ITC STRENGTHENS BOARD WITH AMITABH KANT’S APPOINTMENT AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

ITC Limited has appointed former G20 Sherpa and policy veteran Amitabh Kant as an Independent Director, signalling a strategic focus on governance and long-term growth. His extensive experience in public policy and economic reform is expected to add depth to board deliberations as ITC navigates an evolving business landscape.  

ITC Limited’s boardroom took on fresh momentum this week with the announcement that eminent public policy expert Amitabh Kant has been appointed as an Independent Director, a move that marks a meaningful milestone in the evolution of one of India’s most diversified conglomerates. The appointment, effective from January 1, 2026, for a five-year term, has not only captured attention because of Kant’s towering professional stature, but also because it signals a strategic inflection point for the company as it navigates a rapidly changing business landscape.

Amitabh Kant is widely recognised for his distinguished career in public administration and economic policy, spanning more than four decades. A retired Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1980 batch (Kerala cadre), he served at the highest echelons of governance, shaping national development strategies and global policy dialogues. Most recently, he was India’s G20 Sherpa during the nation’s presidency of the Group of 20 in 2022–23, a role that saw him shepherd the agenda for global cooperation and consensus among world leaders during a period of geopolitical and economic complexity.

Kant’s appointment to the board of ITC comes at a defining moment for the company. Over the last decade, ITC has transformed itself from a primarily tobacco-centric business into a multi-vertical powerhouse with robust interests in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), hospitality, agribusiness, paperboards and packaging, and information technology infrastructure services. It stands as one of India’s most watched conglomerates, blending legacy businesses with ambitious growth aspirations. With the board now enriched by Kant’s governance experience and strategic insight, industry watchers expect ITC to benefit from his perspective on navigating regulatory complexities, fostering innovation and aligning corporate priorities with broader economic trajectories.

The decision was ratified by shareholders through an e-voting process, reflecting confidence in Kant’s capacity to add value to the company’s governance and future direction. Alongside his appointment, ITC also announced the re-appointment of Hemant Malik as a Director and Wholetime Director for a further term of two years from August 12, 2026, bringing continuity in executive leadership as the company continues its expansive strategy.

For many in India’s corporate and policy spheres, Amitabh Kant’s name carries weight as a changemaker. During his tenure as CEO of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), he was instrumental in driving transformative initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, Ease of Doing Business reforms and the Aspirational Districts Programme. His leadership was credited with invigorating government-industry collaboration and pushing forward structural reforms aimed at enhancing India’s competitiveness. Prior to that, he held key roles including Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and CEO of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation — positions that deepened his understanding of industrial strategy, infrastructure planning and global partnerships.

Kant’s expertise is not confined to government corridors. Post retirement from active administrative service in mid-2025, he has been sought after by several major Indian corporations. He currently serves on the boards of HCL Technologies, Larsen & Toubro and InterGlobe Aviation, where his insights into public policy, global economic trends and institutional reforms are valued as companies navigate ambitious growth plans and complex regulatory environments. His transition from public service to corporate governance reflects a broader trend of cross-sector fertilisation, where seasoned policymakers bring strategic rigor to India’s private sector boards.

At ITC, his appointment comes against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive FMCG landscape and heightened expectations from investors for future growth. The company has been widely admired for its diversified revenue streams and capacity to pivot successfully across sectors. Its iconic brands — including Aashirvaad, Sunfeast, Savlon, Fiama and Classmate — have established deep consumer loyalty, even as ITC continues to expand market share in foods, personal care, lifestyle and wellness categories. The board’s confidence in Kant’s strategic counsel suggests an aspiration to blend strong governance with bold execution as the company charts the next phase of growth.

Within the corporate community, there is broader appreciation for the value that independent directors bring to boards, especially as companies face multifaceted challenges such as digital disruption, sustainability transitions and global market volatility. Independent directors serve as steward-leaders who can provide oversight, diverse perspectives, and constructive scrutiny to management decisions. With his deep network and exposure to global economic forums and policymaking institutions, Kant is expected to enrich board deliberations with nuanced viewpoints on risk, regulation and long-term value creation.

Beyond his public and corporate roles, Amitabh Kant is also known for his intellectual contributions. He has authored and contributed to a wide array of articles and publications on governance, economic development and India’s place in the world stage. His thought leadership on digital public infrastructure and economic transformation has been showcased on global platforms, underlining his conviction that robust policy frameworks and innovative governance models can unlock social and economic potential. (The Times of India)

Yet, the integration of public policy experts into corporate boards is not without its complexities. Skeptics sometimes caution that the metrics of public good and commercial performance differ, and that governance roles require careful navigation between stakeholder interests and shareholder expectations. In Kant’s case, his extensive track record in balancing policy priorities with economic pragmatism may serve as a bridge across these domains. His role at ITC could well be a testament to how seasoned policymakers can apply systemic thinking to corporate challenges, fostering resilience and strategic adaptability.

For investors and market analysts, the impact of such board appointments is often assessed not just in terms of near-term financial performance, but in how they shape long-term corporate ethos and strategic coherence. ITC’s share price and financial metrics may respond to broader market sentiments and underlying business performance, but the intangible influence of board composition — particularly with figures of Kant’s calibre — can underpin investor confidence and corporate reputation over time. (TipRanks)

As ITC prepares to welcome Amitabh Kant to its board in the new year, the company’s stakeholders — from employees and consumers to investors and industry observers — will be watching closely. His appointment resonates with a period of both introspection and ambition for ITC: a conglomerate rooted in India’s industrial history, yet pushing into new frontiers of consumer relevance and operational excellence. If boardroom influence is any measure of strategic direction, this move reflects ITC’s intent to blend governance strength with visionary leadership as it steers into the decade ahead.

In the end, the story of Amitabh Kant’s induction into ITC’s board is more than a corporate announcement. It is a chapter in the evolving narrative of India’s corporate governance — where experienced policymakers bring their hard-won insights to bear on private enterprise, enriching the dialogue between public purpose and commercial success at a time when both are inextricably linked.