Bharat Gaurav Mrs. Ranju Alex - Regional Vice President, South Asia Marriott International Inc., India
Ranju Alex serves as the Regional Vice President at Marriott International, overseeing an expansive portfolio of 171 hotels with over 32,000 rooms across the South Asia region. With nearly three decades of hospitality experience and 15 years of dedicated service to Marriott International, Ranju is recognized for her sharp business acumen and an authentic, hands-on leadership style that has redefined industry standards.
An alumna of the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Kolkata, Ranju began her illustrious career with the Oberoi Group of Hotels, where she honed her craft over 18 transformative years. In 2010, she joined Marriott International as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott, Hinjewadi Pune, embarking on a journey marked by operational excellence and strategic foresight. Her ability to inspire and guide diverse teams propelled her into senior leadership roles, including overseeing operations in East India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Today, she leads Marriott International’s South Asia region with vision and purpose, breaking barriers in a field where women leaders remain underrepresented. Ranju’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of leadership.
Her personal story of triumph is equally inspiring. At the age of 17, Ranju was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis, a life-threatening condition with a prognosis of only six months to live. Defying all odds, she overcame this severe illness, emerging stronger and more determined to create an impact. This profound experience instilled in her an unwavering belief in optimism, financial independence, and the empowerment of women. Inspired by a conversation with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 about women’s empowerment, led to the launch of Project Pranita, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering young women from economically challenged backgrounds. The program seeks to dismantle societal taboos and provide meaningful career opportunities in the hospitality industry, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Ranju’s passion for gender diversity and workplace inclusion has earned her global recognition as a thought leader and keynote speaker, with invitations to address audiences in Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US.
Her contributions to the industry and society have been honored with numerous accolades, including the “Women of the Decade in Business & Leadership” award at the Women Economic Forum, UK (2017), the Women Super Achiever Award by Femina, and the Achiever in Hospitality award from SHE Awards by The Telegraph. Most recently, in 2023, she received the National Award for Leadership in Positivity (Corporate) by The Society for Positive Initiative. Emphasizing that leadership is never a solo act but a harmonious collaboration of skills and talents. Her mantra of “Pursuit of Excellence and Humility in Leadership” underscores her commitment to staying rooted and fostering an inclusive environment.
Beyond her professional success, Ranju embodies Marriott’s core values, particularly in nurturing associate growth and fostering service excellence. She thrives on collaboration, problem-solving, and inspiring teams to exceed expectations while maintaining a people-first approach. Her dedication to work has never come at the expense of her personal life. She treasures her family—her husband and children—as her greatest source of joy and inspiration. A firm believer in “health is wealth,” Ranju is passionate about fitness, enjoying tennis, swimming, and cooking for friends and family. Traveling is another cherished hobby, allowing her to create meaningful memories with her loved ones.
Ranju Alex’s remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication continue to uplift communities, inspire positive change, and redefine excellence in the hospitality industry. Her journey is not just a narrative of professional success but a beacon of hope and empowerment for aspiring leaders worldwide.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Ashish Mittal - Businessman
Ashish Mittal is a Promoter and Whole-time Director of Innovatiview India Limited (“Innovatiview”). An alumnus of the University of Delhi, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electronics and Communication). He is responsible for the business activities of the Innovatiview, including pre-sales and post-sales activities, and business development, including managing the business to the Government clientele of the Innovatiview. He has over 14 years of experience.
From the outset, Ashish demonstrated an eye for opportunities and the determination to act on them. He has played a significant role in developing Innovatiview’s offerings and executing its growth strategies. His industry expertise enables Innovatiview to navigate market trends, expand its operations, and build client relationships, all while responding to technological updates.
Innovatiview is led by experienced Promoters and a management team with a track record of performance. Ashish Mittal, Ankit Agarwal, Vishal Mittal, and Abhishek Agarwal has developed a work culture where every member in the organization contributes towards the growth of Innovatiview.
