Meet Our Team Members
Each one of us at IIRIS is a Value Catalyst for whom furthering client business in the most effective manner is the solo aim. Backed by a team of global industry leaders, IIRIS comes armed both with technical know-how and multi jurisdiction expertise.
Board Of Advisors
Dr. Vikram Singh
Advisory Leader
Dr. Vikram Singh
Former DGP, Uttar Pradesh | National Security Expert
Dr. Vikram Singh is one of India’s most decorated IPS officers, recognised for his leadership, courage, and transformative policing. A 1974 batch IPS officer and former Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, he pioneered the use of technology in law enforcement, modernised police operations, and mentored a generation of officers across India.
A scholar and strategist, Dr. Singh continues to guide research on national security, counter-extremism, and internal threats. He has led high-risk counter-terror and anti-dacoity operations, and served as the first chief of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF). During his tenure at the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), he established India’s first Cyber Security Cell for aviation infrastructure.
His knowledge, decorated service, and thought leadership make him a respected voice across government, academia, and strategic advisory circles.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- IPS Officer (1974 batch)
- Former Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh
- Former Head, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Founder, Cyber Security Cell for Airports
- Mentor to Police Academies, IITs, IIMs, and Administrative Colleges
Awards and Honours
- President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (Four-time awardee)
- President’s Medal for Long & Meritorious Service
- President’s Medal for Distinguished Service
- Kathin Seva Medal (with Bar)
- Limca Book of Records – Most Highly Decorated IPS Officer in India
- NRI Award
- Akhil Bharat Vidwat Parishad Award (conferred by Hon’ble Shri Rajnath Singh)
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Rajesh Pant
Advisory Leader
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Rajesh Pant
Former National Cyber Security Coordinator | Global Cybersecurity Leader
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Rajesh Pant is an internationally renowned expert in cybersecurity governance and digital risk strategy. Until recently, he served as National Cyber Security Coordinator in the PMO’s National Security Council Secretariat, where he was responsible for steering India’s cybersecurity posture across all sectors.
Under his leadership, India’s rank rose from 47th to 10th on the UN Global Cybersecurity Index. A former Head of the Indian Army’s Cyber Training establishment, he served 41 years in the Signals Corps and was thrice awarded by the President of India for distinguished service.
General Pant holds a Ph.D. in Information Security Metrics, an MTech from IIT Kharagpur, and postgraduate degrees in management and strategy. He continues to advise governments, industries, and international alliances on cyber resilience and has represented India at key global platforms including WEF, QUAD, Prague 5G Conclave, and Cybersecurity Forums in Riyadh, Israel, and Singapore.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Ph.D. – Information Security Metrics
- Former Head – Army Cyber Training Establishment
- National Cyber Security Coordinator – Government of India
- Chairman – Cyber Security Association of India & India Future Foundation
Industry Contributions
- Represented India – WEF, QUAD, Global Cybersecurity Forums
- Awardee – Baliga Memorial Award (IETE), President’s Distinguished Service Medal
- Distinguished Alumni – IIT Kharagpur (2023)
- Global Advisor – CyberPeace Organisation
- Advisor – Global Counter Ransomware Initiative, International Cyber Dialogues
Maroof Raza
Advisory Leader
Maroof Raza
Strategic Affairs Expert | National Security Commentator
Maroof Raza is a leading voice on national security, strategic affairs, and geopolitical risk, with over two decades of experience as a defence analyst, former soldier, author, and media commentator. As Strategic Risk Advisor at IIRIS, he brings deep expertise in global threat analysis, military strategy, and policy advocacy.
He currently serves as Consulting Editor for Strategic Affairs at TIMES NOW, where he is known for his sharp insights and field credibility. His award-winning military documentary series Line of Duty was India’s first of its kind and entered the Limca Book of Records. A former Indian Army officer with service in the Grenadiers and Mechanised Infantry, he has also been an instructor at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
Maroof is a distinguished alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, King’s College London, and Cambridge University, and regularly lectures at institutions like NDA, NDC, LBSNAA, and international think tanks. As a widely read columnist and editor, he continues to influence public discourse on security and foreign policy.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Former Officer, Indian Army (Grenadiers & Mechanised Infantry)
- Instructor, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
- Visiting Fellow – Centre for Policy Research (Delhi), Stimson Center (Washington), King’s College (London)
- Consulting Editor, TIMES NOW
- Mentor, Security Watch India
- Lecturer – NDA, NDC, LBSNAA, and International Forums
Publications and Editorial Roles
- General Editor – Military Affairs Series (Har Anand Publications)
- Editor-in-Charge – Fauji India
- Publisher – Salute Magazine
- Regular Columnist – THE WEEK
Ambassador Gurjit Singh
Advisory Leader
Ambassador Gurjit Singh
Former Diplomat | Global Economic & Strategic Affairs Expert
Ambassador Gurjit Singh is a veteran Indian diplomat with 37 years of distinguished service in the Indian Foreign Service, known for deepening India’s strategic and economic ties across Asia, Africa, and Europe. As an Advisory Leader at IIRIS, he brings rich experience in geo-economic diplomacy, policy negotiation, and multilateral partnerships.
He served as Ambassador of India to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and the African Union, and held key positions in Tokyo, Rome, Colombo, and Nairobi. Known as a business-friendly diplomat, he championed investment promotion, cultural engagement, and institution-building—playing a pivotal role in India-Africa Forum Summits, India-Japan business dialogues, and India-ASEAN cooperation.
A prolific author, Ambassador Singh has written several well-regarded books on bilateral relations and development diplomacy. His work in public service delivery and passport reform in India also earned widespread recognition.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Hon. Professor – International Relations, IIT Indore
- M.A. – International Studies, JNU
- B.A. (Hons.) – Politics, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
- Alumni – Mayo College, Ajmer
- Former Ambassador – Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, African Union
- Former Director General – Africa, MEA
- Bimal Sanyal Awardee
Industry Contributions
- Lead Diplomat – India-Africa Forum Summits I & II
- Architect – India’s Economic Engagement in Ethiopia and Indonesia
- Senior Liaison – UN-Habitat, UNEP, IGAD
- Author – The Abalone Factor, The Injera and the Parantha, Masala Bumbu, Opportunity Beckons
- Expert – Foreign Investment Strategy, Bilateral Trade, Cultural Diplomacy
Anuj Bharadwaj
Advisory Leader
Anuj Bharadwaj
Specialised Counter-Terrorism Strategist | Former Defence & Intelligence Official
Anuj Bhardwaj is a highly respected national security professional with over four decades of experience in military operations, counter-terrorism, intelligence planning, and strategic advisory roles. Commissioned into the elite Parachute Regiment in 1975, he later served with India’s premier Technical Intelligence and Strategic Units.
During his early military career, he was entrusted with legal, ceremonial, and operational responsibilities at Delhi Area HQ and later chosen as Staff Officer to the Chief of an elite counter-terror organisation. He was instrumental in framing policies and SOPs for Special Forces and training paramilitary units in anti-terror protocols.
