Dr. Vinika Rao is a thought leader and educator specializing in leadership, sustainability and the future of work. Starting with Citibank, she progressed to Managing Director of an Asian conglomerate before transitioning into academia. From Associate Professor at S.P. Jain School of Global Management, she moved to INSEAD where she is Director, Hoffmann Institute and Africa Initiative. She develops programs for senior executives and manages research centers, fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
Holding an award-winning doctorate and qualifications from INSEAD, Singapore Management University and IIM Bangalore, Vinika combines scientific discipline with commercial insight to help organisations make evidence-based decisions. She serves on several boards & advisory boards including European Women on Boards, Board MatchUp (Asia) and Kali Theatre (UK). She serves on Steward Leadership Asia 2025 Jury and is Visiting Fellow at Judge Business School, Cambridge University.
Vinika advocates for business as a force for good, championing responsible leadership.