It is a technology-driven and surveillance solutions provider, for examinations, elections, and large-scale events across India. Its security solutions comprise closed circuit television surveillance, biometric control, physical security systems like frisking, voice over internet protocol communication systems, global positioning system tracking as well as dedicated examination infrastructure. In addition, Innovatiview provides information technology (“IT”) equipment rental services. The portfolio of services includes end-to-end system integration solutions across diverse business verticals, with a significant focus on building security, surveillance and information systems.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Rajendra Kumar Setia MD & CEO - SK Finance Limited
Born and brought up in the small town of Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, Mr. Rajendra Kumar Setia was raised in a family of grain merchants. From an early age, he developed a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by rural communities in India—a perspective that would later shape his professional journey and leadership style.
Mr. Setia currently serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SK Finance Limited. With a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades in the financial services sector, he has emerged as a paragon of entrepreneurial excellence and visionary leadership. Under his guidance, SK Finance Limited has experienced unprecedented growth, expanding its presence across 12 states and union territories through over 579 branches, primarily in rural and semi-urban regions. His mission has always been clear: to bridge the financial gap for the unbanked and underbanked, ensuring access to opportunities for those who need it most.
An alumnus of the University of Rajasthan, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Science, Mr. Setia combines academic grounding with real-world insights. His leadership is defined by a hands-on approach, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to social upliftment. He has successfully fostered a strong institutional culture rooted in values, purpose, and service, empowering his team to deliver excellence while staying true to the company’s broader mission.
Through his tireless efforts, Mr. Setia has made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. His work has championed financial inclusion and contributed to the socio-economic progress of underserved communities across India. His legacy reflects the powerful potential of purposeful leadership to drive meaningful change in the financial sector and beyond.
Recognized as one of the "ET Business Leaders of Rajasthan 2019" by the Times Group, Mr. Setia has earned wide acclaim for his contributions to business and society. Deeply committed to giving back, he believes it is his responsibility to serve the community that has enabled his success. He actively supports various CSR initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, and often extends personal support to those in need.
Mr. Rajendra Kumar Setia’s journey is one of purpose, passion, and perseverance—a journey that continues to inspire and elevate lives across the nation.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Harbir Nat - Tech Entrepreneur
Harbir Singh Nat was born in Deolali, Maharashtra in 1966 where his father, Maj. Gen Harbans Singh, was, then, an instructor in the School of Artillery of the Indian Army. Harbir lived the life of an army child moving almost every three years as his family travelled with his father’s army postings. Harbir’sschooling was done across Ambala, Jabalpur, Pune and Delhi where he completed his 12th Standard.
Harbir was selected as a National Talent Scholar in 1982 and passed out of Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan in 1984 as the valedictorian of his year. He joined St. Stephens College to study Physics Honours but after a year moved to Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, after achieving an All India Rank of 177 in the Joint Entrance Examination, to study B.Tech in Electrical Engineering. He completed his B. Tech in 1989 and was selected to join Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIMC), where he completed in Post Graduate Diploma in Management in 1991 specialising in Finance.
After IIMC, Harbir joined India’s then leading investment bank SBI Capital Markets Ltd. in Mumbai. He then moved to ABN AMRO Bank, a leading European bank, to set up its Telecom Financing business in India.
He had a long career with ABN AMRO Bank which posted him to Singapore, then Amsterdam and then London in its Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) team. In his 16-year career with ABN AMRO Bank, Harbir completed nearly $20 billion of telecom financing deals as a lead manager, including landmark deals for Maxis in Malaysia, Hutchison Whampoa in Hong Kong, Smart Telecom in Philippines, Turk Telecom and Avea Telecom in Turkey, Casema in the Netherlands.
Harbir left ABN AMRO in 2009 to become CEO of a mobile operator in Portugal. In 2012 he joined the International Finance Corporation, a division of the World Bank as its Principal Investment Officer for Telecoms in Africa. He was posted to Washington DC and Nairobi and invested in leading African telecom and technology companies such as Teraco Data Centres and Helios Towers. He was on the Board of Directors of Helios Towers.