Post-deputation to the Cabinet Secretariat, he led critical technical wings and was conferred with multiple awards for meritorious and distinguished service. Following his retirement, he joined NTRO (National Technical Research Organisation), where he established its first in-house training centre and oversaw multi-centre operations.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Graduate – Indian Military Academy
- B.Sc. – National Defence Academy
- Diploma – Management Studies
- Master’s – Disaster Management
- Former Staff Officer – Counter-Terror Organisation
- Former Adviser – Cabinet Secretariat
- Consultant – National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)
Industry Contributions
- Recognised – Government of India Awards for Meritorious Service
- Founder – NTRO Training Facility, PMO
- Lead – Technical Intelligence Operations (Post-Kargil Era)
- Advisor – Strategic SOPs for Paramilitary Counter-Terror Units
- Expert – High-Level Technical and National Security Advisory
Sanjay Dwivedi
Advisory Leader
Sanjay Dwivedi
Global Forensic Accounting & Risk Expert
Sanjay Dwivedi is a seasoned forensic investigations expert and one of India’s leading voices in corporate risk, forensic accounting, and financial due diligence. As the Advisory Leader – Forensics at IIRIS, he supports clients with high-stakes financial investigations, startup risk mitigation, and cross-border compliance.
A UK-qualified Chartered Certified Accountant (F.C.C.A.), Sanjay has worked across the UK, USA, UAE, and India, covering 71 types of businesses. He served with Deloitte & Touche, held leadership roles in Indian multinationals like Punj Lloyd and Spectranet, and is a Certified Information Security Advisor (CISA, USA). He has led multiple forensic reviews, IPO audits, mergers, and de-mergers globally.
He currently advises global startups and turnaround firms and is a top-rated trainer with the ICAI and an Adjunct Professor at Christ University. He also conducts workshops at IIM Bangalore, combining real-world expertise with academic rigor.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- F.C.C.A. (UK) – Chartered Certified Accountant
- Certified Information Security Adviser – USA
- Doctoral Research Fellow – NSL, Pune
- Stanford – Business Model Canvas
- ISB – Strategic Thinking & Implementation
- Disney Institute – Creating World Class Experiences
- Consultant – IBM India, ICAI, IIM-B
Industry Contributions
- Ex-CEO – NIXI, Department of IT, Government of India
- Ex-President – Internet Service Providers Association of India
- Executive Director – Risk at Punj Lloyd
- Founder – Global Venture Firm for Consulting & Training
- Faculty – ICAI (CPE), Christ University, IIM-B
- Advisor – Greyhound Research, Educational Trust Unnati
Rodney D. Ryder
Advisory Leader
Rodney D. Ryder
Cyber Law & Digital Forensics | Legal Strategist & Technology Law Expert
Rodney D. Ryder is a distinguished legal advisor and thought leader in the fields of cyber law, digital forensics, and data protection. As Advisory Leader at IIRIS, he brings cutting-edge legal acumen to digital governance, privacy frameworks, and intellectual property strategy.
Rodney is a Partner at Scriboard, a leading commercial law firm specialising in technology, IP, and media law. He serves as Advisor to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, Government of India, guiding the implementation of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Internationally recognised, he has been listed among Asia’s leading lawyers in IP, media, and tech law by Asia Law, Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal.
His authoritative books—including Guide to Cyber Laws and Intellectual Property and the Internet—have been cited in landmark Indian Supreme Court judgements. He is also a legal advisor to the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and serves on its arbitration panel.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Partner – Scriboard, Technology & IP Law
- Advisor – Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India
- Author – Guide to Cyber Laws, Intellectual Property and the Internet
- Legal Advisor – National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
- Panel Arbitrator – Domain Dispute Resolution (NIXI)
- Visiting Faculty – Legal Education Institutions across India
Industry Contributions
- Recognised as a ‘Leading Lawyer’ – Asia Law, Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal
- Featured in ‘40 under 45’ – Who’s Who Legal, UK
- Cited in Supreme Court of India – Landmark Domain Name Ruling
- Contributor – The GNLU Journal of Law, Development & Politics
- Thought Leader – Cyber law, e-commerce, privacy, outsourcing, IP strategy
D. K. Rustagi
Advisory Leader
D. K. Rustagi
Infrastructure & Design Strategist | Project Management Veteran
D. K. Rustagi is a veteran design and project management expert with over 40 years of experience across infrastructure, sustainable architecture, landscape design, and services engineering. As an Advisory Leader at IIRIS, he brings a deep, cross-disciplinary understanding of strategic execution, built environment solutions, and resource-efficient infrastructure delivery.
Having worked with reputed corporates across India and abroad, Rustagi is known for his ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional teams, aligning them with strategic project goals. He combines aesthetic sensibility with functional precision, often leading innovation in sustainable and climate-responsive designs.
A mentor and hands-on strategist, he excels in guiding teams through complex delivery frameworks, integrating financial management, HR dynamics, and technology adaptation to transform concepts into resilient, future-ready structures.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Expert – Project Planning, Landscape Design, and Sustainable Systems
- Senior Consultant – Infrastructure, Design, Services Integration
- Specialist – Strategic Execution and Technical Advisory
- Leadership – Corporate & International Project Management Teams
- Practitioner – Resource Optimisation, Client-Side Engineering
Industry Contributions
- 40+ Years – Infrastructure & Design Expertise
- Core Leadership – High-impact Projects (Public & Private Sector)
- Known for – Adaptive Strategy, Team Mentorship, Cross-functional Alignment
- Strength – Combining Aesthetics with Structural Viability
- Advisor – Climate-smart Design and Built Environment Sustainability
Barry Wilkins
Board of Advisor – Adviosry Leader USA
Barry Wilkins
Global Supply Chain & Security Strategist
Barry Wilkins brings decades of experience in human resource security, physical and supply chain security, and information risk management. As Advisory Leader to the IIRIS Board, Barry supports organisations in re-engineering end-to-end risk and resilience frameworks across global operations.
Previously a senior executive at IBM and Pinkerton, Barry played a central role in designing programmes for workplace violence prevention, information security, and supply chain resilience. Notably, he assisted US Customs in developing the C-TPAT programme post 9/11 and led Operation Safe Commerce—a $40 million Homeland Security initiative to prevent WMD introduction through global shipping routes.
