As India’s business landscape evolves, leadership, innovation and new approaches to growth are shaping the way industries move forward. Bringing these conversations to the forefront, HMD presented the ET Business Excellence & Leadership Summit 2026 at the Radisson Hotel Delhi MG Road, bringing together visionary leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers to celebrate excellence and spotlight the ideas and achievements driving meaningful transformation across sectors, under the theme ‘Redefining the rules of growth and leadership’.

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Ravi Kunwar, CEO & VP - India APAC, HMD

Ravi Kunwar, CEO & VP - India APAC, HMD, speaking on their association, said, “Leadership is about turning vision into action and creating an impact that extends beyond the organisation. We are delighted to be associated with the ET Business Excellence & Leadership Summit 2026, a platform that brings together leaders who are shaping businesses, industries and the future. At HMD, we value the opportunity to celebrate and recognise leadership that drives meaningful progress and inspires others to think bigger."

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Jyoti Malhotra, MD, Volvo Car India, added, "At Volvo Cars, we believe progress is driven by purposeful innovation. The ET Business Excellence & Leadership Summit brings together leaders who share this passion for expanding possibilities. We are delighted to be part of a platform that celebrates excellence, inspires collaboration and drives meaningful change.”

The evening opened with an insightful panel discussion on ‘Leading Through Global Uncertainty: Building Resilient & Future Ready Organisations’, consisting of Yogita Tulsiani, Captain Anchit Bhardwaj and Shruti Swaroop

Speaking during her session, Yogita Tulsiani, Director and Founder, iXceed Solutions, said: “Resilience isn’t about predicting every disruption; it’s about building organisations agile enough to adapt, courageous enough to evolve, and human enough to turn uncertainty into opportunity for lasting growth.”

Captain Anchit Bhardwaj, Skynex Aero, further added, “In aviation, resilience is about being prepared to adapt quickly without compromising safety, compliance or long-term purpose. As India’s aviation sector expands, future-ready organisations will be those that invest in people, infrastructure, technology and the operational depth needed to absorb disruption.”

Shruti Swaroop, Founder, Embrace Consulting, concluded by saying, “Resilience is not something leaders can summon in the middle of a crisis. It is built quietly, in the years before, through trust, capable managers and genuine inclusion. Gallup's latest data shows manager engagement in South Asia fell eight points in a single year. That is our early warning. Organisations that invest in their people now will be the ones still standing, and leading, after the next disruption."

Sachin Jain, Co-Founder, ProcMart, said, “Building resilient organisations requires more than technology; it requires agility, transparency and strategic thinking. As procurement evolves into a strategic business function, leaders must embrace digital transformation, strengthen supply chains and create sustainable value that enables businesses to grow with confidence.”

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This was followed by a fireside chat with Dr Dinesh Gupta, President, Sekawati Group of Companies, better known as 'BAGMAN OF INDIA', on ‘The Invisible Footprint: How Plastic Pollution is Accelerating the Climate Crisis’, which was a candid conversation on decoupling growth from waste, greening supply chains, and future-proofing corporate India. Speaking during his session, he added, “Saving our precious environment by making eco-friendly, reusable and sustainable cotton carry bags for 3 decades. We do business but take care of the environment too!!”

The next panel discussion was on “India’s Growth Story 2.0: What Will Define the Next Decade of Leaders?” and consisted of Ajay Kakkar, Ritika Jatin Ahuja, Akshra Dalal and Maj. Vikram Gupta.

Speaking during the session, Ajay Kakkar, Vice President, Radico Khaitan, quoted, "Future leaders will drive India's growth by building global brands from India. It's about youth power, digital-first mindset, and sustainable luxury that delivers world-class quality with deep Indian pride."

Ritika Jatin Ahuja, Founder - Queens Drive Club, COO - Big Boy Toyz, added, “India is growing rapidly, and I believe women have a very important role to play in that growth. For me, leadership is about having the courage to start, the confidence to keep going and the willingness to create opportunities for others along the way.”

Akshra Dalal, Director, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, further said, "Leadership is not about creating followers, but empowering individuals to question, challenge, and think beyond what they are taught. Education must break away from conformity and nurture independent minds, not just career-ready professionals. True progress begins when we stop expecting people to fit into systems and start building systems that recognise their individuality and potential.”