Harbir left IFC / World Bank in 2016 and in 2017, he co-founded PAIX Data Centres (“PAIX”), which he led as Deputy CEO and CFO from a concept to a 50-person, multi-national company. PAIX secured an investment of $40 million for Africa50, a leading multi-national development investor in 2022. Harbirexited from PAIX as a part of that fund raise and has then started two technology companies Tekk.ai Ltd and Connqt.ai Ltd.
Tekk.ai Ltd is building a portfolio of SaaS products and has launched two brands already. Connqt.ai develops software tools for small businesses to use WhatsApp in their business. Both Tekk.ai and Connqt.ai are developing AI products for businesses in their portfolio.
Harbir is married to Anindita Singh Nat. They met in IIMC where they were in the same MBA class in 1989. They have two sons Karanvir Singh Nat and Adityavir Singh Nat. Karanvir is a software engineer and Adityavir is a marketing manager for a healthcare company.
Harbir’s hobbies are writing, walking and cooking.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Varun Sheth - CEO Ketto.org
Varun Sheth, Co-founder and CEO of Ketto.org, was formerly a finance analyst. Hailing from Mumbai, he pursued his education at Jamnabai Narsee School and Narsee Monjee College.
Fueled by his passion for finance, he obtained credentials as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and in Financial Risk Management (FRM).
In 2011, he took a bold step by quitting his finance career to establish Ketto, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to social causes, underscoring Varun's unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world of philanthropy.
Additionally, he was selected for the 2017 Forbes ‘30 Under 30 List’, the 2018 Fortune magazine ‘40 Under 40 List’, and the 2019 Economic Times ‘40 Under 40 List’. He has also been invited as a speaker at several prestigious events, including those hosted by Harvard Business School, TEDx, IAS University, IITs, and TISS.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Ajeeth Narayan - Businessman
Ajeeth Narayan is a member of the Group Executive Team of Investec Bank plc. Ajeeth Manages 2 businesses for Investec group – the global aircraft leasing business and Investec’s India business.
The global aircraft leasing business of Investec was set up by Investec in 2002 and Ajeeth was one of the founding members of this business. Investec provides flexible capital to airlines, lessors to assist with aircraft acquisition of new, middle aged or end of life aircraft. Further Investec managed funds also owns and lease aircraft to airlines all over the world. Investec aircraft leasing team is able to underwrite and distribute various risks associated with aircraft leasing including credit risk, metal risk, part out risk etc. Investec is one of the few capital providers who can provide solution across the capital stack to finance acquisition of aircraft.
Ajeeth was also responsible for setting up Investec’s India business in 2011. This business was set up with the purpose of providing access to growth capital to Indian corporates. Investec India helps companies with accessing capital from Series A stage to IPO and post IPO public fund raising. Investec India has dedicated India sales resources in key foreign locations like Singapore, NYC and London to distribute Indian paper amongst foreign investors. In addition through its credit funds, Investec India also provides debt to help Indian companies grow. State Bank of India group has a 20% strategic stake in the Investec India business. In the financial year 2024/25, Investec India closed more than 57 deals across both debt and equity, public and private markets. Investec India also writes high quality research on approx. 270 Indian companies which is followed by investors across the globe.
In his spare time, Ajeeth loves cooking and sport specially skiing and tennis. Ajeeth has an undergraduate degree in engineering from IIT Kanpur and a post graduate diploma in management from IIM Kolkata.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Lalit Dua - Financial Analyst
Mr. Lalit Dua is a financial analyst in the field of Stock Markets, Mergers, Amalgamations, Open Offers, Acquisitions, De-listing, Special Situation Arbitrage, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Portfolio Management, Capital Market, etc. and has been participating in and keenly observing the stock market for the last 31 years.
Mr. Lalit Dua is a Bachelor of Commerce from Delhi College of Arts & Commerce, Delhi University in the year 1993. He is the Promoter Director of M/s. Rajasthan Global Securities Private Limited (RGSPL) (formerly Rajasthan Global Securities Limited), is a Systemically Important Non-deposit taking Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India and is also recognized as a QIB (Qualified Institutional Buyer).