Barry later founded a supply chain consultancy serving high-tech firms before it was acquired by Pinkerton, where he became Vice President. At Pinkerton, he launched their global supply chain security practice and expanded the firm’s footprint by opening Pinkerton India, which grew into their largest international office.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Senior Executive – IBM, Pinkerton
- Founder – Global Supply Chain Security Consultancy
- Developer – C-TPAT and Operation Safe Commerce, USA
- Vice President – Pinkerton (Global Risk Practice)
- Founder – Pinkerton India (300+ staff, 5 cities)
- Advisor – Security Reengineering for Fortune 500 Companies
Industry Contributions
- Security Programme Design – HR, Physical & Supply Chain Risk
- Homeland Security Grant Management – OSC Ports of Seattle & Tacoma
- Risk Programme Architect – High-Value Assets and Sensitive Infrastructure
- Global Advisor – Cross-border trade risk mitigation and compliance
Stephen Peter Swain
Leading Advisor – EU
Stephen Peter Swain
CBRNE & Counter-Terror Strategy Expert
Stephen Peter Swain is a seasoned security strategist and CBRNE expert with decades of leadership across policing, consultancy, and EU-level research. As a Leading Advisor at IIRIS, he brings advanced insights into counter-terrorism, protective security, and innovation in threat response.
A former Chief Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police and Head of the Diplomatic Protection Group at Scotland Yard, Stephen oversaw 650 firearms officers and shaped protective protocols for high-risk environments. He currently serves as Associate Director at CBRNE Ltd, where he leads threat research and policy delivery on behalf of the EU.
Stephen is also CEO of the Security Innovation and Technology Consortium and lectures internationally on counter-terror strategy, firearms tactics, and business continuity. His works have been published by Routledge and Intersec Journal, and he has delivered presentations in over 30 countries on global security.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- MBA – University of Surrey
- Diploma in Management Studies – Kingston University
- HNC Public Administration – Isleworth Polytechnic
- Chief Superintendent – Metropolitan Police (UK)
- Associate Director – CBRNE Ltd
- CEO – Security Innovation & Technology Consortium
- BTEC Level 5 Faculty – Tavcom (Disaster Recovery & Security Management)
Industry Contributions
- Head – Diplomatic Protection Group, Scotland Yard
- Umpire – UK Police National Training Courses
- Silver Commander – UK National CBRNE Exercise ‘Trump Card’
- Publications – Handbook of Law & Terrorism, Terrorism and the Olympics
- Senior Presenter – Counter-terrorism in 30+ countries
- Liaison – UK Royal Family, UK/US/India/Japan diplomatic security channels
Col. Kavil Mohan
Senior Member, Board of Advisors
Col. Kavil Mohan
Special Forces Veteran | UN Programme Director
Col. Kavil Mohan is a decorated Special Forces veteran with 28 years of service across India and global conflict zones, including six years in senior roles with the United Nations. He brings unmatched expertise in geo-strategy, South Asian conflict analysis, and global security operations to IIRIS.
Post-retirement, he served as Security Head at Accenture and Global Security Head at WIPRO, where he designed enterprise-wide security, risk, and continuity frameworks. In the UN, he led disarmament and reintegration programmes in Afghanistan, successfully disbanding 900 illegal armed groups.
He is a recipient of four major decorations, including the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest gallantry award, and Afghanistan’s highest civilian honour to a foreigner for peace efforts.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Master’s in Defence Studies
- M.Phil. in Management & Security Studies
- Commissioned Officer – Indian Army, Special Forces
- Programme Director – United Nations (Afghanistan)
- Head of Security – Accenture, WIPRO
- Consultant – National Security Council, India
Industry Contributions
- Drafted – Afghanistan Peace & Reintegration Framework
- Led – Disarmament of 900 Armed Groups under UN Mandate
- Decorated – Vir Chakra (India), Civil Honour (Afghanistan)
- Served – NSG (Anti-Terrorist & Anti-Hijacking Unit)
- Consultant – Strategic Security Planning, South Asia
Ajay Goyal
Senior Member, Board of Advisors
Ajay Goyal
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW
Ajay Goyal is a distinguished officer of the 1990 batch of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), who retired from active government service in January 2025 after an illustrious career spanning over 34 years. Throughout his tenure with the Government of India, Goyal held several key positions across diverse domains, including tax administration, legal advisory, policy formulation, and technology integration.
In 2003, Goyal played a pivotal role in transforming taxpayer services by conceptualizing and implementing the outsourced processing of Permanent Account Numbers (PAN), which significantly improved efficiency and ease of doing business. Leveraging his legal acumen, he was selected for deputation to the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, where he advised the government on legal matters and represented India in engagements with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries.
An early contributor to India’s transfer pricing regime, Goyal led the stabilization of the transfer pricing unit in 2005. He further enhanced India’s knowledge base by participating in global training in Seoul and conducting extensive outreach with trade bodies. His role in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) included direct involvement in policy-making and legal interpretation, along with inter-ministerial collaboration on matters of national importance.
Goyal has also served in intelligence and enforcement roles, handling complex investigations involving digital data, and is well-versed in financial statement analytics and adjudication of direct tax matters. His tenure in the Systems Directorate of the Department provided him deep insights into IT-driven governance and the computerization of large-scale processes.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Science and two postgraduate law degrees (LL.M.). Demonstrating a continuous passion for emerging technologies, he completed a professional certification in blockchain technology from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in 2023.
Goyal brings a unique blend of legal insight, tax expertise, and digital transformation experience, making him a valuable contributor in both public policy and private sector advisory roles.
Nikhilesh Balgi
Senior Member, Board of Advisors
Nikhilesh Balgi
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW
Nikhilesh Balgi is a Senior Member of IIRIS Board of Advisors brings over 27 years of rich and diverse experience in Risk Management, Governance, Compliance, and Audit, along with deep expertise in Financial Markets, Analytics, Risk Policy & Strategy, and ESG Sustainability. He has worked extensively across the BFSI sector, with hands-on experience in Banking, NBFCs, Housing Finance, Asset Management, Insurance, AIFs, Private Credit, Corporate & Investment Banking, Broking, Wealth Management, and Consumer/Retail Lending.
Nikhilesh is academically accomplished, holding:
– A Bachelor of Commerce from Narsee Monjee College,
– A Graduate Diploma in Economics (with Distinction) from the University of London (LSE),
– A Post Graduate Degree in Management Studies (Finance) from Mumbai University,
– A Post Graduate Degree in Law (with Distinction) from Symbiosis.
He has held senior roles at prestigious organizations such as Citigroup, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank, DCB Bank, Bombay Stock Exchange, and Aditya Birla Capital.
Nikhilesh’s multifaceted experience, coupled with his academic credentials, make him a highly respected voice in the risk and compliance landscape across the financial services industry.
With his deep domain knowledge and strategic insight, Nikhilesh continues to play a pivotal role in shaping robust risk and governance frameworks for the evolving financial services landscape.
Maj. General Salihu Z. Uba
Board of Advisor, Nigeria
Maj. General Salihu Z. Uba
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW
Dr. Willie Aziegbe ESELEBOR
Board of Advisor, Nigeria
Dr. Willie Aziegbe ESELEBOR
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW
Segun H. Olugbile, Amb(Hon.)
Board of Advisor, Nigeria
Segun H. Olugbile, Amb(Hon.)
