IIT Kanpur Foundation names Wall Street veteran as board chair
Kanpur, April 21, 2026 – The IIT Kanpur Foundation has announced the appointment of Deepak Raj as the new chair of its board of directors. This decision comes at a time of significant growth for the foundation, which aims to further the global mission of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK).
About Deepak Raj
Deepak Raj is a distinguished alumnus of IIT Kanpur, recognized for his contributions to the field of finance and philanthropy. With over four decades of experience in global finance, he has held prominent positions, including serving as the founder of Raj Associates and as the former director of Global Equity Research at Merrill Lynch.
Leadership Transition
Raj succeeds in this role during a pivotal moment for the foundation. His extensive background in finance and his commitment to philanthropy are expected to play a crucial role in scaling the foundation’s endowment and enhancing its research support initiatives.
Vision for the Future
In his new role, Raj has expressed a strong commitment to connecting the global alumni community with the institute’s ambitious future. He stated, “My goal is to bridge our global alumni community with the institute’s ambitious future. Whether through supporting cutting-edge research or ensuring the next generation of engineers has the resources to succeed, I am committed to making the Foundation a world-class vehicle for impact.”
Strategic Goals
Raj’s leadership will focus on several key strategic goals:
- Enhancing Alumni Engagement: Strengthening the connection between alumni and the institute to foster a supportive community.
- Research Support: Increasing funding and resources for innovative research projects that align with IIT Kanpur’s mission.
- Global Outreach: Expanding the foundation’s reach and influence on a global scale to attract more support and partnerships.
- Educational Resources: Ensuring that current students have access to the necessary resources to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.
Collaboration with Leadership
Raj looks forward to collaborating with key figures at IIT Kanpur, including Professor Manindra Agrawal and Dr. Rajeev Kumar Ranjan, as well as the entire board. Together, they aim to strengthen the foundation’s initiatives and support the institute’s mission.
Significance of the Appointment
The appointment of Deepak Raj as board chair is significant not only for the IIT Kanpur Foundation but also for the broader IIT community. His experience in the financial sector and commitment to philanthropy are expected to bring a fresh perspective and innovative strategies to the foundation’s operations.
Conclusion
As the IIT Kanpur Foundation enters this new chapter under Deepak Raj’s leadership, the organization is poised to make substantial strides in its mission to support IIT Kanpur and its alumni. Raj’s vision and strategic goals will undoubtedly contribute to the foundation’s growth and impact in the years to come.
Note: This article is based on information available as of April 21, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only.
