Leading online higher education company upGrad has appointed Deepesh Dhakad as its Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO), effective October 2025. In his new role, Dhakad will lead upGrad’s product, design, and technology ecosystem across both learner and enterprise verticals, focusing on innovation, scalability, and an enhanced global user experience.
With nearly two decades of experience in technology and product leadership, Dhakad has previously held key positions at Amazon, Flipkart, Unacademy, and Games24x7. His deep expertise lies in product development, platform scalability, data-driven experimentation, and AI-powered innovation, positioning him to accelerate upGrad’s vision of building a next-generation learning platform.
“upGrad stands at a pivotal moment where technology is not just an enabler but the engine powering our next phase of growth. As learning becomes increasingly borderless and outcome-driven, our focus will be on designing intelligent, AI-native systems that personalise learner journeys and deliver measurable results for both individuals and enterprises,” said Deepesh Dhakad. “This is also about empowering teams across product, design, and engineering to innovate boldly and build world-class experiences at scale.”
Amit Mehta, Chief Human Resources Officer at upGrad, added:
“As we expand deeper into global markets, product and technology remain the backbone of how we deliver scale, consistency, and measurable outcomes for learners and enterprises alike. Deepesh’s strong experience in building high-growth, tech-led ecosystems comes at the perfect time as we sharpen our focus on innovation.”
An alumnus of IIIT Allahabad and IIT Bombay’s Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, Dhakad will be based in Bengaluru, overseeing upGrad’s global product and technology roadmap. His appointment aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to enhance learning outcomes through AI-driven personalisation and expand its technology footprint across international markets.