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW
Our Leaders
Garry Singh
President
Garry Singh
Strategic Risk Architect | Governance & Intelligence Expert
Garry Singh serves as the President of IIRIS, bringing over two decades of deep-rooted experience in enterprise risk management, security strategy, and compliance frameworks. A certified Six Sigma Green Belt and trained anti-terror specialist, Garry has built and led large-scale intelligence networks, governance systems, and operational risk structures across regions and industries.
From leading security operations for iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal during a high-threat phase, to managing sensitive cases involving extortion, kidnapping, and corporate fraud, Garry’s work combines investigative acumen with strategic foresight. He has worked with global organisations and government institutions on complex risk assignments involving data analytics, forensics, and stakeholder interviews.
In addition to being the Director at ICSS (Indian Council for Strategic Studies), he is an industry thought leader known for publishing work on NPA management, risk governance, and white-collar crime.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Executive Programme – Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
- Certified – Six Sigma Green Belt, Anti-Kidnap & Extortion, Anti-Terror, OHSAS 18001
- AMBCI – Business Continuity Institute
- ISO Qualified – ISO 27001, 31000, 9000, 14001
- PMI–RMP | Certified in Reid’s Interview Technique, Marketing Management, Hotel & Disaster Management
Industry Contributions
- President – Fire & Security Association of India (Security Committee)
- Member – FICCI Security & Investigations Committee
- Advisor – Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (Security Panel)
- Former Secretary – FSAI Delhi Chapter
- Councilor – IISSM | Member – ASIS, FINS, ISTD
- Editorial Lead – FSAI Journal | Advisor to global forums and events
Sagarika Chakraborty
CEO, India & Gulf
Sagarika Chakraborty
Legal Strategist | Investigations & Forensics Expert
Sagarika Chakraborty leads IIRIS operations across India and the Gulf, with a strong foundation in law, investigative practice, and strategic risk consulting. She brings nuanced expertise in fraud investigations, due diligence, financial analytics, and insider threat mapping, having built and delivered bespoke investigative models for national organisations and banks.
With a dual background in law and business, she has led training sessions for over 500 banking officers in NPA early-warning indicators and risk flagging. She is a certified expert in the Reid Technique of Interviewing & Interrogation, and has worked across sectors including corporate finance, regulatory strategy, and digital forensics.
A passionate advocate for youth leadership and women’s empowerment, she is also an award-winning author, policy contributor, and speaker at global platforms including UNESCO.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- MBA – Indian School of Business (ISB), Torch Bearer 2012
- B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – National Law University (Corporate Law)
- Certified – Reid’s Investigative Interview Technique, ISRO Space Law
- Member – FRSA (UK, 2011)
- Specialisations – Due Diligence, NPA Management, Fraud, Supply Chain, ADR
Industry Contributions
- Author | UNESCO Panel Reviewer | Corporate Trainer (500+ officers trained)
- Thought Leader – Women’s Security, Policy & Inclusion
- Expert – Insider Risk, Investigative Protocols, Risk Training Models
Kunal Bhogal
Chief Operating Officer
Kunal Bhogal
Security Infrastructure Expert | Technology Strategist
Kunal Bhogal is a SABRE Registered Professional and the Chief Design Officer at IIRIS, where he leads the firm’s Design, Engineering, and Technology vertical. With over two decades of experience in risk-based design, infrastructure automation, and digital transformation, Kunal is at the forefront of delivering scalable, high-impact security solutions.
He has worked across a broad spectrum of industries—supporting large corporations with command centre planning, project implementation, and operational continuity. Kunal’s portfolio includes major infrastructure projects such as international airports and FIFA stadium security in the Middle East. Known for aligning design with risk logic, his work bridges the gap between physical security and digital intelligence.
An accomplished trainer, Kunal serves as an instructor at the World Institute of Security Enhancement (USA) and delivers programs for global energy majors.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Executive PG – IIM Calcutta
- MBA – Operations
- M.Sc. – Information Systems
- B.Tech – Software Design
- Certified – PSIM, CPED, Threat & Risk Assessment, Disaster Recovery
- Trainer – Industrial Security Management (USA)
- Specialist – Geo-Spatial Tracking, Identity Management, Green Technologies
Industry Contributions
- Lead Designer – FIFA Stadiums, Airport Security Projects
- Member – ASIS International
- Trainer – World Institute of Security Enhancement (USA)
- Specialist – Infrastructure Risk Audits, Automation & Safety Design
- Advisor – Business Continuity, Command Centre Optimisation
Ashok Kumar
Technology Strategist
Ashok Kumar
Enterprise Infrastructure & Automation
Leader | Technology Innovation | Banking &
Finance Solutions
Ashok Kumar is a seasoned technology leader with over two decades of experience driving digital transformation, operational excellence, and infrastructure modernization across banking, telecom, and healthcare domains. With a strong foundation in engineering and business strategy, he has led global, cross-functional teams to deliver enterprise-scale automation, secure infrastructure, and resilient service frameworks for Fortune 500 organizations.
At HSBC, as the Head of Tooling & Automation, he was accountable for engineering automation across HSBC global estate spanning Windows, Linux, virtualization, storage, and network environments. His leadership drove innovations in self-healing infrastructure, compliance automation, vulnerability remediation, and data-driven observability platforms. Earlier, at Barclays, he served as Global Head of Application Hosting and Regional Head of Infrastructure, leading Global teams spreading across multiple geographical location, building globally integrated delivery and support models.
A visionary in technology operations, Ashok combines strategic insight with hands-on expertise in DevOps, cloud architecture, and data engineering. He has established automation-driven service frameworks, disaster recovery systems, and cost-efficient multicloud strategies while ensuring alignment with regulatory and risk management standards.
A certified project management and ITIL professional, Ashok brings a unique blend of technical depth and business acumen. His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, innovation, and empowerment—transforming teams into high-performing units that deliver measurable impact.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- MBA – Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore
- Certificate in Leadership with AI (+GenAI) – Indian School of Business (ISB)
- PG Program in Data Engineering – NIELIT, Chennai
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA) – Cochin University of Science and Technology
- Certified – Project Management (IIT Roorkee), ITIL Foundation, IBM Certified System Administrator (WebSphere MQ)
Specialisations
Technology Strategy | Infrastructure Automation | Cloud & DevOps | Risk & Compliance | Data Engineering | Enterprise Architecture | Service Resilience & Continuity
Industry Contributions
- Architected enterprise-scale automation solutions for global banks and financial institutions
- Spearheaded technology transformation initiatives improving efficiency and compliance across continents
- Mentor and advocate for innovation-led engineering and next-gen DevOps practices
Prashant Nayak
Corporate Security Strategist
Prashant Nayak
Crisis & Risk Intelligence Leader
With over 30 years of experience in corporate security across industries including hospitality, banking, and media, Prashant Nayak brings a distinguished record of building resilient security frameworks and leading large, multi-regional teams. For the past 16 years, he has been at the helm of The Walt Disney Company’s security operations across the APAC region, serving as Vice President – Global Security.