Concluding the session, Maj. Vikram Gupta, Founder & Managing Director, Flexi Seating Systems Pvt. Ltd., said: "Success is the quiet result of daily discipline, resilience through setbacks, and the relentless courage to keep moving forward when no one is watching."

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Honoring excellence across sectors
The summit concluded with a felicitation ceremony that recognised extraordinary individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields. The ceremony was presented in the presence of renowned actor Rajeev Khandelwal, as the Chief Guest of the evening.

Research Methodology
The selection process for the felicitation was conducted by Avance Insights Pvt. Ltd., an independent market research agency ensuring transparency, merit, and credibility in every recognition. The process involved desk research, a factual survey, and follow-up through various channels to arrive at the results.

List of achievers:

• Ritika Jatin Ahuja, Founder - Queens Drive Club, COO - Big Boy Toyz, Woman of Influence - Excellence in Automotive Leadership & Industry Impact
• Ravi Kunwar, CEO & VP - India APAC, HMD - Excellence in Purpose-Driven Smartphone Innovation
• Yogita Tulsiani, Director and Founder, iXceed Solutions - Excellence in AI-Driven Workforce Transformation
• Dr Dinesh Gupta, President, Sekawati Impex - Visionary Entrepreneur of the Year
• Umesh Kedia, Chief Growth Officer, Zealthix Technologies Pvt. Ltd. - Emerging HealthTech Start-up
• Dentzz Dental - Excellence in Dental Clinic Chain Network
• Exotica One32, Exotica Group - Iconic Commercial Development of the Year
• Dr Subodh Sachan, CEO - Excellence in International Logistics Leadership
• Anurag Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, Biodeal Pharmaceuticals Limited - Fastest Growing Pharmaceutical Company
• Sachin Jain, Co-Founder, CFO & Chief Strategy Officer, ProcMart - Excellence in Digital Procurement & Supply Chain Transformation
• Aditya Dispomed Products Pvt. Ltd. - Pioneering Excellence in Surgical Device Manufacturing
• AKM Global - Leading M&A and Transaction Advisory Firm
• Alok Sharma, Managing Partner, Brand Innovations LLP - Leadership in Experiential Marketing & Brand Activation
• Rajat Kumar Pruthi, CEO, International Security Organisation - Excellence in Security & Facility Management Services across India
• Alphaneon Studioz Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Original Content for Emerging OTT Platforms
• Altaf Chapri, Co-Founder and Managing Director, ABChapri Retreats India Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Sustainable Luxury Hospitality & Experiential Travel
• Rakesh Sharma, Founder, Succession Resources LLP - Excellence in Family Business Succession Advisory
• Atharva University Mumbai - Excellence in Academics and Co-Curricular
• ALT INDIA LEGAL - Excellence in Corporate Legal Advisory & Strategic Counsel
• PARRYWARE - Roca Bathroom Products Pvt Ltd - Excellence in Building an Iconic Indian Brand
• Bloom Hotels - Visionary Brand of the Year 2026
• CA Amit Jugia, CA Akhil Iyer, Founders, edZeb Technologies Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Industry-Oriented Finance & Accounting Education
• Captain Anchit Bhardwaj, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Skynex Aero - Aviation Business Leader of the Year
• Central Coalfields Ltd. - Strategic Communications Leadership Award
• Capri Global Capital Ltd. - Excellence in AI-Driven Financial Services & Innovation
• CloudTry Infotech - Excellence in Cloud & AI Transformation
• Daewoo India - Excellence in Consumer Electronics & Home Appliances Innovation
• Deepak Garg, Managing Director, RD Retail India Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in FMCG Retail-25 years of Transforming Rural & Urban Markets
• Deepti Pathak Company - Business Excellence in Executive Coaching and Leadership Transformation
• Harinder Singh Hora, Founder Chairman, Reach Group - Visionary Leader in Commercial Real Estate Development
• Dr Jitendra Mittal, Founder & Director, Ganpati Scientifics - Excellence in Organic Agriculture & Sustainable Exports
• Dr Richa Raj, Director, Ritzy Technology - Excellence in AI & Technology Innovation
• Max Institute of Medical Education - Leadership in Medical Education and Clinical Training
