FY2018-2019
Centum Learning Appoints Rajeev Vasudeva - former CEO of Egon Zehnder as Chairman
Rajeev Vasudeva to acquire 20% stake in Centum Learning and lead its next phase of growth
New Delhi, February 4, 2019: Centum Learning Limited (“Centum”), a leading player in the skill development and corporate & vocational training space, today announced the appointment of Rajeev Vasudeva, the former global CEO of Egon Zehnder, as Chairman. In addition to guiding Centum’s future direction, Rajeev will also be a major investor in the company, acquiring a 20% equity stake in Centum Learning. The existing shareholders of Bharti Group will stay fully committed to Centum for its future growth.
Given his vast global experience in unlocking the potential of human capital, Rajeev will help Centum build and create an eco-system that facilitates development of future-ready skills that are aligned with industry needs and ensure a ready market place for these skills. As one of the promoters of Centum, he will chart the direction for aggregating the demand and supply of employable skill by leveraging technology and expanding its partnership with the corporate sector. The current MD & CEO of Centum – Sanjay Bahl along with the senior management team will continue to be responsible for day to day management of the company, and will report to the Board under the leadership of Rajeev. A new, empowered Board will be assembled under Rajeev to further strengthen corporate governance and support Centum’s ambitious growth plans.
Mr. Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises said, “Over the years through Centum, we have built a world-class enterprise in the training and skill development domain with a truly global footprint. We are delighted with the appointment of Rajeev as Chairman and a valued partner in this exciting journey. I am confident that his global expertise in the areas of assessment, leadership development and recruitment combined with his trusted relationships with Boards and CEOs around the world and in India will be of tremendous benefit in achieving Centum’s aspirations of being a leading player in bridging the global gap between “availability” and “employability”.
Centum with over 2700 learning and development specialists in 15+ countries with domain expertise in over 21+ industry verticals, has skilled more than 1.5 million people globally. Over the years, Centum has provided customized end-to-end training solutions to more than 350 corporates globally.
In India, Centum has set up Centum WorkSkills India in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to enhance skills of youth across the country. Currently, it operates over 130 skilling centers to impart training in multiple sectors like Retail, Automobile, Hospitality, Health Care, Building and Construction, Telecom and Beauty & Wellness, etc. Centum is also playing a pivotal role and has partnered with various State governments to implement the ‘Vocationalisation of Higher Secondary Education (VHSE)’ in more than 1600 schools, impacting more than 1,50,000 students across 19 States and Union Territories in India.
“I am passionate about working with people to support the realization of their full potential. It’s truly exciting to get an opportunity to impact the lives of millions by partnering with Bharti through Centum Learning,” said Rajeev Vasudeva. With India emerging as one of the youngest working populations, skill development has emerged as a key enabler for India’s economic growth. In the midst of such exciting times for the skilling industry, I feel privileged to be able to contribute my expertise and experience in a meaningful way at Centum.”
He further added “If we truly believe that businesses can bring transformational change, then skilling and training are the foundational elements of that change. Combined with technology, they have the potential to unlock opportunities exponentially in education and employment. The chance to bring together these strands into an integrated whole is incredibly inspirational and motivational.”
Rajeev Vasudeva started his career in 1995 with Egon Zehnder, the leading global executive search and leadership advisory firm. He spearheaded the firm’s entry into emerging markets including India, Middle East and Africa. He has lived and worked in three continents and has served on both the Global Executive Committee and the Board of Egon Zehnder for over a decade. In January 2014, he was appointed the Chief Executive of Egon Zehnder and served till October 2018. Prior to joining Egon Zehnder, Rajeev worked as a management consultant with Touche Ross and Price Waterhouse in the US and in India. He is currently based in London.
