Larsen & Toubro has appointed Amitabh Kant as an Independent Director on its Board. The former NITI Aayog CEO and G20 Sherpa brings decades of experience in governance, policy, and sustainable development. Kant, architect of Make in India and Startup India, strengthens L&T’s focus on innovation, nation-building, and inclusive growth.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of India’s leading engineering and infrastructure conglomerates, has announced the appointment of Amitabh Kant as an Independent Director on its Board — a move that brings a blend of governance, innovation, and policy-driven insight to the company’s leadership.
The appointment marks a significant moment for L&T, known for its role in shaping India’s infrastructure and industrial landscape. By inducting one of the country’s most influential policymakers, the company reinforces its commitment to nation-building, sustainable growth, and strategic innovation.
A member of the Indian Administrative Service (Kerala cadre, 1980 batch), Amitabh Kant has served in several key roles across his distinguished career in public administration. Most notably, he was the CEO of NITI Aayog, India’s apex policy think tank, where he championed reforms focused on entrepreneurship, digital governance, and sustainable development.
Kant also served as India’s G20 Sherpa during the country’s presidency, leading critical negotiations and fostering global cooperation across economic, climate, and technology domains. His leadership during this period was widely recognized for enhancing India’s stature in global policymaking forums.
A visionary bureaucrat and reformist, Kant is widely credited as the driving force behind transformative national initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, and Incredible India — programmes that reshaped India’s global narrative around manufacturing, innovation, and tourism. His deep understanding of the intersection between policy, technology, and enterprise is expected to bring a strategic dimension to L&T’s long-term vision.
An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a celebrated author, Amitabh Kant’s writings and public addresses often emphasize the role of innovation, public-private collaboration, and sustainability in driving inclusive economic growth.
Industry observers note that Kant’s induction aligns seamlessly with L&T’s ethos as a company deeply embedded in India’s growth story. Over the decades, L&T has evolved from a construction and engineering powerhouse into a diversified global enterprise spanning infrastructure, energy, technology services, and heavy engineering.
Commenting on the appointment, L&T’s leadership described Kant’s inclusion as a valuable addition to the Board’s strategic depth. His vast experience in governance, sustainability, and economic transformation is expected to complement the company’s ongoing initiatives in digital infrastructure, green energy, and smart manufacturing.
Kant’s presence on the Board comes at a time when L&T is expanding its footprint in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, defence technology, and global EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) markets. His insights into policy frameworks and innovation ecosystems could play a key role in aligning the company’s ambitions with India’s broader developmental goals.
Known for his forward-looking approach and passion for driving systemic change, Kant has often said that “innovation and sustainability are the twin engines of India’s growth story.” His association with L&T — a company synonymous with engineering excellence and national development — symbolizes the convergence of these two ideals.
With this appointment, Larsen & Toubro continues its tradition of bringing together leaders who embody India’s transformative spirit, ensuring that its growth remains not just profitable, but purposeful. Amitabh Kant’s inclusion on the Board is expected to guide L&T’s journey as it builds the infrastructure and technology foundations of a new, resilient India.
