Who Is Vikram Singh Mehta – The Chairman Now Steering IndiGo
Vikram Singh Mehta is a seasoned Indian business leader and policymaker who in May 2025 became the Chairman of the Board of IndiGo, the country’s largest airline by market share. He took over the role from Venkataramani Sumantran, who completed his five-year term leading the board through a critical post-pandemic recovery phase. Mehta had already served as a board member of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd — IndiGo’s parent company — since May 2022 before taking on the chairmanship.
Mehta’s appointment came at a time when the airline was navigating both growth opportunities and operational challenges, requiring experienced leadership and strategic oversight. Reuters
From IAS Officer to Global Corporate Leader
Mehta began his professional career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) after joining in 1978. He served in the civil service for a couple of years before resigning in 1980 to move into the corporate world, where he built a diverse and influential career spanning energy, global business, and public policy. IndiGo
His corporate journey includes two decades at Shell in various leadership positions. Mehta served as Chairman of Shell Group of Companies in India and was CEO of Shell Markets and Shell Chemicals in Egypt, highlighting his international business experience.
Beyond Shell, Mehta played roles in strategic planning and advisory functions at state-owned enterprises early in his corporate career, including as an advisor in strategic planning at Oil India in the mid-1980s. ldmf.org.in
Think Tanks, Boards, and Policy Influence
In addition to his corporate roles, Mehta built a strong presence in policy and public affairs. He has held leadership positions at major research organisations, including serving as Executive Chairman of Brookings India and as Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution in Washington DC. He is also Chairman of the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), a public policy think tank focused on economic and social reform.
Mehta has served on the boards of several major Indian companies, adding governance depth to his profile. His non-executive director roles have included stints with Colgate Palmolive (India) Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Apollo Tyres, HT Media, and Jubilant FoodWorks. IndiGo
Education and Recognition
Mehta’s academic background is strong and international. He completed his undergraduate degree in Mathematics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. He then pursued higher studies overseas, earning a Master’s in Politics and Economics from Oxford University and another Master’s in Energy Economics from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
His leadership and governance skills have been recognised with several honours, including being named “Businessman of the Year” by Asia House in 2010 and “Best Independent Director in India” by the Asia Centre for Corporate Governance and Sustainability in 2016.
Role at IndiGo and Current Challenges
As Chairman of IndiGo’s Board, Mehta’s role involves oversight of the airline’s strategic direction, governance, and long-term planning. In late 2025, he took a prominent public role in responding to a major operational disruption that saw widespread flight cancellations and delays. Mehta publicly stated that the airline did not engineer the crisis deliberately and announced that external technical experts would be brought in to investigate the root causes and restore stable operations.
He has also been part of IndiGo’s crisis management team, which includes directors and the airline’s CEO, working to address regulatory scrutiny and rebuild confidence.
Why His Appointment Matters
Mehta’s blend of experience in government service, global corporate leadership, corporate governance, and public policy brings depth to IndiGo’s leadership at a time when the airline faces both intense competition and operational pressures. His background suggests an emphasis not only on financial performance but also on compliance, strategic oversight, and thoughtful engagement with stakeholders as India’s largest airline navigates growth and reform.
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Prerna Varshney is a journalist and social commentator with over five years of experience in health, gender, and policy reporting. Her work reflects a deep commitment to truth and empathy, simplifying complex issues for everyday readers.