In this role, he led comprehensive programs in security operations, crisis management, incident response, emergency preparedness, investigations, and intelligence, integrating technology and innovation to enhance organizational resilience. His leadership has been instrumental in developing secure-by-design systems that protect people, assets, and reputation across dynamic environments.
Prashant’s career reflects a deep commitment to strategic collaboration. He has partnered with academic institutions, private enterprises, government agencies, and law enforcement bodies to build security ecosystems that anticipate and mitigate emerging risks. His work has consistently emphasized preparedness, agility, and the cultivation of a strong security culture within organizations.
A recognized voice in strategic security management, he continues to advocate for innovation-driven, intelligence-led approaches that strengthen business continuity and operational integrity.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Bachelor’s of Commerce, Economics, University of Mumbai
- M.A Strategic Studies, Counter Terrorism Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Advanced Computing for Executives School of Computing, National University of Singapore
- Certificate of Terrorism Studies, RSIS
Satyagopal Bhanja
CEO, Africa
Satyagopal Bhanja
Risk & Governance Leader | Internal Audit Specialist
Satyagopal Bhanja is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in risk management, internal audit, and corporate governance. As CEO for Africa and Gulf at IIRIS, he drives the firm’s regional vision with a focus on enterprise resilience, operational compliance, and stakeholder accountability.
Armed with advanced degrees in commerce and business administration, Satyagopal began his journey in the corporate world through roles that honed his insights in risk assessment, audit structures, and regulatory navigation. His track record spans diverse sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, and oil & gas, where he has successfully led multi-jurisdictional audit frameworks and policy implementation.
Satyagopal is known for blending traditional risk control methodologies with modern governance tools, enabling sustainable systems that align business continuity with performance goals.
Professional Credentials
- Expert – Internal Audit Management, Risk Control, Corporate Governance
- Strategist – Multisector Risk Assessments and Policy Execution
Industry Contributions
- Leader – Governance Frameworks in Manufacturing & Oil & Gas
- Specialist – Regulatory Compliance & Internal Risk Controls
- Advisor – Multi-industry Internal Audit Models
- Architect – Governance Reforms Across Emerging Markets
Paul Devasssy
CEO, IIRIS Knowledge
Paul Devasssy
CEO, IIRIS Knowledge
Paul is s prolific & much sort after speaker at various risk forums across the region. He has meaningfully engaged with the transgender community to uplift their soft skills. Paul has been a prolific writer on a wide genre of subjects ranging from risk focused to the importance of development of soft skills & sustainable leadership.
Major Paul Devassy, CPP is a dynamic leader and maverick in risk and resiliency! With more than 3 decades of experience spanning hospitality, e-commerce, chemical manufacturing, banking, ITES, and the military, Paul is a decorated military veteran, gallantry awardee, & recognized risk evangelist lighting up every industry he touches. He has held senior leadership roles at renowned organizations including WTW, Oyo, Amazon, Henkel, Standard Chartered Bank, Fidelity, and Corporation Bank, & currently spearheads innovation as the transformational CEO of IIRIS Knowledge.
Paul has recently taken up the mantle of transformational coach, inspiring Fortune 500 leaders, startup CEOs, & young professionals to push boundaries & unlock their potential. He’s a sought-after thought leader been featured at global ASIS International events in Orlando, Macau, & India, as well as in major international journals and publications.
Paul is the Vice Chairman of the ASIS APAC Board—the world’s largest forum for security professionals & India’s representative to ACSG. Paul is a passionate community builder and advocate. He’s deeply committed to pro-bono mentorship and drives meaningful change.
Asitav Sinha
Vice President, Strategy
Asitav Sinha
Strategy & Infrastructure | Cross-Border Business Strategist | Telecom & M&A Expert
Asitav Sinha serves as Vice President – Strategy & Infrastructure at IIRIS, leveraging his extensive background in strategic consulting, cross-border M&A, and corporate structuring. He has advised numerous international businesses on entry strategy, joint ventures, and infrastructure projects in India and overseas.
A former senior executive with Easylink Services Corporation (formerly AT&T), Asitav led the firm’s Indian operations to become its highest revenue-earning geography, handling everything from business planning to full-spectrum team management. He has also played key roles in mergers, post-merger integration, and policy drafting for global clients.
Known for combining business acumen with legal and financial insight, Asitav brings structure to ambiguity and vision to execution—making him a critical asset in long-term strategic planning for IIRIS.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Specialist – Strategic Consulting, Corporate Structuring
- Expert – Cross-border M&A, Joint Venture Execution
- Executive Leadership – Telecom & Infrastructure Services
- Former Head – India Operations, Easylink (NASDAQ: EASY)
Industry Contributions
- Advisor – Post-Merger Integration for Global Firms
- Leader – Strategic Sales & Infrastructure Rollout
- Consultant – International Market Entry Strategies
- Developer – Corporate Governance Models & Commercial Frameworks
Rajeev Sharad
Vice President, Sales
Rajeev Sharad
Rajeev Sharad is an automation industry professional with over 3 decades of experience in various capacities.
With his rich experience of being a veteran professional with experience in infrastructure security, traffic management, and automation based solutions in Govt projects.
A pioneer in integrating advanced technologies like AI-based video surveillance, perimeter protection, and smart traffic systems, he has led major police and airport modernization projects. He has provided design engineering and project management consultancy for security and transport system projects.
His notable work includes design and implementation of multiple Safe Cities and Smart Cities, Delhi Government’s first automated driving test centers, Delhi Traffic Police’s smart traffic enforcement solutions and lead expert for maturity assessment of 100 Smart Cities of India.
Having been Advisor to Senior Punjab Police officers, Rajeev is associated as a visiting faculty at Asian Institute of Transport Development and Institute of Road Traffic Education, training police officers and transport professionals.
Ranjit Mallik
Senior Consultant, Business Development
Ranjit Mallik
Ranjit is a seasoned Finance professional with 35 years of experience. He worked 20 years in the banking industry with the likes of American Express Bank, Deutsche Bank, Citi and Bank Sarasin. In the last 15 years he has been involved in Business Development for companies in the AML and Financial Crime Compliance space like World-Check and ACAMS where he built their India Subcontinent business from scratch and more recently had short stints with Merlon.ai, Alea Consulting and EY. He currently also holds crucial freelance roles with the Association of Blockchain Compliance Professionals (driving the Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator certification) and the Association of Governance Risk and Compliance (driving their certificate courses in GRC and Fin Crime Comp.
Partha Roy Chowdhury
Vice President
Partha Roy Chowdhury
Strategy & Marketing (Gulf & Africa) | Brand Strategist | Multi-Sector Growth Leader
Partha Roy Chowdhury is a senior management professional with over 30 years of multi-industry leadership experience across the Middle East and India. As Vice President – Strategy & Marketing for the Gulf & Africa region at IIRIS, Partha drives the company’s regional presence across background checks, recruitment, EdTech, branding, and distance learning ventures.
Having launched and scaled multiple businesses and brands, Partha is known for blending entrepreneurial energy with structured brand building. He currently serves on the board of a UK-based EdTech firm, and also runs an active consultancy practice in the UAE, supporting cross-industry innovation and market expansion.