RGSPL specializes in equity research, value investing, and making long-term and short-term investments in the stock market under the leadership of Mr.LalitDua. It is also one of the leading participants in the field of lending to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
With his in-depth knowledge and enriched experience in assessing the risk in investing companies by working on various ratios and financial reports, long-term value investing, and lending experience, RGSPL has been able to achieve a PAT of Rs. 688.97 Crores ($82.02 M) and Net Worth of Rs. 1989.55 Crores ($236.85 M) as on 31st March 2024 with a minuscule equity base of Rs. 29 lakhs ($0.03 M) with 100% shareholding with the promoters.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Mayank Shah - Entrepreneur
Over the last 25 years, Mayank Shah has emerged as a global thought leader in supplier diversity, responsible sourcing and economic inclusion, founding two supplier diversity organisation in the UK (MSDUK), in Europe (ESDP) and co-founding GSDA, a global think tank on supplier diversity. Currently, he is setting up Indian Responsible Sourcing Consortium (IRSC), a ground breaking project in India to support micro and small businesses become part of global supply chains.
Career Highlights :
Founder & CEO, SD Impact Venture, UK and SDIV India Pvt Ltd (2024-present)
A UK based advisory organisation with global footprint, dedicated to fostering social and economic transformation through strategic consultancy and project management. Focused on achieving a sustainable and equitable future, SD Impact Venture operates at the intersection of social responsibility, economic empowerment through responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
Co-founder & Director, Proculis (2024-present)
One platform for Purpose Driven Procurement empowering businesses to achieve their inclusive sourcing and sustainability goals through AI driven data intelligence and expert advisory services. Co-founder and Director, Global Supplier Diversity Alliance (2024- Present)
Co-founded this global alliance of advocacy partners to establish world's first global think tank and community of best practice, dedicated to advancing supplier diversity in Latin America, Asia, and Africa
Founder of European Supplier Diversity Programme (2022-2024)
Expanded supplier diversity initiatives across Europe, hosting landmark conferences and publishing influential research.
Founder and ex-CEO MSDUK (2006-2024)
Established the UK's first supplier diversity advocacy organization, partnering with 250+ global corporations and generating nearly £5 billion in opportunities for 1,500+ ethnic minority businesses.
Voluntary Work :
Ashoka-ASPIRe accelerator : A mission-ally (Mentor) to one of the AshokaFellow, Voice4Girls
Mentor to two impact-driven NGOs in India : Tri Impact and Nidaan
Advisory board member to PACE Index
Education :
Master’s in commerce from Delhi University l MBA from Leeds University l Doctoral research on supplier diversity l Graduate of Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Programme l Executive education from Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth
Mayank's vision combines cutting-edge technology with deep procurement expertise to create inclusive supply chains that drive measurable social impact while delivering business value.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Rajvir Singh - Businessman
Rajvir Singh's journey began in a humble village in Haryana, India, where he was born and raised. Rooted in the values of his rural upbringing, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Law degree from Jaipur University. He briefly practiced law, gaining valuable experience and insight into the legal framework of the nation. However, Rajvir harbored a deeper aspiration – a fervent desire to uplift rural communities by enhancing their road infrastructure and connectivity. This vision propelled him to shift gears and venture into the civil construction business, with the overarching goal of contributing to the betterment of society by constructing vital roadways at the state level.
Rajvir's foray into the business world proved to be remarkably successful. His dedication, meticulous planning, and keen understanding of the construction process enabled him to establish a thriving civil construction company. As his reputation grew, so did the scale of his operations. He expanded his reach, undertaking projects in various states across India, thereby solidifying Rajvir & Company's position as a key player in the industry. His success did not go unnoticed. Many aspiring contractors, eager to learn the intricacies of road construction, sought his guidance and mentorship.
Rajvir, known for his generosity and willingness to share his knowledge, readily offered his expertise, empowering numerous individuals to establish their own successful businesses in the field.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rajvir Singh has been a guiding force and mentor to his friends and family members. His wisdom, support, and encouragement have had a transformative impact on their personal and professional lives, enabling them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
His two sons, Ravi and Anand, have now joined the family business, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the table. They have played a pivotal role in propelling Rajvir & Company to new heights, securing national highway contracts and further expanding the company's footprint.
