Advisory Council
The members are distinguished individuals from industry/academia. They will bring a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, global experiences and network to guide NAMTECH leadership team to achieve its academic excellence and social impact goals at speed and scale.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat
Member, NITI Aayog
Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, an eminent scientist of unparalleled distinction, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of defence research through a prolific career spanning several illustrious decades. As a member of the prestigious NITI Ayog, his legacy is etched with the imprints of excellence, exemplifying a multifaceted commitment to the nation's progress. Dr. Saraswat's academic journey is underpinned by his exceptional scholastic achievements, holding a doctorate from the venerable Osmania University and a master's degree in engineering from the revered Indian Institute of Science. These academic laurels serve as the bedrock of his profound contributions to the domain of science and technology. His resplendent career is adorned with a litany of noteworthy accomplishments - chief among them is his role as the erstwhile Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Under his astute guidance, the organization achieved groundbreaking milestones in defence research, including formidable missile systems such as Prithvi, Dhanush, Prahaar, and Agni-5. Furthermore, his visionary leadership was instrumental in realizing the two-tiered ballistic missile defence system, a breakthrough feat in the realm of defence technology. During his tenure as Secretary, DRDO, Dr. Saraswat orchestrated pivotal advancements, including the development of essential infrastructure for strategic nuclear assets in alignment with the nation's nuclear doctrine. His contributions extended to domains such as long-range subsonic cruise missiles and the deployment of long-range radar systems for tracking incoming ballistic missiles. Additionally, he played a central role in the establishment of the Cyber Security Research and Development Centre, bolstering the nation's cybersecurity endeavours. Furthermore, Dr. Saraswat's multifaceted expertise extends beyond defence into alternative energy systems, where he has championed innovations such as clean coal technologies, high-efficiency concentrated solar power systems, and the pioneering concept of a hydrogen-based economy. His visionary leadership in conceiving the Photonics Valley Corporation in Telangana, in collaboration with the Telangana government and Photonics Inc. USA, promises to revolutionize the next generation of 5G networks. As the Chairman of the Committee for Development of Indian Microprocessors, Dr. Saraswat masterminded the configuration of the M-Processor for IoT, Smart Cities, and various other ICT applications, underlining his strategic vision for indigenous technological advancement. Furthermore, his conceptualization of the Indian Railway Research Institute is poised to propel the nation's indigenous designs and manufacturing programs for high-speed rail systems. His role as the architect of the 'Methanol Economy' program under the aegis of NITI Aayog exemplifies his acumen in fostering innovative solutions. This visionary initiative has ushered in transformative technologies, including the M-15 gasoline blend, methanol cooking stoves, and sustainable methanol-fueled transportation and energy generation systems. Dr. Saraswat's initiatives also encompass the indigenous production of body armour, reflecting his unwavering commitment to national security and development. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat has been bestowed with numerous prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri (1998) and Padma Bhushan (2013) awards, and honorary doctorates from over 25 distinguished universities. His enduring legacy as a visionary scientist and leader stands as a beacon of inspiration in the annals of Indian scientific history.
Dr. Ashish Nanda
Professor Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School
Dr. Ashish Nanda, a luminary of profound distinction in the realm of academia and leadership, exemplifies a remarkable synthesis of erudition and visionary guidance. Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer and 'C. Roland Christensen' Distinguished Management Educator at both Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School, Dr. Nanda's enduring contributions to education and leadership stand as a testament to his remarkable journey. Dr. Nanda's academic journey is marked by an unswerving pursuit of knowledge and scholarly excellence. Holding a PhD from the illustrious Harvard University, he exemplifies the quintessence of academic achievement. His repertoire further extends to a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad and a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. These academic credentials underscore his multifaceted approach to education and knowledge acquisition. As a Professor at Harvard Business School, Dr. Nanda's contributions to education are manifold. He serves as the course head for the MBA Required Curriculum course in strategy. He imparts his wisdom through courses on leadership, strategy, and professional services in the MBA Elective Curriculum - in addition to several executive education programs. His influence as an educator is complemented by his role as a prolific author, with a portfolio encompassing over 120 case studies and course notes, a testament to his dedication to academic excellence. During his tenure as the Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad from 2013 to 2017, Dr. Nanda's visionary leadership left an indelible mark on the institution's trajectory. His responsibilities as Director were complemented by his role as an educator, teaching courses on ethics and professional services, both in the MBA program and executive education offerings. Additionally, he lent his expertise to multiple advisory committees associated with higher education, further underscoring his commitment to the advancement of educational institutions. Dr. Nanda's research, teaching, and advisory work are inextricably intertwined with the domains of leadership and strategy, particularly in the context of professional services. His extensive experience with professional service and human capital-intensive organizations has positioned him as a thought leader in this critical field. His footprint in executive development programs tailored for professionals, entrepreneurs, and senior government officials is a testament to his commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise on a global scale. Moreover, Dr. Nanda's influence extends beyond the classroom, as he has served as a non-executive director on the boards of public companies, private firms, partnerships, not-for-profit organizations, and academic institutions. His role in shaping the strategies and direction of these entities reflects his profound commitment to organizational excellence and governance. In conclusion, Dr. Ashish Nanda's remarkable journey from academic excellence to visionary leadership in the spheres of education and professional services underscores his enduring commitment to scholarship and knowledge dissemination. His multifaceted contributions as an educator, author, and leader serve as a beacon of inspiration in the realms of academia and professional development.
