Rishikesha T. Krishnan is Director and Professor of strategy at IIM Bangalore. His research focuses on strategy and innovation, in the context of emerging markets, with a special focus on India. He was listed in the Thinkers50 India list of most influential management thinkers. Prof. Krishnan co-authored the book 8 Steps to Innovation: Going from Jugaad to Excellence that won the Best Book Award for 2013-14 from the Indian Society for Training & Development. His earlier book From Jugaad to Systematic Innovation: The Challenge for India proposed a blueprint for how India can enhance its innovation output.

Rishikesha started his career as the General Manager & Partner, Helios Antennas & Electronics. He then co-founded a software and systems start-up, Helios Systems & Software.

Professional Career: Director IIM Bangalore, Director IIM Indore, Mentor Director IIM Sambalpur

Education: FPM from IIM Ahmedabad, MS (EES) Stanford University, MSc (Physics, 5 years integrated) IIT Kanpur

Awards/Recognition: Thinkers50 India list of most influential management thinkers from India, Change Maestro and Institution Builder of the Year from Industry Academia Conference, • Illustrious DAVian Award from DAV Senior Secondary School, Chennai