Academic Council Members
Arun kumar
Data Scientist, Associate Manager, PepsiCo
Mr. Arun Kumar is an experienced Data Scientist and AI Consultant specializing in machine learning, statistical modeling, and AI integration. He has led AI initiatives at global companies like PepsiCo and Google, earning recognition for innovation and impact. Proficient in tools such as Python, TensorFlow, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau, with strong analytical and research expertise. He actively engages in academia through workshops, curriculum design, and mentoring in AI and Data Science.
Bhanu Prakash
Vice President - Head CSR, Spandana Spoorthy Financial Limited
Mr. Bhanu Prakash is a Vice President & Head of CSR at Spandana Spoorthy, with 20+ years of experience across diverse sectors. He leads initiatives in women’s empowerment, health, sustainability, and financial literacy, earning national-level awards. Previously, he held leadership roles at Educomp, Tata Projects, and Dr. Reddy’s Foundation, driving CSR and education programs. Bhanu holds an MBA from NMIMS and certifications in CSR and ESG from IRMA and IICA.
Chetan Srivastava
Professor, Hyderabad Central University (HCU)
Prof. Chetan Srivastava is a senior faculty at the School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, with 25 years of experience. He has held key roles including Chairman, PGAB, and Director, International Affairs at the university. An award-winning educator, he is known for his expertise in marketing, strategic management, and academic leadership. He holds a Ph.D. from Osmania University and is a respected speaker, author, and Ph.D. mentor.
Devi Prasad Uppala
Finance professional and academic advisor
Mr. Devi Prasad Uppala is a finance professional and academic advisor with 17+ years of experience in investment banking, capital markets, and financial education. A Chartered FRM and former FinTech CEO, he has trained over 50,000 professionals and placed 2,000+ students in finance roles. He teaches at leading B-schools and manages HNI portfolios using data-driven investment strategies. With global credentials, he bridges academia and industry through practical, experiential learning in finance.
Dr. Ch S Durga Prasad
Academic Leader, AIMS
Dr. Ch S Durga Prasad is the Executive Director of AIMS, with nearly 35 years of experience in academics, industry, and research. He formerly served as Director of Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, Hyderabad. His expertise includes quality assurance, outcome-based education, HR, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He has guided 8 Ph.D. scholars, published 25+ papers, and actively contributes to NHRD and HMA.
G.V. Subbareddy
DNH & Vice President - Sales & Marketing /South1, Coromandel
Mr. G.V. Subbareddy is Vice President at Coromandel International Ltd. with 42+ years of experience in the agri-sector. He has led a ₹5000+ crore business and mentored future leaders while promoting sustainable farming practices. A strong advocate for farmer prosperity, he has conducted 500+ farmer seminars and drives rural girl child education initiatives. He serves as a mentor and expert with FAI, CII, FICCI, and PJTSAU, promoting industry-academia collaboration in agriculture.
Harsha Vardhan
Managing Director - Medha Research and Consulting pvt.com
Mr. Harsha vardhan is the Managing Director of Medha Research and Consulting, specializing in strategy and market intelligence. With 20+ years of leadership experience at Deloitte, IBM, TCS, and SIS Infotech, he advises businesses across industries. He empowers startups and SMEs through research-driven strategies and AI-enhanced consulting. A visiting faculty at top B-schools, he was named a “Top 10 Market Research Leader” by CEO Insights in 2021.
Kishore Kumar
CEO, Excelytics
Mr. Kishore Kumar, Founder & CEO of Team Excelytics, has 16+ years of experience in Business Intelligence, AI, and Data Analytics across domains like healthcare and finance. He is a Microsoft Certified Trainer skilled in tools like Power BI, ChatGPT, and SAP BI. He has led training for top corporates and academic institutions, empowering teams through AI-driven analytics education. His strength lies in innovative teaching and transforming data into actionable business insights.
Dr. P. Murugan
Research, Hyderabad Central University (HCU)
Dr. P. Murugan is an Assistant Professor at the School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, with a PhD from Anna University. He is recognized for his excellence in teaching and research, receiving the Chancellor’s Award from UoH. With expertise in data analysis and structural modeling, he has published in top-tier journals and delivered over 250 workshops and FDPs. He also developed online courses for the SWAYAM platform.
Dr. Pradeep Racherla
Professor, Mahindra University
Dr. Pradeep Racherla is the Associate Dean and Professor of Marketing at Mahindra University, specializing in digital transformation and marketing strategy. He consults with global firms and teaches at ISB, XLRI, and SP Jain, with past roles at Woxsen and West Texas A&M. His research is widely published and cited, with over 3,000 citations and recognition like the Emerald Citation of Excellence. He has worked with major brands like Pepsi, Nestle, and Diageo on digital and customer-centric strategies.
