Region:
India
Education:
MBA in Marketing, Certified Board Director, MBTI and DiSC Certified Practitioner
Riya is a highly experienced leadership development and communications professional with 28 years of global experience across financial services, technology, FMCG, automotive, healthcare, media and manufacturing. She is known for her ability to design and deliver leadership interventions that create genuine behaviour change and strengthen capability at every level.
Before joining IG, Riya spent eleven years with Capgemini, formerly Kanbay, where she created end to end programmes in communication and leadership development. She led complex interventions through needs analysis, design, delivery and follow up, and facilitated programmes in the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia and India. Her final role at Capgemini was as Global Head of Assessment and Development Centres for the Financial Services business. She also spent two years leading the corporate communications function, further deepening her understanding of messaging, influence and organisational culture.
Riya joined Inspirational Group in 2012 and has since built the India business with commitment and care. She has brought major clients into the IG community, including Credit Suisse, Michelin, TIAA, Siemens, BlackRock and Avalara, and has contributed to programmes that have gone on to win awards such as ignITe and Activate. She brings expertise in communication, leadership development, programme management, client engagement and business building, and is known for her practical insight and ability to connect meaningfully with clients.
Her approach to leadership is grounded in curiosity, kindness and integrity. She draws inspiration from her spiritual practice and is a follower of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, with daily Sudarshan Kriya meditation forming a core part of her routine. She credits this practice with helping her stay centred, purposeful and joyful in her work.
Outside of IG, Riya enjoys reading, meditation and spending time with her family, who she describes as her greatest wealth. She once taught French to school students and still smiles when she remembers how excellent her grammar was. Her favourite quote sums up much of her philosophy:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb
When asked what she loves most about IG, Riya says simply that she has found her tribe. She values the culture of care, the people who surround her and the opportunity to work with colleagues she admires. She is particularly proud of the ignITe award and the collective achievements of the India team. She enjoys working closely with Heather, who she describes as someone she can always talk to and trust.