• DriveX Mobility Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Tech-Driven Transformation of India’s Pre-Owned Two-Wheeler Ecosystem
• Dt. Divya Gandhi, Founder / Head Nutritionist, Diet and Cure - Excellence in Nutrition & Dietetics
• EaseMyDeal - Excellence in Digital Payments
• Edumilestones - Outstanding School Career Counselling Platform
• Elements Financial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Structured Finance & Capital Solutions
• ENS Enterprises Ltd. - Excellence in Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies
• Prismara Jewels India Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Innovative Retail
• F1 Info Solutions & Services Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in After-Sales Service & Customer Experience
• Finvision Financial Services - Excellence in Retirement & Financial Planning
• GD Goenka Signature School - Excellence in Academic Mentorship and Guidance
• Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Stroke Awareness and Preparedness: Making India Stroke Aware Nation (MISAN)
• Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Paediatric Haematology
• GSC Intime Services Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Indirect Tax Litigation & Strategic Advisory
• H.P. Cotton Textile Mills Ltd. - Sustainable Manufacturing Excellence Award
• HiveSchool of Business - Emerging Business School of the Year
• Jindal Power Ltd. - Excellence in Operational Efficiency & Performance Optimization in the Power Sector
• Kanwar Deep Singh & Arvind Singh, MD & Director, Aircon Engineers Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Engineering and Delivering Sustainable and Resilient HVAC Projects
• Katori Foods and Beverages Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Rural Women Empowerment Through Enterprise
• KD Aerospace Systems Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Indigenous UAV Innovation
• Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Digital Printing Solutions
• LaFetch - Excellence in Curated Fashion Commerce: Innovation in Occasion & Trend-Led Fashion
• Manika Monga, Co-Founder, Açaí It Upp - Outstanding Healthy Food Brand of the Year
• Manoj K P, Head of India, illumifin India LLP - Excellence in Building India GCC Focused on Insurance TPA & InsurTech Solutions
• Maxvolt Energy Industries Ltd. - Innovation in Lithium Battery Manufacturing
• Neepra India Ltd. - Excellence in Manufacturing & International Trade Leadership
• NestART Exhibit India Pvt. Ltd. - Excellence in Global Exhibition & Trade Show Solutions
• Newgen Software Technologies Ltd. - Excellence in Low-Code & AI-Led Enterprise Innovation
• Pallavi Srivastava, Vice President, Program Management, VectorStack - Excellence in Strategic Leadership & Business Transformation
• Petpooja - Excellence in Digital Payments & Restaurant Technology
• Sandeep Jain, Managing Director, Trans Scan Securities (P) Ltd. - Excellence in Capital Market Leadership & Business Growth
• Sai University - Excellence in AI Innovation & Technology-Driven Education
• ServDharm - Excellence in Transforming Devotional Retail
• Polymerupdate / RACE - Excellence in Global Polymer and Petrochemical Market Intelligence and Plastics Recycling Intelligence
• Shield Technologies Incorporation - Excellence in NDT Equipment, Consumables & Industrial Inspection
• Shikha Kajaria, Co-Founder, Sverve - Excellence in Brand Building and Market Development
• Span Media Communications Ltd. - Excellence in 360° Brand Communication for BPCL
• Xcelore - Excellence in AI Product Engineering & Development
• Zanskar Health - Excellence in Science-Backed Pain Care Innovation

Abhishek Dubey, Director, Fanzine, on his association said, “Honoured to associate with ET Business Excellence, where exceptional leaders and transformative businesses come together to inspire the future.”

Kavix Media said, “An association built around excellence, inspired by leadership, and driven by the ambition to create lasting impact.”

List of Partners:

Title Sponsor – HMD; Celebration Partner – Radico Khaitan; Luxury Car Partner –Volvo; Strategy Partner – Brands Impact; Kombucha Partner – Mountain Tribe; PR Partner – FanzineIndia Group; Outreach Partner – Kavix Media; Multiplex Partner – Ibox Media Works

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