Dr. Kaustubh Sonalkar

Dr. Kaustubh Sonalkar is a Business Strategist with over 30 years of experience having worked across multiple sectors and geographies. He is a winner of the prestigious Maharashtra Ratna, Maharashtra Gaurav, and the Governors Award.  

He has led and managed Mergers & Acquisitions, Technology, Marketing & Branding, Product Development, Human Capital Management as well as ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) for some of the leading business conglomerates across the globe. 

Having been on the board across diverse sectors has given him a well-rounded view & understanding of Business. He is a board member of the IHRIM USA (International Association for Human Resource Information Management). He has also served as the Group Director - HCM Communications, CSR & General Affairs for Welspun group. Prior to that, he has served as the President HR for Essar Group and as the CEO for Essar Services & CEO for Essar Foundation. He was also the Chief People Officer for Future Group in India.  

His core expertise lies in syncing business goals with people management and designing proactive and predictive policies instead of reactive measures. His ability to manage a business innovatively, by blending his people and technology skills, combined with strong financial acumen, brings a unique mix to achieve high-end business success. His exposure to diverse global markets enables him to manage different teams, people, and businesses seamlessly across the world. He has previously worked with organisations like Vodafone UK, United Nations, Airtel, and PwC.

Being a music composer, a state-level and under-19 India cricketer, and a Miss. India pageant judge, he believes in combining innovation and creativity in whatever he does. 

Kaustubh is an alumnus of the prestigious London School of Economics and has a Doctorate in Business Management and Education.