Mumbai: India Inc renews its boardrooms with younger faces, aiming for dynamism and new-age thinking in the era of technological disruption.
The New Face of Indian Corporate Governance
Mumbai’s bustling financial district has witnessed a notable shift in corporate boardrooms. A younger cohort of leaders, tech-savvy and attuned to the digital age’s demands, is taking up roles traditionally occupied by experienced, often elderly stalwarts.
Binoy Parikh, a spry 31-year-old executive director at Katalyst Advisors, recently made headlines by becoming the youngest independent director in India’s corporate realm, joining the esteemed Sarda Energy & Minerals. Similarly, Upasana Kamineni Konidela and RohanVerma, both 34, have taken on significant independent director roles in leading corporations.
From Experience to Innovation: A Shift in Boardroom Dynamics
In India, millennials form the lion’s share of the workforce, prompting companies to reconsider their board compositions. The seasoned figures that once dominated boardrooms are now sharing the stage with youthful energy and innovative thinkers.
Binoy Parikh emphasizes the transformative potential of this change, “Introducing young independent directors not only infuses boards with new-age ideas but also serves to close the age diversity gap.”
In the race to remain competitive, companies are realizing the importance of age diversity, especially as technological advancements like AI and blockchain become integral. Parikh adds, “Young directors, adept at digital technologies, can provide insights on leveraging these tools to better engage consumers.”
A Reboot for Indian Boardrooms
Monica Agrawal, MD (financial services – Asia Pacific) at Korn Ferry, highlights the shifting boardroom dynamics. “The constantly evolving nature of technology and customer demographics has underscored the importance of generational diversity in boardrooms,” she observes.
The trend is catching on. Sharekhan BNP Paribas Financial Services, for instance, recently appointed 37-year-old Arjun Mohan, the ex-CEO of UpGrad, as an independent director.
RohanVerma, reflecting on his time at Chola, underscores the immense value young leaders derive from board experiences. “Being an independent director at Chola enriched MapmyIndia’s journey, especially during our successful 2021 IPO,” he notes.
Seizing the Opportunities Ahead
The regulatory landscape too seems to be in favor of younger appointments. SEBI regulations state that independent directors can only serve for two consecutive five-year terms. This rule, combined with the impending retirement of many existing directors, presents an unprecedented opportunity for young leaders to step in.
“The vast majority of India’s population is below 40,” points out Suresh Raina from Heidrick & Struggles, “For boards to truly understand this segment’s aspirations, younger representation is crucial.”
However, challenges remain. Recent statistics paint a somewhat somber picture, with only a fraction of Nifty 100 companies’ independent directors being below 50 as of March 31, 2022. But, as a report by Excellence Enablers suggests, the increasing induction of younger directors is bound to enhance boardroom relevance in these changing times.