IndiGo Airlines appointed Vikram Singh Mehta as the new chairman of its board on Wednesday, succeeding Venkataramani Sumantran, who served as chairman for the past three years. Sumantran stepped down after completing his five-year term as a board member, according to the company’s official filing. Sumantran had been appointed chairman in May 2022 and played a significant role in steering IndiGo through a strong recovery and remarkable growth following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vikram Singh Mehta, a former Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer, brings extensive leadership experience to IndiGo. Throughout his career, he has held prominent positions including chairman of the Shell Group of Companies in India. In addition, he served as CEO of Shell Markets and Shell Chemicals in Egypt. Mehta’s diverse experience spans both corporate governance and international business.

Educationally, Mehta is well-qualified, holding a degree in Mathematics from St Stephen’s College, Delhi University. He also earned two master’s degrees—one in Politics and Economics from Oxford University and another in Energy Economics from Tufts University. This strong academic background complements his professional expertise.

Since 2022, Mehta has been a board member of InterGlobe Aviation Limited, the parent company of IndiGo. His appointment as chairman follows his involvement with the company and reflects the confidence the board has in his ability to lead.

IndiGo’s decision to appoint Mehta as chairman comes at a critical time as the airline continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact and looks toward future growth. His experience in navigating complex business environments and managing multinational corporations is expected to help IndiGo sustain its position as a leading low-cost carrier.

The transition in leadership also marks the end of Sumantran’s influential tenure, during which he helped the company overcome significant challenges brought on by the pandemic. His leadership was credited with guiding the airline through turbulent times and laying the foundation for its ongoing success.

In summary, Vikram Singh Mehta’s appointment as chairman of IndiGo’s board highlights the airline’s commitment to strong governance and strategic leadership. His background as an IAS officer, corporate executive, and academician positions him well to guide IndiGo in its next phase of growth and development. Meanwhile, Venkataramani Sumantran’s successful leadership during a difficult period remains an important chapter in the airline’s history. Together, these developments underscore IndiGo’s readiness to face future challenges and capitalize on new opportunities in the aviation sector.