Edtech Major Strengthens Leadership Team
Edtech company upGrad has appointed Mukesh Mundra as its new chief financial officer (CFO), strengthening its leadership team as the company accelerates global expansion and business scaling efforts.
Mundra replaces Venkatesh Tarakkad, who had been serving as the company’s CFO since March 2024.
The leadership transition comes at a crucial phase for upGrad as India’s edtech sector continues navigating profitability pressures, consolidation trends and evolving global expansion opportunities.
Mukesh Mundra Brings Over Two Decades Of Experience
According to the company, Mundra brings more than 26 years of experience across finance leadership roles spanning sectors including media, telecom, manufacturing and consumer businesses.
A chartered accountant and certified financial analyst by qualification, Mundra joins upGrad from JioStar, where he led the finance division.
Before JioStar, he spent over eight years as chief financial officer at Viacom18 Media, managing large-scale finance and business operations within India’s media and entertainment sector.
Earlier in his career, Mundra also held leadership positions at companies including Idea Cellular, Grasim Industries and Anand Rathi Group.
Industry experts believe Mundra’s experience across consumer-focused and large-scale businesses could support upGrad’s efforts to strengthen operational discipline and long-term financial planning.
Mundra To Oversee Finance And Governance Operations
upGrad said Mundra will lead the company’s finance and administrative functions, including financial planning, governance frameworks, strategic business collaboration and expansion-related financial operations.
The company added that his role will become increasingly important as upGrad continues pursuing international growth opportunities and strengthening its global education business.
Ronnie Screwvala said Mundra’s expertise in finance, governance and business transformation makes him a significant addition to the company’s leadership team.
“His strategic understanding of finance, governance and business transformation will play a critical role as we continue scaling our global operations and strengthening our long-term growth roadmap,” Screwvala said.
Leadership Changes Come Amid Industry Consolidation
The appointment comes at a time when India’s edtech sector is witnessing major leadership transitions, restructuring exercises and consolidation activity as companies increasingly prioritise sustainable growth and profitability.
The development also follows recent changes at Unacademy, where Sumit Jain recently stepped down from his full-time operating role as CEO of the company’s test preparation business ahead of its acquisition by Mumbai-based upGrad.
Industry analysts believe strategic leadership hires are becoming increasingly important for edtech companies as they focus on improving governance, operational efficiency and long-term financial stability following the sector’s rapid expansion phase.
upGrad Continues Focus On Global Growth
Founded by Ronnie Screwvala, upGrad has expanded aggressively across online higher education, professional learning and international education segments over the last few years.
The company has also strengthened its presence across overseas markets as Indian edtech firms increasingly explore global learner demand and cross-border expansion opportunities.
Analysts believe the appointment of an experienced finance leader could help upGrad improve financial discipline while supporting future growth initiatives, acquisitions and international operations.
