Alumni News
IIMB DAA Alumnus S. Padmanabhan Takes Over as Chairman of Tata Chemicals
Mr. S. Padmanabhan, an esteemed alumnus of IIM Bangalore’s PGP 1980–82 batch and recipient of the institute’s Distinguished Alumnus Award (2008), has been appointed Chairman of Tata Chemicals, effective May 30, 2025.
With over four decades of experience across the Tata Group, Mr. Padmanabhan has led with vision, empathy, and deep strategic insight. His long stint at Tata Consultancy Services saw him in key roles, including Head of Human Resources and the Airlines Practice. He later served as Executive Director of Operations at Tata Power, where he oversaw large-scale energy operations with a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency.
His appointment to the top role at Tata Chemicals marks another significant milestone in a career defined by impact and integrity. For the IIMB community, it is a moment of pride to see one of its own continue to shape Indian industry at the highest level.
PerkinElmer Appoints Payal Agrawaal as MD for India & South Asia
PerkinElmer, a global leader in life sciences and laboratory solutions, has announced the appointment of Payal Agrawaal, an IIM Bangalore PGP 2008 alumna, as Managing Director for India and South Asia. This pivotal role positions Payal to spearhead the company’s regional strategy, enhancing scientific innovation and expanding access to critical solutions that transform health, food, and environmental outcomes.
Payal brings a rich background spanning engineering, consulting with BCG, and leadership at companies like IndusInd Bank, Johnson & Johnson, and Abbott. Known for her strategic growth initiatives and ability to lead high-performing teams, her appointment marks a significant step for PerkinElmer’s impact across the region. Her leadership comes at a crucial time as PerkinElmer continues to scale solutions vital for public health and environmental quality, leveraging her expertise to unlock new market opportunities in South Asia.
Arun Pai Honored for Preserving Bengaluru’s Heritage through Walkability
We are thrilled to celebrate Arun Pai, a distinguished IIMB alumnus from the PGP 1993 batch, who has been conferred with the prestigious Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Award. This honor was bestowed upon him at the 516th Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations, recognizing his profound impact on urban life and heritage.
As the Founder of Bangalore Walks, Arun Pai has tirelessly championed walkable environments by leading over 1,500 meticulously researched immersive heritage walks across Bengaluru. His unique initiative has not only fostered a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich history and culture but has also promoted the importance of pedestrian-friendly spaces. Arun’s work beautifully connects urban development with cultural preservation, embodying the spirit of community engagement. The entire IIMB community extends its warmest congratulations to Arun Pai on this well-deserved recognition of his visionary contributions.
Haragopal Mangipudi Named Chairman of ISPMA
We are thrilled to announce that Haragopal Mangipudi, an accomplished IIM Bangalore PGSEM 2001 alumnus, has been appointed the new Chairman of ISPMA (International Software Product Management Association), effective June 11, 2025. This pivotal leadership role signifies a new chapter for global product management.
Haragopal brings profound expertise, notably from his transformative tenure leading Finacle® and his co-authorship of the “Software Product Management for Startups” handbook. As Chairman, he is poised to steer ISPMA into its ambitious “3.0” phase, focusing on deepening its global relevance, driving innovation, and broadening its impact across diverse communities. His appointment is a testament to his visionary leadership, and the IIMB community proudly celebrates his continued influence in shaping the future of the industry worldwide.
