CIO, KindKart | Chair – ASSOCHAM CSR & Sustainability (South) | Professor of Practice | ESG Person of the Year 2025

Prof. Abhishek Ranjan is a distinguished global business leader, sustainability strategist, academic contributor, and impact ecosystem builder with more than 21 years of professional experience across business strategy, operations, industry relations, responsible marketing, ESG, sustainability, technology, and social impact. His career reflects a rare combination of corporate leadership, policy engagement, academic involvement, and purpose-driven innovation.

Over the years, Prof. Ranjan has worked with leading global organizations such as IBM, Oracle, and Brillio, where he played significant roles in leading cross-functional teams, managing complex business operations, strengthening industry partnerships, and driving sustainable growth. His experience spans both Indian and global markets, giving him a strong understanding of business transformation, stakeholder engagement, and responsible corporate growth.

Leadership in ESG and Sustainability

Prof. Ranjan is widely recognized for his work in ESG, CSR, climate action, decarbonization, diversity, equity and inclusion, and community impact. As the Chair of ASSOCHAM CSR & Sustainability for South India, he actively brings together industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, academic institutions, and corporate decision-makers to advance the agenda of responsible business and sustainable development.

His role is not limited to discussion and advocacy. He focuses on converting sustainability ideas into practical business strategies. His work encourages companies to integrate ESG principles into core business models, governance systems, communication strategies, and long-term growth plans.

CIO at KindKart: Building AI-Powered Impact Ecosystems

As Chief Impact Officer/CIO at KindKart, Prof. Abhishek Ranjan is engaged in building AI-powered impact ecosystems. His work at KindKart focuses on using technology, data, artificial intelligence, and innovation to create scalable solutions for social good. He believes that technology can become a powerful force for inclusive development when it is aligned with human values, sustainability goals, and community needs.

His leadership reflects the growing importance of AI for impact, where digital platforms can help organizations improve transparency, measure outcomes, support CSR implementation, and connect resources with real social needs.

Global Representation and Policy Engagement

Prof. Ranjan has represented India at the G20 and has engaged with United Nations organizations on global sustainability frameworks. He has also served as Joint Secretary of the United Nations Global Compact, strengthening his role as a credible voice in international sustainability and responsible business conversations.

His global exposure allows him to connect local development priorities with international ESG standards, climate goals, and responsible business frameworks. This makes him a valuable speaker for forums focused on CSR, ESG, climate leadership, sustainability transformation, and inclusive growth.

Responsible Marketing and Purpose-Led Communication

One of Prof. Ranjan’s important areas of expertise is responsible marketing. He brings deep knowledge of purpose-led brand strategy, ethical communication, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability-driven storytelling. His approach emphasizes that businesses must communicate with responsibility, transparency, and authenticity.

He advocates that modern brands must go beyond profit-centric messaging. They must build trust with society, employees, customers, regulators, communities, and investors. His insights are especially relevant for corporates, GCCs, technology companies, and organizations seeking to align communication with ESG commitments.

Academic Leadership and Institution Building

Prof. Abhishek Ranjan also contributes significantly to academia. He serves as a Professor of Practice at World Business School and holds governing and academic board roles with reputed institutions including IOD, IMT Ghaziabad, IIM Shillong, XIME, and St. Joseph’s University.

His academic work includes designing and leading CEO forums, Management Development Programmes, Faculty Development Programmes, and executive education initiatives. He has contributed to learning programmes for leading organizations such as Mercedes-Benz, Tesco, banks, GCCs, and other corporate institutions.

Through his academic leadership, he bridges the gap between industry and education. He brings real-world business insights into classrooms, boardrooms, and leadership development platforms.

Areas of Expertise

Prof. Ranjan brings strong expertise in:

Business Strategy and Global Operations
He has led complex, multi-geography operations and translated strategic vision into practical execution across technology and consulting organizations.

Industry Relations and Ecosystem Building
He has deep relationships across corporates, regulators, government bodies, academic institutions, and international organizations.

ESG and Sustainability
His work covers climate action, decarbonization, CSR strategy, DEI, responsible business, and community impact.

Responsible Marketing
He specializes in ethical communication, stakeholder engagement, purpose-led branding, and sustainability communication.

AI for Impact
He works on the use of artificial intelligence and digital platforms to strengthen impact ecosystems and social innovation.

Academic and Executive Education
He contributes to leadership development, board-level learning, CEO forums, FDPs, MDPs, and institutional advisory roles.

Credentials and Recognition

Prof. Abhishek Ranjan’s professional journey is supported by strong credentials and recognitions. He has been named ESG Person of the Year 2025 and recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice. He is also associated as Consulting Editor, Indian Oil HR Vista. He is ESG Certified by IICA and has completed executive education from IIM Bangalore and ISB. He is currently pursuing a PhD and holds academic qualifications including MCA and MBA from IMT Ghaziabad.

Read an interview with Abhishek Ranjan