Mr. Bruce Poh
CEO, ITE Education Services
Mr. Bruce Poh, an eminent figure of remarkable distinction, is a transformative leader in education and vocational training. As the Chief Executive Officer of ITE Education Services (ITEES) Singapore, his unwavering commitment to fostering excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape the world over. Mr. Poh's educational journey is emblematic of his dedication to continuous learning and academic excellence, epitomized by his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious National University of Singapore (NUS). His academic pursuits lay the cornerstone for a career of remarkable influence and leadership. Upon his graduation from NUS, Mr. Poh embarked on a distinguished career, working as an engineer at Hewlett Packard, where he honed his technical acumen. His transition to the Economic Development Board (EDB) Singapore marked a pivotal juncture in his career, as he underwent intensive training in state-of-the-art technologies, equipping himself with the knowledge and expertise necessary to contribute to Singapore's technological advancement. His appointment as Assistant Director of the French-Singapore Institute and Japan-Singapore Technical Institute underscored his instrumental role in fostering international collaborations in education and technology, further enhancing his professional repertoire. In 1992, Mr. Poh played a seminal role in establishing Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), a significant milestone in the Singaporean educational landscape. Over the subsequent 15 years, he held concurrent positions as Deputy Principal, Director of Information Technology, Design, Business Schools, and the Centre for Quality. His multifaceted leadership significantly shaped the direction of NYP, nurturing the development of students in diverse fields of study. In 2007, Mr. Poh's commitment to education and vocational training reached its zenith in his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) by the Singapore Ministry of Education. His decade-long tenure at ITE marked a period of transformative leadership, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the institution's direction and enhancing its outreach through TVET. His retirement from ITE in 2017 marked the conclusion of a distinguished era in vocational education. Currently, as the CEO of ITE Education Services (ITEES), Mr. Poh continues to manifest his unwavering commitment to the advancement of TVET systems globally. ITEES's mission to provide consultancy services to foreign governments and private entities seeking to establish exceptional TVET systems in their countries underscores Mr. Poh's enduring influence on the international educational landscape. Mr. Bruce Poh's exceptional journey from engineering to the pinnacle of leadership in vocational education and training reflects his steadfast commitment to the betterment of society through education. His visionary leadership, marked by a commitment to excellence and a profound impact on education, stands as an enduring testament to his legacy in the field.
