In a world yearning for purpose-driven leadership, Navin Goel Akshaya Patra stands as a symbol of excellence, compassion, and relentless commitment to creating meaningful impact.
From his humble roots in Rourkela, Odisha, to holding global leadership positions, Navin Goel has carved a life defined by service, intellect, and purpose. Today, he is the CEO and Board Director of The Akshaya Patra Foundation Canada, and CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA—a role through which he is reshaping the narrative of childhood hunger and education in India.
From Odisha to Ohio: The Foundation of a Visionary
Navin Goel was born and raised in the industrious city of Rourkela in Odisha, India. From early on, he displayed an insatiable hunger for knowledge and a natural flair for leadership. This thirst for excellence led him to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science—an institution known for breeding some of the brightest minds in the world.
Navin Goel’s academic pursuits took him further west to The Ohio State University, where he earned his Master’s degree in Computer and Information Sciences. His life journey, both personal and professional, unfolded in Dayton, Ohio—a city that has been home to him and his family for over three decades. Today, he and his wife proudly watch their two children thrive in their own right as accomplished physicians.
The Corporate Climb: A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Before stepping into the nonprofit world, Navin Goel Akshaya Patra had a stellar corporate career that spanned continents and industries. With a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic vision, he quickly rose through the ranks at Capgemini, one of the world’s leading consulting and technology firms.
As Group CIO of Capgemini, and later as Chairman and CEO of Sogeti USA—a Capgemini subsidiary—Navin spearheaded transformative digital strategies, leading large teams and major clients through the shifting landscapes of technology and business. He was also Chairman of Aeroseal LLC and CEO of wysitech, roles in which he demonstrated his penchant for innovation and leadership excellence.
Yet, even amidst this impressive career, Navin Goel remained deeply connected to his values. He served as a Trustee of his local Hindu temple and actively supported spiritual growth, meditation, and community service—an early indicator of the philanthropic passion that would soon define the next chapter of his life.
A New Mission: Feeding Dreams, One Meal at a Time
In December 2021, a significant transition occurred. The Board of Akshaya Patra Foundation USA, led by Chairman Siva Sivaram, announced the appointment of Navin Goel as CEO. The timing was crucial. The world was still reeling from the aftershocks of a global pandemic, and the need for food security, particularly in underserved communities, was more critical than ever.
“I am honored to serve and extremely humbled to join Akshaya Patra USA,” Navin said at the time of his appointment. “Together we will continue to work towards a mission of sustainability and growth, ensuring that no child is deprived of education due to hunger.”
Akshaya Patra is not just a food program—it is a movement. Serving over 2 million meals every school day across India, the Foundation is changing lives by bridging the gap between hunger and education. And under Navin Goel Akshaya Patra’s strategic leadership, the organization is expanding its reach, elevating its vision, and strengthening its infrastructure to build a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, dream, and succeed.
Transforming Compassion into Action
What sets Navin Goel apart is his ability to blend corporate acumen with heartfelt empathy. His leadership at Akshaya Patra is not merely operational—it’s deeply transformational. He believes that every meal served is a step toward a better, more just world. Through close collaboration with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and grassroots chapters, Navin is nurturing a culture of giving that transcends borders.
By applying the same rigor and innovation that defined his corporate success, he is bringing scalability, accountability, and transparency to philanthropic operations. Whether it’s optimizing food distribution logistics, strengthening donor engagement, or creating strategic alliances, Navin is using every tool in his leadership arsenal to amplify the mission of Akshaya Patra.
A Life Rooted in Purpose and Service
Beyond boardrooms and foundation halls, Navin Goel is a man of balance and grace. He finds joy in playing golf, engaging in competitive bridge, and spending time with his family. These pursuits reflect the same focus and discipline that he brings to his leadership role—constantly learning, adapting, and striving for excellence.
Navin Goel also remains an advocate of spiritual wellness, supporting meditation and sacred study. This grounding gives him the clarity and resilience needed to navigate the complex challenges of nonprofit leadership in a world of growing needs and limited resources.
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