upGrad, the global integrated skilling and lifelong learning platform, has announced a significant executive appointment, naming Deepesh Dhakad as its new Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO). His appointment is effective starting October 2025.
A New Leader for Global Scale and Innovation
In his critical new role, Dhakad will take the helm of upGrad’s product, design, and technology verticals. His primary focus will be on driving scalability, cutting-edge innovation, and enhancing the global user experience across both the company’s learner (B2C) and enterprise (B2B) segments.
Dhakad brings a wealth of experience, spanning nearly two decades in senior technology and product leadership roles at major global and Indian tech giants. His impressive career includes tenures at companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Unacademy, and Games24x7, where he was instrumental in leading large-scale product and technology teams that managed platforms serving millions of users worldwide. His expertise is particularly strong in product growth, implementing AI-driven systems, and designing large-scale, robust platforms.
UpGrad’s Strong Market Position
Founded in 2015, upGrad has solidified its position as a leading force in the EdTech space, offering a diverse portfolio of online and hybrid degree, diploma, and certification programs. The company collaborates with top-tier Indian and international universities to deliver these programs to both individuals and corporate clients.
The company’s financial health and market valuation remain robust:
- Funding: upGrad has raised over $320 million to date.
- Key Stakeholders: According to data from TheKredible, co-founder and chairperson Ronnie Screwvala and his family hold 45% of the company, while Temasek is the largest external stakeholder with a 20.5% share.
- Financial Turnaround: The company has demonstrated strong financial momentum, reporting an impressive EBITDA profit of Rs 15 crore in FY25, a major turnaround from the EBITDA loss of Rs 285 crore reported in FY24. UpGrad recorded a gross revenue of Rs 1,943 crore during the last fiscal year.
This strategic executive appointment signals upGrad’s continued commitment to leveraging technology and product excellence to maintain its growth trajectory and expand its influence in the global lifelong learning market.
By: Sandhya Bharti
