Vinita Sethi

Vinita Sethi is a distinguished senior public affairs and strategic leadership professional as well as an
Independent Director, with over three decades of experience in policy advocacy, ethical public
affairs, multi-stakeholder engagement, inclusive development, and governance.

As President of the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) during 2023-24, she played a pivotal role in
advancing public affairs practices, strengthening the forum's impact, and fostering high-level
dialogues between government, industry, academia, and media.

In a career spanning senior positions at leading industry associations including CII and FICCI, as well
as VP-Corporate Affairs at Bharti Airtel, she has shaped progressive policies through constructive
consultations across sectors. As SVP & Chief Public Affairs Officer at Apollo Hospitals Group (2016 -
2025), she led teams to accelerate inclusive healthcare ecosystems, integrating digital innovations in
healthcare, education, skilling, and livelihoods at national and global levels.

She has been a key contributor to the World Economic Forum (WEF), leveraging her expertise to
scale innovative projects, including the Edison Alliance's Network for digital health inclusion, aimed
at transforming the lives of over one billion people by 2025.
Vinita has served on multiple boards and advisory roles, bringing strategic governance, CSR,
sustainability, and women's empowerment expertise. These include,

• Independent Director and member of the Advisory Board / Academic Board at NIMS
  University (National Institute of Medical Sciences), contributing to public health, notably
  advancing AI's impact on health through advocacy for responsible AI that supports human-
  centered, ethical integration.
• Board Member / Director at Vidhignya Enterprises Private Limited (since 2024) supporting
  women's empowerment through sustainable livelihoods, rural income generation (via SHG
  models and eco-friendly product lines), and inclusive economic opportunities.
• Chairman’s Nominee on Board of Bharti Foundation (2014-16) where she supported scaling
  holistic education for underprivileged rural children, sustainability strategies, and alignment
  with telecom policy goals.
• Board member at Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics-India (FIND-India), (2021-2024)
  empowering populations through innovative diagnostics ( TB elimination projects and other
  health initiatives during COVID aligned with government and industry)
• Co-Convener in FICCI's Women's Mentorship Forum during G20-EMPOWER presidency of
  India, driving the "Empowering the Greater 50%" initiative for gender inclusion, digital
  access, and mentorship.

Vinita holds a Bachelor's in Economics (Lady Shri Ram College, 1982-85), a Master’s in Economics 
(Delhi School of Economics, 1985-87) and a Master's in International Relations (International
University of Japan, 1987-89). Vinita has authored papers, contributed to NITI Aayog publications,
and written independently on strategy, gender-transformative health, and policy.

A passionate advocate for gender equity and social impact, she led the Ek Soch Sandbox as CEO for
social entrepreneurship (2011-15) and is currently leading the SAFE (Securing Access to Finance for
Enterprises) initiative under PAFI. Her commitment to ethical governance, inclusive development,
and strategic public engagement establishes her as a respected, impactful voice in India's policy,
healthcare, and corporate landscape.