Partha’s deep operational insight, marketing acumen, and leadership versatility make him a key force in aligning IIRIS’ service portfolios with market-specific growth strategies.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Senior Leadership – Marketing, Branding, Technical Recruitment, EdTech
- Board Member – UK-based EdTech Company
- Director – Strategic Advisory Practice in UAE
- Multi-sector Experience – Security, Education, Media, Corporate Services
Industry Contributions
- Brand Architect – Gulf & India Market Penetration
- Business Developer – Middle East Expansion Models
- Strategist – Distance Learning, Background Screening, Recruitment
- Advisor – Cross-Sector Innovation and Regional Partnerships
Prabhunath Singh
Vice President, IntelliRisk
Prabhunath Singh
Security & Crisis Management Practitioner | Customer Success Champion
Capt Prabhu (Retd) leads the Risk Management at IIRIS, futuristically nomenclatured as “IntelliRisk” with strategic oversight of enterprise-wide risk assessments, governance frameworks and business-critical security transformation programs. His core focus lies in delivering risk-aligned, outcome-focused consulting across diverse industries including Big Tech, Oil & Gas , Nuclear Material , Mining, Retail ,Data Centres, Government & Public sector enterprises.
With 24+ years of experience, he has successfully directed multi-site, multi-risk mandates such as Threat-Vulnerability-Risk Assessments (TVRA), Security Risk Assessments (SRA), Governance, Risk & Compliance implementations, Business Continuity Planning, Event Security, Executive Protection, Travel security advisory and Crisis Simulation Exercises for Fortune 500 and high-risk clients.
A former Indian Army officer, he blends operational discipline with advanced consulting frameworks to offer tailored, intelligence-led, and tech-integrated solutions that are lean, agile, and resilient. His guiding mantra, “Intelligent Risk Response, Resilient Outcomes,” reflects his mission to embed risk thinking at the core of business decisions.
Professional & Academic Credentials:
- Military Veteran – Indian Army -The Punjab Regiment
- Prestigious professional courses – Indian Army, Intelligence Bureau, BARC, IIT Kharagpur
- General Management Course (Residential): IIM, Calcutta
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP®) – ASIS International
- Professional Certified Investigator (PCI®)– ASIS International
- Google Professional Project Management Certified
- LL.B. – Law
- MBA – Marketing-SCDL
- Graduation – Delhi University (Course Runner up) & UPSC -CDS May 1999 (Top Ranker)
Industry Contributions
- Author: Mission Samman (on frontline guard dignity) & Mastering Crisis Management (Playbook for C-suite Leaders)
- Mentor, Speaker & Panelist – ASIS India Chapter, CPP/PCI certification aspirants & young security professionals- ASIS Wall of Fame, Joint ASIS & OSAC quarterly conclave- Mumbai.
- Veteran Advocacy – Proactive advocacy & knowledge sharing sessions for transitioning military veterans ( M2C, Value talks, Forces Network)
Purushothaman Ponnenkandy
VP Business Development and Strategy, Nigeria
Purushothaman Ponnenkandy
Veteran Leader | Infrastructure & Risk Expert
Purushothaman Ponnenkandy advises IIRIS operations in West Africa, drawing from four decades of leadership in defence, diplomacy, and infrastructure. A former Army officer and UN peacekeeper, he brings deep expertise in telecom, energy systems, civil-military coordination, and high-risk operational environments.
With a background in combat leadership, intelligence, and cross-border negotiations, he has led complex projects across Nigeria and East Africa—expanding business portfolios, stabilising overseas ventures, and steering multimillion-dollar infrastructure rollouts. His tenure includes executive roles at REIME, Eptech, Anchor Telecoms, and Telenoetica.
A twice-decorated officer, he is also a certified counter-insurgency and psychological operations trainer, and has conducted UN-led capacity building across Asia and Africa. He remains a mentor, strategist, and advocate for mission-driven infrastructure and risk solutions.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- B.A. – India
- Senior Command Course – Indian Army
- Certified – Counter Insurgency & Counter Terrorism (CI/CT), Intelligence & Security Ops
- Trainer – United Nations HQ Missions (Cambodia, Liberia, India, Japan, Russia, Ghana, Kenya)
Industry Contributions
- Chief of Army Staff Commendation (2x) | UN Military Observer & Trainer | Mentor – Strategic Infra Projects
- Expert – Cross-border Negotiation, Peacekeeping Training, Asset Security & Turnkey Execution
Nurudeen Abubakar
VP business development and strategy, Nigeria
Nurudeen Abubakar
Business & Public Relations Strategist | Corporate Affairs & Media Consultancy Expert
Nurudeen Abubakar is a seasoned business and public relations professional from Nigeria with over 25 years of experience in corporate affairs, media consultancy, and strategic communications. Holding a B.Sc. and dual Master’s degrees (MBA and MLCJ) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he blends strong academic grounding with hands-on expertise in management and regulatory affairs.
Nurudeen has held senior roles including Principal Manager at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Nigeria, where he steered public relations initiatives and corporate governance strategies. As CEO of Molecule Media Broadcast Limited, he led a full-service advertising and media consultancy serving major clients such as JAIZ Bank, TAJ Bank, and Voice of America, delivering integrated solutions in public relations, advertising, and media buying.
Currently, Nurudeen advises boards of multiple organizations, including 11PLC (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria PLC), Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel), First Patriot Ltd, Century Mining Co. Ltd, and Rhino Drilling Ltd, where he contributes strategic oversight and governance expertise.
Academic & Professional Credentials
- MBA, Business Administration – Ahmadu Bello University
- MLCJ, Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice – Ahmadu Bello University
- B.Sc., Business Administration – Ahmadu Bello University
- Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)
- Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR)
- Full Member (rpa), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON)
- Member, Institute of Directors (IOD)
Industry contribution
Strategic Communications Lead – Public sector image-building at Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Media Consultant – Campaign execution for financial institutions and international media (JAIZ Bank, Voice of America)
Board Leadership – Governance and oversight across energy, hospitality, and extractive industries (11PLC, Abuja Continental Hotel, Century Mining)
Regulatory Affairs Advisor – Liaison with government bodies on compliance, public relations, and corporate communications
Brand & Reputation Strategist – Led multi-platform campaigns enhancing corporate visibility and stakeholder trust
Cross-Sector Engagement – Advisory support to private firms and parastatals on public affairs, media, and outreach strategies
Praveen Sharma
AVP, Intellirisk (IIRIS)
Praveen Sharma
Business Continuity through Security Intelligence
Col Praveen Sharma (Retd), a decorated former officer of the Indian Army, is a strategic leader with over two decades of experience spanning risk management, intelligence-led operations, cybersecurity, and compliance governance. Recognized with a Gallantry Award (Mentioned-in-Dispatches) and Unit Citations, he has built his career on protecting critical assets, strengthening governance structures, and leading teams through high-stakes challenges with integrity and foresight.
