Archives: BOD

Robin Tommy stands at the forefront of technology-driven social innovation, combining visionary leadership with a profound commitment to creating inclusive solutions that transform lives. With over two decades of experience in emerging technologies, banking innovation, and purpose-driven transformation, he has established himself as a distinguished thought leader whose work bridges the gap between technological advancement and societal impact.

Currently serving as Executive Director at Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), Government of Kerala, and Independent Director at Muthoot Capital Services Limited, Robin brings strategic insight to both public sector innovation and financial services transformation. His multifaceted leadership roles reflect his ability to drive strategic initiatives across banking, governmental, and social sectors.

Innovation and Impact

A prolific innovator with over 100 international patents across India, the United States, and the European Union, Robin’s groundbreaking work encompasses artificial intelligence, robotics, extended reality, and digital therapeutics. His innovations have revolutionized accessibility and created sustainable livelihood opportunities for thousands globally, particularly focusing on empowering people with intellectual disabilities.

Robin has pioneered AI-driven solutions that demonstrate the transformative power of technology in creating inclusive opportunities. His organizations have developed innovative platforms and VR-based therapeutic interventions that have garnered international recognition for their impact on neurodivergent communities.

Academic Excellence and Continuous Learning

Robin’s expertise is underpinned by a strong academic foundation and commitment to continuous learning. He completed the prestigious Social Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, where he developed frameworks for institutionalizing social purpose-driven models. His participation in Stanford’s Seed Spark Programme enhanced his capabilities in enterprise building and technology application mapping.

His earlier academic achievements include a Master of Technology with specialization in Quality Management from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, and completed a Management Development Program at the Indian Institute of Management, focusing on new product development and innovation frameworks.

Recognition and Leadership

Robin’s contributions to technology and social innovation have earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including:

• The 2024 Kerala State Award for Technology Innovations in Disability

• NCPEDP Mphasis Universal Design Award

• Tata Innovation Award

Ranked #21 among global B2B thought leaders by Thinkers360, his work has been featured on German national television (ARD) and various international media platforms, highlighting his role in shaping the future of technology-driven social innovation.

Professional Expertise

Robin’s comprehensive expertise spans crucial areas of technological advancement and social impact:

• Financial technology innovation and digital banking transformation

• Digital transformation and emerging technology integration

• Social innovation and inclusive technology development

• Assistive technology and accessibility solutions

• Innovation strategy and incubation frameworks

Thought Leadership and Global Impact

A compelling TEDx speaker and frequent keynote presenter at global forums, Robin has shared his insights at prestigious venues including Innovation Forums in United Kingdom and United States. His presentations combine deep technical knowledge with passionate advocacy for technology’s role in social transformation. As Vice Chair of IEEE Kerala Robotics and Automation Society and through his advisory positions across multiple technology innovation councils, he continues to shape the discourse around inclusive technological advancement.

Vision for the Future

Robin’s work exemplifies the powerful intersection of innovation, social impact, and technological advancement. Through his various roles and initiatives, he continues to champion digital inclusion and accessible technology solutions, demonstrating that purposeful innovation can create lasting positive change in society. His approach to leadership and innovation serves as a model for organizations seeking to combine technological excellence with meaningful social impact.

Professional Affiliations:

• Executive Director, Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council, Government of Kerala

• Independent Director, Muthoot Capital Services Limited

• Vice Chair, IEEE Kerala Robotics and Automation Society

• Author of “Building Smart Robots using ROS” and multiple research publications

• Advisory Board Member, Multiple Technology Innovation Councils at Universities

Dr. CMA.CA.CS Divya Abhishek  is a practicing Chartered Accountant and partner at Sukumar & Associates. She was the youngest elected Chairperson of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry Ladies Organization (FICCI FLO) Chennai for the year 2024-2025 and the Southern India Regional Council of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (Statutory Body under an Act of Parliament) for the year 2023-2024. Divya is the youngest CMA to achieve this milestone in the history of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India since its inception.

 

Divya is a consistent Rank Holder right from her school days. She is a Commerce graduate with Masters in financial management. Both her graduation (B. Com) and post-graduation (MBA) are from the illustrious University of Madras. She is also a Graduate of Law. An All India Rank Holder of both Chartered Accountancy and Company Secretary exams, Divya is an Associate Member of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India, Associate Member of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and a Fellow Member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

 

She has obtained certification in International Tax Law and Transfer Pricing from Leiden University, Netherlands, International Tax Center under the guidance of world-renowned Professor Kees Van Raad and attended special session at Harvard. She has secured All India 4^th rank in the Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT) conducted by the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT UK) and has also completed Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) London.

