UpGrad Strengthens Board With Appointment Of Amitabh Kant

upGrad, India’s leading higher education and skilling platform, has announced the appointment of Amitabh Kant to its Board of Directors as Independent Non-Executive Director. Kant, a veteran policymaker and reformer, brings decades of experience in driving national initiatives and global negotiations. His appointment marks a significant step in upGrad’s journey as it enters a new phase of growth, focusing on workforce readiness and international expansion.  

Kant has been at the forefront of transformative missions such as Make in India, Startup India, Incredible India, and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. As India’s G20 Sherpa during its presidency, he played a pivotal role in forging consensus on critical global economic and developmental priorities. His expertise in digital governance, sustainability, and public-private partnerships is expected to strengthen upGrad’s strategic roadmap.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• Amitabh Kant joins upGrad’s Board as Independent Non-Executive Director.  
• He previously served as India’s G20 Sherpa and CEO of NITI Aayog.  
• Kant has led national initiatives including Make in India, Startup India, and Incredible India.  
• His appointment aligns with upGrad’s focus on skilling and preparing the workforce for future industries.  
• The company is exploring acquisitions, including Unacademy and select BYJU’S assets.  
• upGrad is preparing for a potential public listing within the next 18 months.  
• The edtech firm has expanded globally, serving enterprise clients in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the US.  
• Partnerships with universities across the UK, Australia, Europe, and North America are part of its international strategy.  
• The company reported EBITDA profitability in FY25, strengthening its financial position for expansion.  

This appointment underscores upGrad’s ambition to become a global leader in education technology and skilling. By leveraging Kant’s policy expertise and international experience, the company aims to accelerate its mission of empowering learners and professionals worldwide.  

Sources: Exchange4Media, YourStory, Economic Times, SiliconIndia