UNGCNI Names Vaishali Nigam Sinha as First Private Sector President in Over Two Decades

The United Nations Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI), the Indian arm of the UN Global Compact, has announced the formation of its new Governing Council for the 2025–27 term. In a landmark development, Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder and Chairperson – Sustainability at ReNew, has been elected as the President of the Council. This marks the first time in over two decades that a leader from India’s private sector will helm the organization, historically led by public sector figures such as ONGC.

The newly elected 12-member council comprises representatives from corporates, not-for-profit organizations, consultancies, and premier educational institutions. This broad-based representation is expected to bring a multi-stakeholder approach to advancing sustainable business practices in India.

Under Ms. Sinha’s leadership, the Council aims to promote the global “Forward Faster” initiative across its member base and strengthen efforts in gender equality, climate action, water resilience, and the circular economy. An advocate for sustainability and inclusive growth, Ms. Sinha emphasized the need to move “beyond dialogue to shape policy, unlock partnerships, and turn ambition into collective impact.” She also stressed the importance of women-led leadership in driving a just and resilient future.

Ms. Sinha brings deep expertise in sustainability, ESG, and corporate strategy, and her appointment is seen as a significant shift toward a more inclusive and impact-oriented leadership model within UNGCNI.

With over 361 member organizations and regional chapters in major cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, UNGCNI plays a crucial role in aligning Indian business practices with global sustainable development goals. The Governing Council is elected biennially by the network’s General Body.

Below is the full list of the new Governing Council of UNGCNI:

• President – Ms. Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder, ReNew and Chairperson- Sustainability, ReNew Pvt Ltd
• Vice President – Northern Region: Mr. Rishi Chawla, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, Carlsberg India Private Limited
• Vice President – Eastern Region: Mr. Adhip Nath Palchaudhuri, Chairman & Managing Director, Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd
• Vice President – Western Region: Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Verma, Head – Environment, Health & Safety, Grasim Industries Limited
• Vice President – Southern Region: Mr. Thakur Pherwani, Chief Sustainability Officer, TVS Motor Company
• Secretary: Mr. Ganesh Reddy, Founder cum CEO, Citizens Foundation
• Joint Secretary: Mr. Abhishek Ranjan, Senior Director and Global Head ESG, Managing Trustee – Brillio Foundation, Brillio
• Treasurer: Dr. Nitin Dumasia, President & CEO, Growlity Private Limited

The Governing Council also includes:

1. Ms. Gagandeep K. Bhullar, Founder & CEO, SuperHumanRace
2. Dr. Ajit Parulekar, Director, Goa Institute of Management
3. Mr. Sridhar L, Assistant Vice President & Head – ESG, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL)
4. Mr. Jitendra Kumar Sarawgi, Managing Partner, J K S S & Associates