Throughout his distinguished career, Praveen has led sensitive operations, overseen critical audits, and guided investigations that safeguarded national interests and organizational assets.
His expertise extends across enterprise risk management, forensic investigations, regulatory compliance, and business continuity planning, where he combined investigative rigor with a strategic lens to safeguard organizational interests. Having overseen operations across volatile environments, he is adept at anticipating risks, designing preventive frameworks, and aligning diverse stakeholders toward cohesive outcomes.
Beyond his operational achievements, Praveen has been instrumental in fostering organizational resilience by integrating data analytics, investigative forensics, and compliance frameworks into decision-making. His leadership philosophy emphasizes operational excellence, disciplined execution, and the cultivation of trust and transparency. He is widely respected for his ability to translate complex risk landscapes into actionable strategies that enable sustainable growth.
Academically strengthened by an Executive MBA from IIFT, professional certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Cybersecurity, Cyber Law, and Financial Management, and empanelment as a Qualified Independent Director with the Institute of Directors, he brings a rare blend of strategic foresight, regulatory insight, and leadership depth. His expertise spans risk analysis, compliance frameworks, crisis management, and cross-sectoral governance.
An advocate of operational excellence, Praveen combines disciplined leadership, adaptability, and a results-oriented approach, positioning him as a trusted advisor for organizations seeking resilience, integrity, and sustainable growth.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Qualified Independent Director – Empanelled with Institute of Directors
- Executive MBA with international perspective – Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (DU)
- Certification in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – The Grant Thornton
- PGD HRM – Symbiosis
- Certified Cyber Blue Professional – The Hacker Central
- Certification in Cyber Law – Indian Law Institute, Delhi
- Certification in Labor Law – Institute of Legal & Management Studies
- Certification in Financial Management – AJ NIFM & Symbiosis
- Certification in Counselling Techniques – Symbiosis
Industry Contributions
Subject Matter Expert – Risk Mitigation Strategies, Security Audits and Crisis Management.
Security Intelligence Analyst – Military Intelligence Operations & Sensitive Investigations
Maj Dhrubajit Das (Retd)
Assistant Vice President, IntelliRisk
Maj Dhrubajit Das (Retd)
Security Strategist | Risk Management & Business Continuity Expert
Maj Dhrubajit Das (Retd), a former officer in the Indian Army, is a seasoned security strategist with over 15 years of cross-sectoral experience spanning military operations and corporate security leadership. Currently serving as Assistant Vice President – IntelliRisk, he blends frontline operational experience from high-risk military zones with the technological and compliance-driven rigor of multinational environments.
Throughout his career, Dhrubajit has led critical security functions, from physical asset protection to advanced information security operations across sectors including fintech, manufacturing and infrastructure. During his tenure in the Indian Army, he commanded frontline teams in conflict zones and played a key role in developing infiltration deterrence strategies – contributions that earned his unit the prestigious Chief of Army Staff Unit Citation.
Academically grounded in Electronics & Communication Engineering, Military Strategy and Business Administration, he has overseen complex security programs across both industrial and digital ecosystems. His core expertise lies in emergency response, incident investigation, business continuity planning and regulatory compliance.
An advocate of operational excellence, Dhrubajit brings disciplined leadership, technical acumen and a results-oriented approach to every assignment.
Academic & Professional Credentials
MBA (Consultancy) – Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
BE (Electronics & Communication) – Visvesvaraya Technological University
Young Technical Officers Course – Military College of EME
Certifications – Security Risk Management, Emergency & Crisis Management, Business Continuity
Trained – CISSP, various infosec tools & technologies
Core Specializations
Security & Risk Management | Information Security | Threat & Vulnerability Assessment | Business Continuity | Crisis Management | Security Audits
Industry Contributions
Trainer – Security awareness programs (trained 500+ professionals)
Operational Leader – Military security and corporate investigations
Subject Matter Expert – Crisis response, security infrastructure and risk mitigation strategies
Sunil Sood
Assistant Vice President, Investigations & Compliance
Sunil Sood
Sunil Sood is a seasoned specialist in corporate fraud investigations, financial due diligence, and regulatory compliance. With over two decades diverse experience across government and private sectors, he brings unmatched expertise in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), KYC, forensic audits, and legal compliance.
At IIRIS, Sunil spearheads complex fraud detection mandates, drives compliance strategy, and fosters law enforcement and government relations. He is also a certified Insolvency Professional, known for his analytical acumen, leadership, and collaborative approach. With a Six Sigma Green Belt and deep operational insight, Sunil brings a strategic edge to IIRIS’s fraud risk management and advisory services.
Gurpreet Singh
AVP – Strategy and Business Development
Gurpreet
TVET Professional | Government Consultant | Policy Advocate | Standards and Quality Assurance
Gurpreet Singh is a seasoned professional with over 12 years of experience in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), policy advocacy, consulting, and government partnerships. As Associate Vice President – Strategy and Business Development at IIRIS, he spearheads initiatives that bridge the gap between policy frameworks and on-ground implementation, driving impact across the skilling and education ecosystem.
A certified Cyber Security Sales Professional, Gurpreet has collaborated with leading national and international organizations including UNV, UNESCO, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. His work has contributed to flagship programs such as PMKVY 3.0, STARS (World Bank), and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, influencing large-scale outcomes in skills development and quality assurance.
He has been instrumental in developing 20 Qualification Packs (QPs) under MSDE, enabling the training of over 70,000 beneficiaries nationwide. Gurpreet’s expertise spans government sales, policy strategy, risk management, public procurement, and stakeholder engagement, making him a trusted advisor in education reform and skill development.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Certified Cyber Security Sales Professional
- Postgraduate specialization in TVET and Policy Consulting (as per resume details if available)
- Expert Committee Member – MSDE, CBSE, NSDC, NCVET, NITI Aayog, and Shri Vishwakarma Skills University
Industry Contributions
- Policy Advocate – Contributor to national skill and education policies under MSDE and MoE initiatives
- Standards Developer – Led creation of 20 Qualification Packs training 70,000+ beneficiaries across India
- Advisor – Member of expert panels and steering committees for PMKVY 3.0, WBDVET, CBSE, and World Bank STARS Program
- Strategic Leader – Spearheaded multi-state projects under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and World Bank collaborations
- Consultant – Provided strategic advisory for UN, UNESCO, and central ministries on skilling, quality, and standards frameworks
Akash Wigh
Assistant Vice President, IntelliRisk
Akash Wigh
Akash Wigh, a member of the Bar Council of Delhi, brings a unique blend of legal acumen and operational expertise to IIRIS. With over 9 years of hands-on experience in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Brand Protection, Legal Advisory, and Investigations, Akash has carved a niche in the risk and enforcement space. His core strength lies in IPR enforcement, but his proficiency also extends to Cyber Laws, litigation support, and tactical legal guidance.
