IICA Launches Corporate Governance Program for Defence Officers
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), in collaboration with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) under the Ministry of Defence, inaugurated its Fourth Batch of Directors’ Certification in Corporate Governance for Defence Officers on March 9, 2026. This significant event took place at the IICA Campus located in Manesar, Gurugram.
This two-week certification program is designed to educate senior officers, both currently serving and recently retired, from all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. Participants will gain insights into the conceptual and regulatory frameworks of corporate governance, preparing them for effective roles on boards of public and private sector companies.
Through this program, participants will develop a thorough understanding of the responsibilities of an Independent Director, empowering them to leverage their extensive backgrounds in leadership, strategic planning, information technology, cybersecurity, and project management. This unique blend of experience positions them to make meaningful contributions to corporate governance.
Transitioning from Military to Corporate Boards
During the inauguration, Air Marshal B. Manikantan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, emphasized the importance of transitioning from military to corporate roles. He highlighted the distinct value that senior defence officers bring to the corporate world, particularly their experience in critical decision-making, institutional leadership, and unwavering integrity.
Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General & CEO of IICA, addressed the audience, focusing on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ goals to enhance India’s corporate disclosure standards. He discussed the need for aligning domestic regulations with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and provided guidance on board-level ESG oversight.
Singh reaffirmed IICA’s dedication to fostering a trust-based regulatory environment and reinforcing the ease of doing business in India, pointing out that good governance must accompany a reduced compliance burden.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Ms. Monica Agrawal, Chairperson & Country Head of Sheffield Haworth and former Managing Director of Korn Ferry, delivered a special address, sharing her insights drawn from years in executive search and leadership advisory. She illuminated the changing expectations for corporate boards and the criteria that influence board appointments, offering practical advice for senior defence officers aspiring to secure independent directorships.
Dr. Niraj Gupta, Head of the School of Corporate Governance & Public Policy at IICA, welcomed participants and provided a thematic introduction to the program. He set the conceptual framework for corporate governance, highlighting its intersections with public and military governance. The program proceedings were led by Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti, Principal Research Associate at IICA.
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