Introducing the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor of Ashoka University, said, “Professor Krishnan’s distinguished record as a scholar and institution-builder makes him ideally suited to lead Ashoka at this important moment in its journey. We are delighted to welcome him.” Speaking on the appointment, Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder and Trustee of Ashoka University, said, “Rishi is among India’s most respected academic leaders, with a proven track record of building institutions, nurturing innovation, and advancing excellence in higher education.”
Vice-Chancellor-designate Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan said, “Since its inception, Ashoka University has set high standards as a new-generation, research-driven institution. It is a great privilege to lead the University as its Vice-Chancellor at this critical yet exciting juncture in its evolution.”
Professor Krishnan's multidisciplinary educational journey spans Physics at IIT Kanpur, Engineering-Economic Systems at Stanford University, and Management and Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad. His research has focused on innovation in India at organisational, industrial, and national levels, and his work has been published in leading international journals across management, economics, development, and science policy. In 2025, he received IIT Kanpur’s Distinguished Alumni Award for his exceptional contributions to management education and thought leadership.
Founded in 2014, Ashoka University is a leading private, research-driven university named after Emperor Ashoka. Located in Sonipat, Haryana, the University offers a liberal education in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It has more than 2,800 students on campus, drawn from 28 states and over 287 cities in India, as well as 21 other countries. The leadership team of Ashoka University consists of accomplished leaders, thinkers, and academicians with expertise in different fields. Its founders include Ashish Dhawan, Founding Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University, and Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder and Vice-Chairman of Info Edge (Naukri.com).
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Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan, former Director of IIM Bangalore and IIM Indore, has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University. Professor Krishnan’s appointment follows a rigorous search and selection process conducted by a committee constituted by the Governing Body of Ashoka University. Professor Krishnan will assume office on August 1, 2026.
A renowned scholar, policy expert, and institution-builder, Professor Krishnan brings decades of experience in academic leadership, research, and higher education administration. Professor Krishnan has led two of India’s premier management institutions, serving as Director of IIM Indore from 2014 to 2018 and Director of IIM Bangalore from 2020 to 2025. During his tenure at IIM Bangalore, he established the School of Multidisciplinary Studies and led the development of undergraduate programmes in Economics and Data Science.