Arun Duggal: Foundations of Excellence – IIT Delhi to IIM Ahmedabad
Every enduring legacy begins with strong foundations. Arun Duggal earned his Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi in 1967, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Ahmedabad—two institutions that shaped his analytical rigor, ethical compass, and strategic mindset.
Decades later, these very institutions would honour him not merely as an alumnus, but as a contributor who gave back far more than he received. His recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad reflects a life devoted to excellence beyond personal success.
A 26-Year Global Banking Odyssey at Bank of America
The defining professional chapter of Arun Duggal corporate leader unfolded at Bank of America, where he spent 26 years building and leading complex financial operations across continents.
Key Leadership Roles
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Chief Executive, Bank of America India (1998–2001)
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Chief Executive, BA Asia Limited, Hong Kong
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Regional Executive, Tokyo, overseeing Japan, Australia, and Korea
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Global Head, Oil & Gas Practice (1981–1990)
From New York and San Francisco to Hong Kong and Tokyo, Duggal operated at the intersection of global finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic advisory. His leadership style—measured, ethical, and insight-driven—earned him trust across cultures and markets.
When he retired from Bank of America in 2001, he had already left an indelible mark on international banking.
Arun Duggal: Beyond Banking – A Second Career with Deeper Impact
Retirement did not signal withdrawal—it signaled reinvention. After a brief stint as Chief Financial Officer at HCL Technologies, Arun Duggal officially retired again in 2003, only to begin a far more influential phase of his life.
Since then, Arun Duggal corporate leader has emerged as one of India’s most respected voices in corporate governance, ESG, education, and ethical leadership.
Boardroom Leadership with Integrity
As of late 2024–2025, Arun Duggal continues to shape India’s corporate landscape through critical board roles:
Current Board Engagements
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ITC Limited – Board Member
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Dr Lal PathLabs – Independent Director
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Techno Electric & Engineering Company Ltd. – Independent Director
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J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. – Non-Executive Independent Director (appointed July 2024)
He also serves as Chairman of:
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Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited
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International Asset Reconstruction Company
Previously, he has chaired or served on boards including ICRA Ltd., Info Edge, Jubilant Pharma, Petronet LNG, Adani Ports & SEZ, ReNew Power, and several Zuari Group companies.
Even when stepping down—such as his resignation from ASK Automotive in August 2025 or concluding his chairmanship of ICRA in November 2024—his exits reflect the same professionalism and transparency that defined his entries.
Championing Governance, ESG, and Ethical Capitalism
What sets Arun Duggal corporate leader apart is his unwavering belief that businesses must serve society, not merely shareholders.
Institutions He Founded
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Arun Duggal Centre of Excellence for Research in Climate Change and Air Pollution, IIT Delhi
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Centre for ESG Research (CESGR), IIM Ahmedabad
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Centre of Excellence for Research on Clean Air (CERCA), IIT Delhi
These initiatives focus on real-world solutions—clean air technologies, climate policy advocacy, and ESG frameworks that drive responsible growth.
Empowering Women in Leadership
Among his most transformative contributions is the Women on Corporate Boards programme, founded under FICCI. The initiative mentors high-potential women leaders, preparing them for board-level responsibilities and reshaping India’s corporate leadership pipeline.
This is not symbolic diversity—it is structured empowerment, driven by belief and backed by action.
A Teacher, Mentor, and Nation Builder
Beyond boardrooms and institutions, Arun Duggal serves as a Visiting Professor, mentor, and trusted advisor. His insights bridge theory and practice, offering future leaders a roadmap grounded in ethics, resilience, and global perspective.
IIT Delhi, in honouring him, aptly noted that his achievements have “brought glory to the name of the Institute.”