With IIRIS, Akash has been actively engaged in coordinating with Government Enforcement Agencies, managing critical interventions, and supporting law enforcement operations during emergencies.
Rama Shankar
Assistant Vice President, Finance & Accounts
Rama Shankar
CA Rama Shankar is a seasoned finance professional with over a decade of diverse experience in corporate taxation, statutory compliance, budgeting, and financial reporting. At IIRIS, he leads the Finance & Accounts with precision and strategic insight, ensuring robust financial health and regulatory alignment across operations.
His prior roles at WOG Technologies, SoftAge Information Technology Ltd., and UCC & Associates LLP have shaped his deep expertise in Indian taxation, international transactions, audit coordination, and financial planning. Rama drives process improvements and financial discipline while supporting high-growth environments.
Vishakha Poras
Human Resources Strategist
Vishakha Poras
People & Culture Leader
Vishakha Poras heads Human Resources and Administration at IIRIS, leading people operations across India and the Gulf. With over 15 years of cross-industry experience, she has built a reputation for driving scalable HR frameworks, employee engagement, and culture transformation that align business goals with human potential.
Her expertise spans the full HR spectrum — from talent acquisition and performance management to learning, development, and organizational compliance. At IIRIS, Vishakha manages a diverse workforce of 300+ employees, shaping policies and systems that foster productivity, inclusivity, and long-term retention.
Before joining IIRIS, she held leadership positions at Aequor Technologies and Bird Information Systems, where she steered HR strategy for multi-location operations and led large teams to achieve organizational excellence.
An alumna of IMI Belgium and IIPM, Vishakha holds dual master’s degrees — an MBA in Marketing & HR and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology. She is also certified in HR Analytics, Leadership, and Management, reflecting her belief in the power of data-driven people decisions and empathetic leadership.
A creative soul beyond her professional pursuits, Vishakha finds joy in poetry, travel, and exploring diverse cultures — all of which inspire her approach to human connection and workplace empathy.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- MBA (Marketing & HR) – IIPM, New Delhi / IMI Belgium
- M.A. (Clinical Psychology) – Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- B.B.A. – M.D. University, Haryana
- Certified – HR Management & Analytics (Amity Future Academy)
Sangeeta Singh
Quality & Compliance Management
Sangeeta Singh
Audit Governance & Risk Assurance Expert
Sangeeta Singh leads the Quality & Compliance function at IIRIS, driving the organization’s internal and external audit programs with a focus on precision, transparency, and continual improvement. With over 12 years of cross-functional experience across quality assurance, compliance management, content governance, and operational excellence, she ensures that IIRIS’s audit and reporting standards align with ISO frameworks and global best practices.
In her capacity as Audit Head, Sangeeta oversees comprehensive audit initiatives—including internal compliance reviews, ISO surveillance and recertification, and multi-departmental quality audits for client-facing risk and security reports. Her diverse expertise in content quality, call quality management, and brand reputation strategy enables her to bridge communication, compliance, and credibility across the organization.
A collaborative and process-driven leader, she is known for fostering a culture of accountability and consistent quality enhancement.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- MBA – The ICFAI University, Tripura
- M.A. – Political Science and Government, Indira Gandhi National Open University
- B.A. – Political Science, Delhi University
- Certifications – ISO 22301 BCMS, Internal Auditor
- Specialisations – Quality & Compliance Governance, Risk & Security Audit Oversight, Due Diligence, ISO Certification Management, Content & Process Quality
Mahesh Deshpande
Senior Manager – Security Risk & Design Consulting
Mahesh Deshpande
Security Risk Strategist | Physical Security
Engineering Expert | Fire & Risk Governance
Leader
Mahesh Deshpande is a strategic and client-focused leader with over 15 years of experience in corporate security, risk management, and physical security design. As Senior Manager – Security Risk & Design Consulting at IntelliRisk (IIRIS), he leads large-scale security engineering and governance projects across sectors including banking, IT, hospitality, residential, SEZs, and defence.
A former Indian Air Force professional, Mahesh combines military precision with corporate insight, having built a career that spans security design from greenfield to commissioning, crisis management, and compliance with international standards such as ISO 31000, ISO 27001, OHSAS, and TAPA.
At IIRIS, he oversees technical risk assessments, electronic counter-surveillance (ECS) operations, fire safety audits, and emergency response planning—driving readiness, resilience, and safety for multi-site clients across India. Prior to IIRIS, Mahesh held key roles at Mahindra Special Services Group and HSBC, where he designed and implemented integrated security systems and compliance frameworks for multinational clients.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Postgraduate in Operations Management
- ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Lead Auditor (ISMS)
- ISO 31000 – Risk Management Implementation
- BS 18001:2007 OHS Management Systems Lead Auditor
- TAPA Certified FSR 2023 Authorized Auditor (AA)
- Diplôme de la Langue Française
Industry Contributions
- Security Design Leadership – Led end-to-end security engineering from threat assessment to commissioning across hospitality, SEZs, and IT parks
- Risk & Compliance Expert – Designed and audited ISO and TAPA-based security governance frameworks
- ECS Specialist – Conducted high-profile electronic counter-surveillance for corporate offices, events, and executive travel
- Crisis & Fire Safety Management – Delivered fire audits, emergency response plans, and evacuation readiness programs
- Mentorship & Capability Building – Designed and delivered training frameworks for risk awareness and operational resilience
Naveendas K V
Veteran
Naveendas K V
Security & Risk Management Leader
Naveendas K V is a Naval veteran and security strategist with over 19 years of experience in command centre operations, physical security, crisis management, and enterprise risk governance. As Senior Manager at IntelliRisk (IIRIS), he oversees security operations and risk management for clients across South India, managing a 24×7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) that supports leading organizations across e-commerce, banking, technology, and logistics sectors.
Drawing from a distinguished military career in the Indian Navy’s Police and Regulating branch, Naveendas brings a mission-oriented approach to corporate risk and resilience. His leadership experience spans complex, high-risk environments — from managing national defence sites to directing large-scale security operations and high-profile event protection.
At IIRIS, he leads teams delivering threat monitoring, crisis escalation, and business continuity planning for client organizations, ensuring operational continuity and risk mitigation through a blend of tactical precision and strategic foresight.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts (Economics) – Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
- Certified Physical Security Operations Centre Specialist (CPSOCS®) – CRISMAXX
- Leading Provost Marshal Course (Investigation & Policing) – Naval Police & Regulating School, Goa
- Regulating Petty Officer Course (Senior Police) – Naval Police & Regulating School, Goa
Industry Contributions
- Security Leadership – Heads 24×7 command centre operations for 15+ client organizations across South India
- Crisis Management – Directed multiple national-level event and VIP security operations with 100% incident-free record
- Risk Governance – Designed and implemented audit and compliance frameworks enhancing client security posture by 30%
- Cross-sector Expertise – Experience across defence, infrastructure, logistics, and technology sectors
- Operational Mentor – Leads and develops high-performing teams of analysts and field officers, ensuring continuous capability building