Top Indian CEOs to Watch in 2025

In 2025, the Indian business ecosystem continues to grow at a rapid pace. From startups to multinational corporations, Indian leaders are making their mark not only in India but across the globe. With a rising focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation, Indian CEOs are playing a crucial role in reshaping the future.

This blog highlights some of the most inspiring and influential Indian CEOs to watch in 2025. These are leaders who are setting benchmarks in their industries and guiding their companies through changing times. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or a business professional, this list offers insights into leadership, vision, and the future of business in India.

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1. Satya Nadella – CEO, Microsoft

Although based in the US, Satya Nadella’s Indian roots and leadership style continue to inspire professionals back home. As the CEO of Microsoft, he has been instrumental in strengthening the company’s position in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. In the last year, Microsoft reported a record-breaking revenue in cloud services. Nadella’s leadership is often studied in business schools as a modern example of empathetic yet strategic leadership.

2. Sundar Pichai – CEO, Alphabet (Google)

Another global Indian name, Sundar Pichai leads Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Under his guidance, Alphabet has scaled new heights in innovation, especially in AI and digital products. Pichai has always emphasized responsible tech development and data privacy. His calm approach, despite leading one of the world’s most powerful tech companies, makes him a leader many look up to.

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3. Bhavish Aggarwal – CEO, Ola Electric

Bhavish Aggarwal is leading India’s push towards electric mobility. With Ola Electric, he aims to make India self-reliant in electric vehicle manufacturing. His company’s recent EV launches and the setting up of large-scale battery manufacturing units show a long-term vision for sustainability. He is not just building a company but also contributing to a cleaner, greener India.

4. Roshni Nadar Malhotra – Chairperson, HCLTech

As the first woman to head a listed IT company in India, Roshni Nadar has broken several barriers. Her focus on innovation, digital solutions, and social responsibility has helped HCLTech expand its global footprint. She is actively involved in educational initiatives and has positioned herself as a strong advocate of inclusive leadership.

5. Anish Shah – CEO, Mahindra Group

Anish Shah is a leader who understands the importance of both growth and sustainability. Under his leadership, Mahindra Group has entered new business areas like electric tractors, renewable energy, and smart farming solutions. He believes in building value through long-term vision rather than short-term profits. His strategies reflect a deep understanding of India’s economic and environmental needs.

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6. Leena Nair – CEO, Chanel

Leena Nair made headlines when she became the CEO of luxury brand Chanel. A former CHRO of Unilever, her transition to the fashion world is proof of her versatile leadership. She brings a people-first approach even to a brand known for its elegance and exclusivity. Leena’s story is a great example of how Indian professionals are now shaping global brands across industries.

7. Shantanu Narayen – CEO, Adobe

Leading Adobe since 2007, Shantanu Narayen is known for turning the company into a powerhouse of digital media and marketing solutions. In 2025, Adobe continues to lead in areas like content creation, AI tools, and digital experience platforms. Narayen’s deep understanding of product and customer needs makes him one of the most respected Indian-origin CEOs in the world.

8. Revathi Advaithi – CEO, Flex

Revathi Advaithi has brought a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing at Flex. She is working towards achieving net-zero emissions for the company by 2040. Her commitment to ethics, environmental responsibility, and employee well-being sets her apart in the competitive manufacturing space.

9. Nikesh Arora – CEO, Palo Alto Networks

With a background in telecom and finance, Nikesh Arora now leads one of the biggest cybersecurity companies in the world. As the CEO of Palo Alto Networks, he is responsible for protecting major institutions from cyber threats. In an era where data security is critical, his role has become even more essential.

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10. Arvind Krishna – CEO, IBM

As the head of IBM, Arvind Krishna has placed a strong focus on hybrid cloud computing and artificial intelligence. He believes in building tech solutions that solve real-world problems. Krishna also encourages partnerships between industry and academia to ensure future-readiness.

Final Thoughts

These Indian CEOs are shaping the future, not just of their companies, but also of entire industries. They represent a mix of global and domestic leadership that is thoughtful, innovative, and responsible. From electric vehicles to enterprise software, Indian leaders are now setting global standards.

Their stories show that with the right mindset, vision, and execution, Indian professionals can succeed anywhere in the world. These are the faces to follow if you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, and a glimpse into where Indian business is heading in 2025 and beyond.

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