Top 10 Emerging Directors Of The Month: Directors’ Institute Highlights

The Directors’ Institute proudly unveils its Top 10 Emerging Directors of the Month, spotlighting leaders ready to drive impact across listed companies, private enterprises, and startups. With expertise spanning technology, finance, manufacturing, energy, and ESG, these professionals exemplify the vision and governance needed in today’s boardrooms. Through BoardSearch.ai, the Institute connects such talent with organizations worldwide, shaping the future of corporate leadership.

1. Ms. Rajeshwari Mehta

Rajeshwari Mehta has over 24 years of experience in business development and corporate leadership. She started as a trainee and rose to Vice President at Sarin Technologies, where she led the growth of various business units and pioneered the launch of the world's first AI lab for diamond grading. Her leadership boosted the company's market share from 10% to 90%, achieving a public listing and global prominence. Additionally, her work on a significant project in the United States underscores her global business acumen and readiness for board-level contributions.

2. Mr. Sandeep Sood

Sandeep Sood brings over 35 years of strategic leadership experience, across pharma, chemicals and renewable energy sectors. He has steered companies from startup to business leadership, focusing on sustainable practices with strong ESG focus, as demonstrated in his MD assignments for General Cable Inc. and Fette Compacting GmbH, where he was instrumental in building people and production capabilities for MESA Regions. Currently, as Founder Managing Partner at Amalgamate Ventures LLP, he mentors, assists and invests in early-stage tech-startups & human-care orgs with Simona AG being his latest investment JV in India. His extensive board experience, both national and international, as well as his track record of transformative leadership, highlights his ability to contribute to boards effectively.

3. Mr. Subrata Kumar Bandyopadhyay

Subrata Kumar Bandyopadhyay's 39-year career has culminated as Chief General Manager at the Indian Oil Corporation, where he has played a pivotal role in marketing petrochemicals across India. Specialising in Polyester Staple Fibre, LAB, PTA and Glycols, his strategic insights have led to significant market expansions and the establishment of an independent logistics hub. His expertise was also instrumental in crafting multi-crore annual sales contracts and developing an internal knowledge base for the textile economy. His leadership fuelled business growth and established enduring industry standards, making him a valuable asset for any board focused on innovation and leadership across various sectors.

4. Mr. Amar Sane

Amar Sane brings over 25 years of experience, including two decades in the life insurance industry, and served in a role of senior management member in a private life insurance company. He has successfully led transformative initiatives, achieving a three-year CAGR of 25% in revenue growth and improving operational efficiencies, such as reducing costs by ₹250 million. He has been instrumental in enhancing compliance frameworks, achieving consistent 'satisfactory' audit scores and reducing customer renewal transaction complaints by 30%. Amar has an honorary doctorate in Sales and Operations Management from EIU Paris. With his proven expertise in operational efficiency, strategic leadership, digital adoption and regulatory adherence, he brings in unparalleled insights and capabilities for effective decision-making in a boardroom setting.

5. Mr. Sudhir Prabhu

Sudhir Prabhu, with 38 years of diverse experience, currently serves as the Director of Metamorphes Foundation, a nonprofit organisation he has co-founded to bridge the military and civilian sectors. His background includes an NDA education and a distinguished military career, which he transitioned into an executive leadership role in the technical textiles industry at Priyadarshini Filaments Private Limited. His unique expertise in strategic planning and business development, coupled with his commitment to social advocacy, positions him to provide valuable insights and leadership on any board.

6. Mr. Chandra Prakash Singh

Chandra Prakash Singh, with 27 years of leadership in diverse industries, excels in general management, strategy and business development. He has demonstrated a decisive and strategic approach in roles at Siemens Limited, Toshiba India, Orient Electric Limited and Kirloskar Electric. Currently, he serves as the Head of Sales and Marketing – Insulation Business at Saint-Gobain India Private Limited, where he leads nationwide initiatives to drive market expansion, strengthen brand positioning, and deliver sustainable business outcomes. He is also ESG certified, bringing a forward-looking perspective on sustainable practices and governance. His strategic insight and contributions to the company's profitability and market positioning equip him with the expertise needed to guide boards towards innovative success and operational excellence.

7. Mr. Altaf Merchant

With 25 + years of diverse experience in Product Management and Technology, Altaf has demonstrated excellence in leading high-performing teams, crafting product strategies and driving global market expansions. Currently serving as a Product Evangelist and Network Member with GLG, he helps VC and PE firms evaluate advertising and media companies for investments. He has successfully spearheaded market entry initiatives in China, Australia, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore for SaaS-based media management products. His expertise spans industries like AdTech, MarTech and FinTech, along with proficiency in AI, ML and Blockchain technologies. His proven ability to align technology with business goals and lead in dynamic, international environments positions him as a strategic asset for board-level roles.

8. Mr. N. A. Sudhakar

N A Sudhakar, presently CEO of VJS Auto Components Pvt Ltd, possesses over 34 years of senior management experience in the manufacturing sector. Previously at Mangal industries limited Amara Raja group he served as key managerial personnel in the Board. His strategic leadership has yielded significant achievements in cost optimization, revenue enhancement, and process advancements. He has adeptly managed global stakeholder engagements, led multiple greenfield projects, and significantly increased production capacities and profitability. With a proven track record in operational improvements and lean management methodologies. He is poised to deliver strategic value at the board level. and is a certified ESG and Digital director professional, showcasing his extensive and multifaceted expertise.

9. Mr. Milind Bhat

Milind Bhat, serving as the Director at OTIS Global Services Centre Private Limited, brings over 25 years of experience in financial leadership across multiple industries. As a Chartered Accountant, his career began at Cognizant Technology Solutions and advanced through pivotal roles at Larsen & Toubro Infotech and Cargill India Private Limited, where he consistently enhanced financial strategies and operations. His expertise spans ERP implementations, strategic automation and compliance, culminating in his current role managing global financial operations and standardisation at OGSC. His deep understanding of financial dynamics and track record of enhancing operational efficiencies make him a compelling candidate for board-level leadership roles.

10. Ms. Deepa K.C.

Deepa K.C., with over 23 years of technology leadership experience, specialises in digital transformation within the BFSI sector. At companies like ANZ and Allianz Technology, she championed a cloud-first strategy employing AI, ML, IoT and analytics, resulting in a 30% increase in infrastructure capacity. Her strategic realignment of Global Services Delivery also resulted in a 40% reduction in annual operating costs. Her technical expertise and proven ability to lead diverse, global teams through complex technological upgrades mark her as a prime candidate for boards.