· Appointment reinforces focus on academic quality, research, and future-ready education
K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce, the flagship higher-education autonomous institution guided by the Hinduja Foundation the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Group and one of Mumbai’s well-established commerce colleges, has announced the appointment of Dr. Navin M. Punjabi as Principal. The appointment comes as the institution continues to strengthen its academic and research capabilities while advancing its long-term plans for expansion as a multidisciplinary centre of higher learning.
With over a decade of experience in teaching, academic administration, and institutional leadership, Dr. Punjabi is known for his work in curriculum development, student mentoring, and strengthening industry academia engagement. In his new role, he will focus on further enhancing academic quality, encouraging innovation in teaching and learning, and supporting the overall development of students.
Prior to this, he served as Vice-Principal, Professor, and Director of Placements at H.R. College of Commerce & Economics, where he handled key academic and administrative responsibilities. He has also been associated with the Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board and HSNC University, Mumbai, contributing to academic planning, governance initiatives, and university-level academic activities.
Commenting on the appointment, Raman Kalayanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation, said, “K.P.B. Hinduja College has built a strong reputation in higher education over the years and continues to play an important role in shaping young talent. As the institution moves forward, academic leadership will be critical in strengthening quality, encouraging research, and ensuring that students are prepared for emerging opportunities. We believe Dr. Navin Punjabi’s experience will help guide the College in its next phase of growth. We would also like to thank Dr. Minu Madlani, who served as the Principal till July-24 and continued to serve as the Director in the interim period , for her contributions to the growth of the Institution. The Hinduja Group believes that education is the strongest instrument for change that impacts both individual growth and societal development and has thus invested in Education for the last 75 years and will continue to guide and propel students higher in the decades to come.”
Dr. Punjabi holds a Ph.D. in Management from Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management and postgraduate qualifications in commerce and management. He is a recognised Ph.D. Supervisor under the University of Mumbai and HSNC University, Mumbai, he has guided research scholars in the areas of commerce and management. His academic work includes research publications, authored books, curriculum development contributions, and participation in national and international academic forums. He has also been empanelled with organisations such as SEBI for financial literacy, investor education and training initiatives. He has also been actively associated with leading industry and professional bodies, including as Co-Chairperson of the Knowledge (Skill & Education) Committee at the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Dr. Navin M. Punjabi, Principal, K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce said, “K.P.B. Hinduja College has a proud academic tradition and a vibrant student community. I look forward to working closely with the faculty and management to further strengthen teaching, research, and industry interaction, while creating an environment that supports both academic excellence and overall personality development of students.”