Govind Iyer Appointed to The Rockefeller Foundation Board of Trustees

Govind Iyer

New York: The Rockefeller Foundation has announced the appointment of Govind Iyer, a respected business executive and prominent philanthropy advocate, to its Board of Trustees.

The addition comes as the Foundation celebrates 112 years of advancing its mission to “promote the well-being of humanity.”

With over four decades of experience in leadership, board governance, and social impact, Govind Iyer brings a powerful blend of corporate and philanthropic expertise.

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Until 2022, he served as a partner at the global advisory firm Egon Zehnder International, specializing in CEO succession and family business advisory. He now contributes in a voluntary capacity to The Rockefeller Foundation’s strategic initiatives.

“Govind Iyer is a visionary leader dedicated to expanding the reach of philanthropy in India and globally,” said Dr Rajiv J Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “His perspective will be vital as we deepen our work in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Based in Mumbai, Govind Iyer is currently:
  • A Board Member at Infosys Limited
  • An Independent Director at Karmayogi Bharat, Government of India
  • Founding Chairperson at Social Ventures Partners (SVP) India
  • A member of global and national advisory boards including SVP International, Project Mumbai, and The Convergence Foundation
  • A LivingMyPromise signatory, pledging 50%+ of his wealth to charitable causes

“I am humbled to join a 112-year-old institution that has shaped progress across the world. At The Rockefeller Foundation, I hope to help others ‘give forward’ and create a better future for generations to come,” said Govind Iyer.

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Iyer’s career includes leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Kraft Heinz Company. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from NIT Trichy and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, where he remains an active alumnus.

“Govind has brought unmatched energy to everything he does – from boardrooms to charitable boards,” said James Stavridis, retired US Navy Admiral and Chair of The Rockefeller Foundation Board. “We’re proud to welcome him to the Foundation’s leadership.”

His appointment reinforces The Rockefeller Foundation’s commitment to inclusive global leadership as it addresses today’s most pressing challenges through sustainable development, innovation, and equitable opportunity.

Author

  • Salil Urunkar

    Salil Urunkar is a senior journalist and the editorial mind behind Sahyadri Startups. With years of experience covering Pune’s entrepreneurial rise, he’s passionate about telling the real stories of founders, disruptors, and game-changers.

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