Rajvir Singh's success story is not solely defined by his business acumen. He is equally admired for his unwavering commitment to social responsibility and community development.
He has become a pillar of support for his village community, dedicating significant time and resources to empowering individuals to become successful entrepreneurs and responsible citizens.
His genuine desire to uplift others and contribute to the well-being of society has earned him immense respect and admiration.
With over four decades of experience in the civil construction industry, RajvirSingh has witnessed firsthand the evolution of technology and materials. He remains at the forefront of innovation, embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable construction materials to ensure that his projects are not only of the highest quality but also environmentally responsible. His forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainability have set a new benchmark for the industry.
In addition to his role as Managing Director, Rajvir Singh has been an active member of the Bhiwadi Manufacturing Association (BMA) since 2013, actively serving as its Vice President since 2017. In addition he has played a key role in development of Bhiwadi from a village into a major a industrial area in India. BMA represents the third-largest industrial area in India, and Rajvir's leadership and contributions to the association have been invaluable. His involvement in the BMA underscores his commitment to the broader industrial landscape and his desire to foster growth and development in the region.
Rajvir Singh's journey is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on society. He has successfully navigated the complexities of the business world, built a thriving enterprise, and emerged as a respected leader and mentor.
His unwavering commitment to quality, professionalism, and community development has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a visionary who leads by example. His contributions to the civil construction industry and his dedication to uplifting rural communities have left an indelible mark on the landscape of India. He is a successful father, a shrewd businessman, and a compassionate mentor who continues to inspire and empower those around him.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Vishnu Appadu - Entrepreneur Care Trainings
From humble beginnings in Mauritius to becoming a respected entrepreneur and
global thought leader in the UK, Vishnu Appadu’s story is one of resilience, purpose,
and service. His path blends spiritual depth with enterprise, creating a legacy rooted in compassion, education, and empowerment.
Born into the culturally rich Appadu family, whose spiritual roots trace back to India, Vishnu was deeply influenced by Indian philosophy and dharma. His father, Pandit Sattiadev Appadu, a priest and teacher, and his mother, UmahAppadu, a homemaker, instilled in him the values of discipline, compassion, and service. Weekly pujas at the family temple shaped his early spiritual awareness.
At the age of 17, Vishnu joined the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, Where he began his lifelong journey in meditation, self-realization, and service. This spiritual foundation continues to guide every step of his professional and personal life.
A brilliant academic, Vishnu attended the prestigious John Kennedy College in Mauritius, excelling in Physics, Mathematics, Music, and Computer Science. He later earned a BSc in Physics before moving to the UK to pursue his MSc in Computer Science. Even as a student, he worked tirelessly in the care sector, supporting the elderly and vulnerable — an experience that ignited a new sense of purpose.
Entrepreneurial from a young age, Vishnu founded his first company, Prestige Ltd., at 18, offering affordable computer systems and free IT tuition to the local community. His early ventures reflected a rare combination of technical skill and social responsibility.
In 2025, Vishnu was honoured with the Global Leader and Business Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to human wellbeing. Under his guidance, Care Trainings has grown into a beacon of values-based, purpose-driven education.
Beyond his professional achievements, Vishnu’s impact as a father and role model is equally profound. He ensures that his family remains connected to their Indian heritage. His children, Darlena and Shaye Appadu, study at Avanti Secondary School — a UK-based values-driven institution with a curriculum focused on ethics, philosophy, Sanskrit, and meditation.
At present, Vishnu is wholeheartedly committed to nurturing the next generation of Indians in the UK — both professionally and spiritually. He empowers young individuals to discover their unique talents, while instilling in them the values of self-awareness, service, and purposeful leadership. For Vishnu, true success lies not only in career advancement, but in living with integrity and inner strength. Through mentoring, community engagement, and spiritual guidance, he is cultivating a new wave of leaders who honour their heritage, uplift others, and lead with both wisdom and compassion.
As Vishnu himself believes:
“In a world that moves fast, it is our roots that keep us grounded.”
His legacy continues to grow — not just in education and enterprise, but in inspiring a generation to lead with heart, honour tradition, and create a better world through values and vision.
