Shobhana Bhartia

Besides being the first and the youngest woman to become the chief executive of a national newspaper, Shobhana is also a prominent statesperson. She is currently the Chairperson and Editorial Director at HT Media Limited, India’s largest listed media company, part of India’s illustrious Birla group.

In her career spanning three decades, she led the process of cultural transformation at HT Media, and converted it into a high quality, forward looking professional media organization. She pioneered the strategy fundamental to the company’s rapid growth and foray into education. Her efforts have contributed to the company winning global awards including the Best Media Company in India to Work For in 2012.

Shobana has received many awards and recognition including Global Leadership Award 2015 by US-India Business Council, Media Person of the Year 2012 by IAA Leadership Awards, Businesswoman of the Year 2007 by The Economic Times, Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 by Ernst & Young, and Global Leader of Tomorrow 1996 by World Economic Forum, Davos.

After receiving the Padma Shri for Excellence in Journalism, a National Award by the Government of India, she was the Presidential nominee to the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Parliament in India from 2006-2012. She also served as a Member of the Parliamentary Committees on Energy, Women Empowerment, and Human Resource Development. Other leadership positions held by her include chairing the Audit Bureau of Circulation and the Press Trust of India. She has held Board level positions at Indian Airlines and Indian educational institutes. She is also serving as the Pro Chancellor of Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (founded by her grandfather).