Categories: Travel

Amitabh Kant Appointed as Non-Executive Director of IndiGo, ET TravelWorld

In a strategic move to strengthen its board with seasoned leadership, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd—parent company of India’s largest airline IndiGo—has appointed Amitabh Kant as a Non-Executive Director, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.

Last week Fairfax Financial Holdings had appointed Kant as a senior adviser to support its India-focused strategic initiatives. Last month, Kant had resigned as India’s G20 Sherpa after a three-year stint with a desire to contribute to ‘India’s growth story in new ways’.

A highly respected figure in Indian public policy and governance, Kant is best known for his pivotal roles in shaping transformative national campaigns such as Make in India, Startup India, and Incredible India. A 1980-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, he has had an illustrious four-decade career in government and economic reform.

As India’s G20 Sherpa, Kant played a key role in delivering the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration under India’s G20 Presidency. His leadership focused on tackling global challenges, expanding digital public infrastructure, and pushing forward reforms in climate finance, geopolitics, and innovation.

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited has appointed Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, as a senior advisor. Kant’s expertise in economic development and sustainable growth is expected to benefit Fairfax’s investment approach in India. Fairfax anticipates opportunities from India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative, aiming for India to become a USD 30-plus trillion economy by 2047.

Kant also previously held the role of CEO at NITI Aayog, where he spearheaded flagship initiatives such as the Aspirational Districts Program. His work on sustainability projects—like the Green Hydrogen Mission and the National Mission on Transformative Mobility—demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to development.Reacting to his appointment, Kant said, “IndiGo has set a global benchmark in operational excellence and customer service. Its growing international footprint will play a critical role in connecting Indian markets with the world. I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s next phase of growth and to India’s larger vision for trade, tourism, and connectivity.”

Vikram Singh Mehta, Chairman of IndiGo’s Board, welcomed the appointment, saying, “Kant’s experience in policy and infrastructure at a global scale is unparalleled. His strategic insights will be invaluable as IndiGo accelerates its international ambitions and aims to become a global airline by 2030.”