Goa, India, April 2025 – Adil Zainulbhai has been appointed as the Chairman of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa, marking another milestone in his illustrious career spanning global consulting, strategic leadership, and public service. In this role, he will help shape IIT Goa’s institutional vision, guide strategic priorities, and strengthen its academic excellence and innovation-driven impact across India and globally.
Prior to this appointment, Adil Zainulbhai served as Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Ropar, where he played a pivotal role in aligning academic governance with industry and national development agendas. Simultaneously, he has held the position of Chairman of the Capacity Building Commission, an initiative set up by the Government of India to enhance the capacities of India’s civil services, and continues to contribute to the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) as a board member.
Earlier, Adil was Chairman of the Quality Council of India (QCI) for over eight years, where he strengthened India’s national quality framework across sectors. His corporate leadership experience includes board roles at Reliance Industries Ltd., Larsen & Toubro, Network18, and Cipla, where he chaired and contributed to key committees on audit, HR, and corporate governance. He has also been a board member at the Piramal Foundation, aligning philanthropic goals with measurable social impact.
He retired in 2014 as Chairman of McKinsey India after 34 years with the firm, including a decade of leading its Indian operations. Before his return to India, Adil led McKinsey’s Washington D.C. office and founded the Minneapolis office, working closely with global CEOs, MNCs, and public sector undertakings across sectors. His co-edited book “Reimagining India” showcased 60 influential voices, and was ranked #1 in non-fiction in India and #2 on Amazon’s international business list in the U.S.
Adil began his career after graduating in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Bombay and later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. Over the past four decades, he has earned wide recognition as a thought leader at the intersection of policy, industry, and innovation.
About Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa
Indian Institute of Technology Goa is an Institute of National Importance established by an Act of Parliament. Located in Goa, it is committed to advancing excellence in engineering education and research. With growing influence in academic and industrial collaborations, IIT Goa attracts students and scholars from across India and globally for its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The institute continues to strengthen its role in driving India’s innovation and knowledge economy through cutting-edge education and research.
Read Also : HR Is Not a Support Function—It’s the CEO’s Most Powerful Growth Engine
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
From Gatekeeping to Gateway Building: Transforming How Organisations Create Access
Leadership In Talent Management: A Powerful Driver for Economic Growth
