD) and Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy & Management (PGPPM), on her nomination as the Vice Chairperson (Women Empowerment, Honorary for Life) of the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice (AICHLS). Dr. Gopalan, who also serves as a Visiting Fellow at IIMB, has been recognized for her exceptional credentials, extensive experience, profound knowledge, expertise, leadership qualities, and valuable contributions to the nation and society.

Additionally, Dr. Kalpana Gopalan has recently published an article titled “Network Governance & Creative Leadership: The Formation of Udupi Jille” in the January 2023 edition of “The Administrator,” the esteemed journal of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie (LBSNAA). Through this article, she shares insights from her tenure as the inaugural District Collector of Udupi district in Karnataka, presenting a significant case study that holds immense value for scholars and researchers in the field of public policy, particularly within the context of a transitioning and developing economy.


Abhilash Lal appointed as Go First’s Insolvency Resolution Professional by NCLT

Abhilash Lal, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) from the PGP 1988 batch, has been appointed as the Insolvency Resolution Professional (IRP) for Go First by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). With a strong background in insolvency and corporate restructuring, he brings extensive expertise to the role. Abhilash Lal will work closely with stakeholders to formulate and implement an effective resolution plan, considering Go First’s specific challenges in the aviation industry. His appointment is expected to bring stability and clarity to the insolvency proceedings, ensuring a fair and efficient resolution process. NCLT’s decision reflects their commitment to a transparent and well-managed process, aiming to achieve a successful resolution and long-term sustainability for Go First.


Anup Bagchi appointed as MD and CEO of ICICI Prudential Life

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company has approved the appointment of Anup Bagchi, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), as its new Managing Director and CEO. Bagchi, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the banking and financial services sector, notably from ICICI Bank, is poised to assume the role after N S Kannan’s tenure concludes in June. This strategic move aims to bolster ICICI Prudential Life’s position in the insurance industry and drive growth and innovation initiatives. Bagchi’s leadership skills and deep industry knowledge, coupled with his alma mater IIMB’s esteemed background, equip him to steer the company towards achieving its goals and delivering value to its stakeholders.