Gurugram: Astrum, India’s first research-based strategic communications firm, has announced the appointment of Shailesh Haribhakti to its Advisory Board. The move is aimed at further strengthening the firm’s focus on corporate governance, sustainability, and strategic advisory as it continues to expand its professional services capabilities.
Widely regarded as one of India’s leading voices in corporate governance, financial leadership, and sustainability, Haribhakti will provide strategic counsel to Astrum as the firm deepens its emphasis on research-led reputation management and future-focused advisory services.
Commenting on the appointment, Ashwani Singla, Founding Managing Partner, Astrum, said, “Haribhakti is a visionary leader with deep insight into the convergence of AI, governance, and sustainability, consistently ahead of emerging trends. His guidance will be invaluable as we re-imagine professional services in the 21st century. The very untimely passing of my dear friend and board member Mr. Lalit Ahluwalia, left a void that was hard to fill; we are fortunate that a person of the stature of Mr. Haribhakti joins the other distinguished members of our advisory board.”
Responding to the announcement, Shailesh Haribhakti said, “Ethical leadership, and strong governance are fundamental to how organisations are perceived, trusted, and valued by stakeholders and society at large. Astrum’s distinctive approach of supporting organizations build credible and enduring reputations, anchored in rigorous research and guided by strong values, resonates deeply with my own convictions, and I am honored to contribute to its vision and purpose.”
A Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant by profession, Haribhakti is recognised globally for his work at the intersection of sustainability, governance, technology, and artificial intelligence. He is the founder of the “Innovate to Zero” concept, which focuses on creating collaborative and impact-driven interventions addressing global challenges.
Over the years, he has received several recognitions, including the Vivekananda Sustainability Award, the Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) Award for Excellence in Sustainability 2025, and an honorary Doctor of Letters from ITM University, Raipur. He is also the author of multiple books, including The Pathway to an Advanced, Green, AI-Led India and AI Auditing, reflecting his continued focus on future-ready leadership frameworks.
The appointment comes at a time when organizations are increasingly prioritizing governance, sustainability, and ethical leadership as central pillars of long-term reputation and stakeholder trust.