Rajendra Krishna Prasad Peddi
Vice President, Hyderabad Management Association
Mr. Rajendra Krishna Prasad Peddi is a seasoned engineering professional with over 35 years of experience in production, operations, and project management across reputed industries. He holds qualifications including LME, AMIE, MTech (PE), and PGDBM. Currently, he is the Principal Consultant at PRK Consultants Consortium, offering consultancy to SMEs. He is also actively involved in professional bodies and has a passion for classical arts, travel, and sports.
Ram Gopal
CEO, ARGS Consultants
Mr. Ram Gopal is a Founding Director of ARGS Consultants, has 32 years of experience in industrial packaging and manufacturing operations. He is an empanelled trainer and consultant with CII, focusing on operational excellence across India. An engineering graduate with a master’s in industrial engineering, he has worked globally on best practices and strategy. Passionate about mentoring and youth empowerment, he actively contributes to social and educational initiatives.
V. Ravi Kumar
Director-Alliance at AlgaEnergy S.A. (Desangosse Group company), India
Mr. Ravi Kumar is a seasoned agri-business leader with 21 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development across fertilizers, seeds, and biostimulants. An alumnus of ANGRAU and Symbiosis, he has worked with top firms like NFCL, Monsanto, and Thomson Reuters. He currently serves as Director – Alliance at AlgaEnergy S.A., leading strategic business operations. Ravi is known for his strong leadership, communication skills, and ability to drive growth through innovation and teamwork.
Dr. Ravindra Penmatsa
Certified Life & Executive Coach Acumentor
Dr. Ravindra Penmatsa is a seasoned business leader with 40 years of experience across NTPC, SAIL, and Tech Mahindra, where he managed $350M+ business and led 5000+ people. An IIT Kharagpur alumnus with a PhD in Well-Being, he specializes in business strategy, IT, and people development. He is a certified ICF coach, having mentored over 1,000 professionals, including IIM and ISB alumni. Currently, as Chief Mentor at Acumentor, he advises organizations on leadership, growth, and well-being.
Dr. Sirisha Kasinadhuni
Founder & CEO, EMPIEZO
Dr. Sirisha Kasinadhuni is the Founder & CEO of Empiezo IT Solutions™ and AI Concept Studio™, with 20+ years of experience in AI, ML, and Operations Research. She has developed 10+ AI/ML products with global impact, trained 1500+ students, and received over 15 prestigious awards. Her work spans major corporates like Merck, Pfizer, P&G, and ICRISAT, solving industry problems at scale. She is also a mentor, speaker, and jury member at various national and international forums.
Srinivas Rao
HR, L N B Group
Mr. Srinivas rao with over 21 years of HR leadership experience, the user has driven strategic HR initiatives across sectors like agriculture, textiles, energy, and finance. Currently GM – HR at LN Bangur Group, they specialize in HR digitalization, talent management, and employee engagement. Their past roles reflect expertise in M&A, compensation restructuring, and competency mapping. A certified HR analytics professional, they hold MHRM and B. Com degrees from Andhra University.
Sudhir Kumar
Former Director, Ni-MSME
Mr. Sudhir Kumar is a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the Ministry of MSME, leading entrepreneurship and MSME development initiatives. He played a key role in startup incubation, export facilitation, and industrial modernization across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Previously, at Andhra Pradesh Productivity Council, he led productivity and quality enhancement projects in large industries. He holds M.Tech and B.Tech degrees in Mechanical Engineering, with deep expertise in policy execution and enterprise development.
C. Vamsi Krishna
CEO, Agrisensi
Mr. C. Vamsi Krishna is the CEO of AgriSensei and a passionate business leader with 19 years of experience in the Indian Agri-Input sector. He has held key roles in MNCs, Indian seed companies, and AgriTech firms, driving sales, marketing, and business transformation. His core strengths lie in organizational scale-up, change management, and strategic consulting across pan-India operations. An alumnus of MANAGE, Hyderabad, Vamsi specializes in AgriTech, branding, P&L management, and team development.
Dr. Vengalarao Pachava
Asst. Professor, NMIMS
Dr. Vengalarao Pachava is an Assistant Professor at NMIMS Hyderabad with a Ph.D. in Management and expertise in business analytics, AI, and data science. He has published research in Scopus, ABDC, and Web of Science journals and leads ICSSR-funded sustainability projects. A former Data Scientist, he brings industry experience to his academic role. He is certified in SAS and Power BI and regularly conducts workshops on analytics and research methods