upGrad, the leading Mumbai-based edtech unicorn, has announced the appointment of C P Gurnani, former CEO and Managing Director of Tech Mahindra, to its board of directors. In his new role as an independent non-executive director, Gurnani will play a pivotal role in steering upGrad’s domestic and global operations, with a focus on B2B and B2C markets.
Gurnani, renowned for his leadership at Tech Mahindra and previous roles at HCL Perot JV, brings a wealth of experience in driving growth, operations, and innovation. The industry veteran will collaborate with upGrad’s leadership teams to transform the platform into a highly export-oriented product, capitalizing on opportunities in the dynamic education market.
The strategic partnership aims to develop smart content and personalized learning trajectories, catering to learners from diverse backgrounds and geographies. Gurnani expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s interesting to observe how upGrad is reversing the pyramid, empowering millions and addressing the rising demand for upskilling, particularly in times of AI. It is creating a talent pipeline for the world.”
Ronnie Screwvala, co-founder, and chairperson of upGrad, expressed confidence in Gurnani’s leadership, stating, “I am confident that CP’s profound leadership and ability to pre-empt market trends would further enhance our framework and underpin the integrity and efficiency of our business model.”
The announcement comes on the heels of upGrad-owned KnowledgeHut’s CEO Subramanyam Reddy stepping down, with former BYJU’S Tuition Centre executive Asheesh Sharma taking over as the new president of short courses and bootcamps at KnowledgeHut.
As the Indian edtech landscape navigates funding challenges and increased regulatory scrutiny, upGrad’s strategic appointments aim to fortify its position as a lifelong learning partner, addressing the global workforce’s evolving needs.
