People

Ashesh Ambasta is a PhD in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, post completion of a MA in Economics from the University of Mumbai and a BA in Economics from St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. In a career spanning decades of deep engagement in the development sector, he has worked with various grassroots organizations in many of the under-developed districts of India where he set up and managed integrated rural development projects. He has also worked with an international charity in identifying potential intervention areas and NGO partners for its funding program. Since joining ITC Limited in 1997, he established and has headed ITC’s Social Investments Programme, which has contributed significantly to ITC’s leadership position in Sustainability and CSR and resulted in several prestigious national and global awards and recognition. ITC’s projects are known to be focused on constant innovation to meet the new demands of the sector, building local capacities to ensure sustainability and incubate models geared to scale-up through multi-stakeholder partnerships and public-private partnerships. Ashesh was also integral in the creation and establishment of the CII ITC Centre of Excellence in Sustainability Development, a unique organization with the mandate to drive and adopt sustainable practices across Indian businesses. Ashesh has also served in several national and state committees of CII and FICCI, two leading industry associations.