Ashoka University has appointed Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan as its next Vice-Chancellor for an initial three-year term beginning August 1, 2026.

Professor Krishnan will succeed Professor Somak Raychaudhury, who led the university through a period of academic and institutional expansion. The appointment follows a search and selection process conducted by a committee constituted by the university’s Governing Body.

Professor Krishnan has previously served as Director of Indian Institute of Management Indore from 2014 to 2018 and Director of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore from 2020 to 2025. At IIM Bangalore, he established a School of Multidisciplinary Studies and oversaw preparations for undergraduate programmes in Economics and Data Science.

His academic background includes an integrated MSc in Physics from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, studies in Engineering-Economic Systems at Stanford University, and a doctorate in Management and Public Policy from Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. His research has focused on innovation at organisational, industrial and national levels.

Ashoka University Chancellor Rudrangshu Mukherjee said Professor Krishnan’s record as a scholar and institution builder made him well suited to lead the university in its next phase. Founder and Trustee Pramath Raj Sinha said his experience in higher education and institution-building would help strengthen the university’s academic mission.

Professor Krishnan said it was a privilege to lead Ashoka University and that he looked forward to working with faculty, students, staff, alumni and other stakeholders to support its future growth.

During Professor Raychaudhury’s tenure, Ashoka University established seven new schools, including the Havells School of Management & Leadership, the Trivedi School of Biosciences, the Vachani School of Advanced Computing and the RK Damani School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences. The university also expanded merit- and need-based scholarships and entered into collaborations with institutions including the University of Pennsylvania and the India Meteorological Department.

Professor Raychaudhury will continue his association with Ashoka University as a scientist and professor.

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