MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has made a bullish move, roping in finance industry veteran Sanjay V. Bhandarkar as an additional director and independent non-executive director for a five-year term, effective from 4 March 2025, until 3 March 2030. The appointment, recommended by the nomination and remuneration committee, awaits shareholder approval.

When it comes to finance, investment banking, and corporate strategy, Bhandarkar is no newbie. He’s the man who played a pivotal role in shaping India’s financial advisory landscape. Having held leadership positions at Rothschild India and ICICI, he boasts an impressive track record in M&A, restructuring, and equity capital markets. If there’s a corporate puzzle to solve, chances are, Bhandarkar has already cracked a tougher one.

Bhandarkar’s expertise isn’t just limited to boardrooms. He has advised the Government of India on landmark projects, including the first-ever e-auctions for 3G and BWA spectrum, and played a critical role in restructuring the infamous Enron and GE-backed Dabhol power project. Simply put, he knows how to navigate the high-stakes financial chessboard.

Currently, Bhandarkar serves on the boards of Tata Power, HDFC Asset Management, Chemplast Sanmar, and Tata Projects. He also holds key roles in investment committees and advisory boards, lending his strategic mind to South Asia Growth Fund II and III and 1crowd, a seed capital stage investing platform.

With TCS being a global tech giant, what does an investment banking whiz bring to the table? Strategic foresight, financial acumen, and the ability to navigate complex business environments. The appointment of a seasoned finance professional is no coincidence. It’s a calculated move to ensure the company’s growth trajectory stays as ambitious as ever. Bhandarkar’s addition to the TCS board signals a sharper focus on financial strategy and governance.