 

Divya has been elected to the Southern India Regional Council of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India with a creditable margin for the term 2023-2027

 

Divya is passionate about Women Empowerment. She has spearheaded the Committee for Women Empowerment for Hindustan Chamber of Commerce. She has been elected as President of Women Empowerment Forum of India (WEFI). The Andhra Chamber of Commerce (ACC), has recognized Divya for her contribution to the Financial sector & Women Empowerment  by honouring her with an Excellence Award on the occasion of the 95th Annual Day Celebrations of the Chamber.

 

Divya is the Secretary of Society of Cost Accountants (SOCA) and the Treasurer of All India Taxpayers’ Association (AITPA). She has been nominated as the First Secretary (Business Development & Trade Relations) to the Honorary Consul of Zambia in South India. Divya is also a Management Committee member of the prestigious Shiv Nadar International School. She is an Executive Committee Member of Citizen Awareness Forum of India (CAFI) and the youngest ever President of the Inner Wheel of the Rotary Club of Madras – Next Gen.

 

Divya is a prolific speaker, a TEDx Speaker and has addressed over 3050 meetings and was recently featured in ET now telecast in the Leaders for tomorrow show. She has co-authored a book ‘Income Tax Ready Referencer’, authored a book on ‘Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)’ and authored The Technical Guide on ‘Social Stock Exchange’ for the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.

 

Divya Abhishek holds various positions in Corporate and Professional Forums. She was the member of National Committee of Corporate Laws & Corporate Governance constituted by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India for the years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. She was also a coopted member of the Corporate Laws Committee of Southern India Regional Council of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for a period of 6 years from 2015 to 2022 and Committee on International Taxation for the year 2018-19.

 

 

Divya Abhishek has been appointed as Woman Independent Director / Trustee of many Companies/ Trusts. She holds the unique distinction as the Youngest Woman Independent Director ever to be appointed on the Board of Listed companies. Nominated to the Grievance Redressal Committee constituted for GST for Tamil Nadu & Puducherry & Nominated by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) for formulation of syllabus for Competitive Examinations.

 

Divya has been unanimously conferred with ‘WOMAN STAR OF THE YEAR AWARD’ by The South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) as the BEST WOMAN ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL IN ASIA which is a forum of accounting bodies in the SAARC Region.

 

Recently, Dr. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Hon’ble Member of Parliament ( Lok Sabha), South Chennai Constituency conferre3d the YUVA SAMMAAN Special Award on Dr. CA. CMA. CS. Divya Abhishek, Chairperson FICCI FLO & Chairperson SIRC of ICMAI ( 2023-2024). This Award carries the Certificate, Shield &  Gift Cheque of Rupees One Lakh,

 

Divya has been nominated as the convenor for Finance & Taxation and co convenor for Young Leadership committee at FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council for the term 2025-26.

He has assisted a number of multinationals with their Indian entry; these include Dun & Bradstreet, H.J.Heinz, Goldman Sachs, and Automobile Peugeot. He has also carried out a number of due diligence and business advisory assignments for foreign companies seeking to invest in India. He has considerable experience of internal audit.

Thomas is involved in various social services and was a Trustee of Pratham Education Trust, Mumbai for a number of years. He is currently on the Boards of Karunya Trust as well as of CA for Society. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered accountants of India ( ICAI) and was a member of the Research Committee of ICAI.

Mrs. Shirley Thomas has an all-round Banking experience spread over Branch Banking to Network Level Senior Management roles with State Bank of India (SBI). She started her career in 1984 as a Probationary Officer in SBI. Her key areas of expertise are finance, banking, management, sales, and administration. She was Senior Vice President, Sales and Distribution during the period from September 2008 to November 2012. She had handled Corporate Banking, Retail Business, Agricultural Finance, International Banking, Non- Resident Accounts, and Small-Scale Industries in several large branches in her distinguished career and also handled many positions over the last several years including Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnership and Remittances; Senior Vice President, Sales and Distribution; Assistant General Manager, Stressed Asset Management Branch; Deputy General Manager, Group Risk; Deputy General Manager, Enterprise Risk and Group Risk Management; General Manager Chennai Circle, etc. Shirley Thomas was also a Nominee Director of ITCOT Limited for a period of 1 year.

Apart from Muthoot Capital Services Limited, Shirley Thomas holds directorship in Bamni proteins Limited, Nitta Gelatin India Limited and BWDA Finance Limited.