Dr. Leena Srivastava
Independent Non-executive Director, Shell
Dr. Leena Srivastava, a luminary of profound distinction, exemplifies an exceptional amalgamation of academic brilliance and visionary leadership in energy economics and sustainable development. As an independent non-executive director on the esteemed Shell board, Dr. Srivastava's strategic acumen has proved to be an invaluable asset to the organization, shaping the energy sector's future. Her academic journey is illustrious, adorned with a PhD in Energy Economics from the venerable Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Moreover, her intellectual repertoire is further enriched by a master's degree in economics from the University of Hyderabad. Dr. Srivastava's professional trajectory has been an odyssey of remarkable contributions and exemplary leadership. She served as the Deputy Director General for Science at The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Vienna, Austria, where her role provided interdisciplinary scientific leadership, fostering cutting-edge research in applied systems analysis and sustainable development on a global scale. Her distinguished career commenced at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), where she invested over three decades, culminating in her appointment as the Executive Director. Her dedication and insightful stewardship at TERI solidified her status as a visionary in energy management and sustainable development. A testament to her commitment to higher education and sustainable development, Dr. Srivastava served as the Vice Chancellor of the TERI School of Advanced Studies in New Delhi, an interdisciplinary institution dedicated to the advancement of sustainable development. In this capacity, she nurtured future leaders and scholars, imparting an unparalleled commitment to sustainability, reflecting her dedication to shaping the next generation of sustainability champions. Beyond her extensive academic and professional roles, Dr. Srivastava's influence extends to global platforms and advisory positions. Serving as the co-chair of the science advisory group for the UN Secretary-General's 2019 Climate Action Summit, she played a pivotal role in shaping the global climate agenda. Moreover, her roles as the co-chair of Future Earth and a member of various influential advisory boards, including the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations, and numerous international organizations, underscore her global leadership in the sphere of sustainable development. Notably, Dr. Srivastava's positions as an independent and non-executive director on the boards of Bharti Infratel and Shree Cement and her contributions to the Sustainable Development Advisory Board of Caterpillar Inc., as well as the Sustainability Advisory Board of Cairn Energy, Vedanta Resources, and Consocia Advisory India, highlight her pivotal role in guiding prominent organizations toward sustainable practices. Furthermore, her association with the International Expert Panel on Climate Change at Edelman, her role on the Shell board, and her position as a Senior Energy Expert Advisor to BCG India further exemplify her unwavering commitment to advancing global energy sustainability. Her membership in the SDG 7 Technical Advisory Group and the Advisory Board of the 'Science for Sustainable Societies' book series demonstrates her ongoing dedication to the sustainable development agenda, underscoring her multifaceted leadership. In her capacity as a coordinating lead author of the 3rd IPCC Report and a cross-cutting theme anchor on 'Sustainable Development' for the 4th IPCC Report, Dr. Srivastava has significantly contributed to the world's understanding of climate change and sustainable development. Dr. Leena Srivastava's profound and multifaceted contributions to energy economics and sustainable development - coupled with her global leadership - position her as a pioneering figure of unparalleled distinction and influence in the global arena. Her resolute commitment to shaping a sustainable future stands as an enduring testament to her unwavering dedication and extraordinary intellect.
Dr. Pinakin Chaubal
VP, Chief Technology Officer ArcelorMittal
Dr. Pinakin Chaubal is a distinguished luminary of the industrial and technological landscape, currently serving as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at ArcelorMittal. With a rich academic background and a wealth of professional experience, he embodies the essence of excellence and innovation in the field of metallurgy and technology. Dr. Chaubal's academic journey is characterized by a commitment to academic rigour and scientific acumen. Holding a PhD from the prestigious University of Utah, he has fortified his intellectual foundation, complemented by a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. These academic credentials underscore his multifaceted approach to knowledge and expertise. His illustrious career commenced in 1987 at Inland Steel in the United States, and his unwavering dedication led him to join the ArcelorMittal group in 1998 following the acquisition of Inland Steel by Ispat International. Dr. Chaubal's career is steeped in the domain of process metallurgy, and his dynamic professional trajectory has seen him assume several pivotal roles in research, operations, and technology across various organizations. With the establishment of ArcelorMittal global research and development (R&D) in 2007, Dr. Chaubal embarked on a journey to Europe as General Manager, responsible for process research and development on a transnational scale. This strategic move reflected his commitment to the global advancement of metallurgical research and development. In 2014, Dr. Chaubal's professional journey brought him back to the United States, where he took on additional responsibilities as the Head of Research Management for the Americas. His role expanded as he continued to serve as the Process Portfolio Leader and a member of the global R&D leadership team. Since May 2019, Dr. Pinakin Chaubal has been serving in his current role as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at ArcelorMittal. His leadership in this capacity underscores his unwavering commitment to technological innovation and the advancement of the metallurgical field. Dr. Chaubal's professional journey is marked by remarkable accomplishments and his ability to organize research and development teams and programs to drive strategic goals on time and within budget. His strategic acumen in developing innovative technologies to meet strategic objectives has left an indelible mark on the industrial and technological landscape. In conclusion, Dr. Pinakin Chaubal's remarkable journey from academic excellence to pioneering leadership in metallurgy and technology serves as a beacon of inspiration in research, development, and innovation. His multifaceted contributions as an academic, scientist, and industrial leader reflect a commitment to excellence and technological advancement.