IT services major HCL Technologies (HCLTech) has announced the appointment of Amitabh Kant as an Independent Director, effective September 8, 2025. The five-year appointment was cleared by the company’s Board following a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, HCLTech said in a statutory filing on Monday.
Welcoming the move, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech, said: “We are delighted to have Amitabh Kant join the Board.” Kant, she noted, brings deep expertise in governance, policy-making, and reform-driven leadership.
A policymaker with global recognition
Kant, a former IAS officer, has earned a reputation as one of India’s most prominent governance reformers and policy innovators. Most recently, he served as India’s G20 Sherpa (2022–2023), where he was instrumental in steering negotiations that culminated in the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. The declaration, which achieved consensus among global leaders, laid out cooperative frameworks on economic growth, digital public infrastructure, climate finance reforms, and technology partnerships.
During India’s G20 presidency, Kant emerged as a key voice for advancing the Global South’s priorities while positioning India as a consensus builder on pressing international issues.
Legacy at NITI Aayog and beyond
Before his G20 role, Kant served as the CEO of NITI Aayog, where he oversaw some of India’s most significant policy programmes. These included the Aspirational Districts Programme, which sought to uplift underdeveloped regions; Startup India, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship; and extensive Ease of Doing Business reforms to improve India’s global competitiveness.
Kant also championed Make in India and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, designed to boost domestic manufacturing and exports. Earlier in his career, he spearheaded tourism campaigns such as Incredible India and God’s Own Country, both of which received global acclaim.
With his appointment, HCLTech signals its intent to deepen its engagement with public policy, innovation, and global governance at a time when India’s IT services sector is increasingly shaping conversations around technology, digital infrastructure, and sustainability.