R Gopalan

R Gopalan holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in
Public Administration and Management from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard
University. Mr. Gopalan in his vast experience served as a Member of, Public Enterprises Selection Board(PESB) under the control of the Prime Minister. This body selects CMDs, MDs, and Directors of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). During this period, he assisted in the selection of over 400 CMDs, MDs and Directors.

Prior to this, Mr. Gopalan served as Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of
Finance, Government of India. He handled matters relating to Capital Markets, Infrastructure Finance, G-20, World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB),
Union Budget, Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Directorate of Currency, and other related
matters pertaining to the economy. He introduced the Infrastructure Debt Fund regime during this time.

Mr. R Gopalan represented the Government of India on the Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Mr. R Gopalan chaired the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) which clears proposals for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India. As Secretary in the Dept of Financial Services, he handled policy matters concerning Public Sector Banks, Insurance sector, Pension funds, and NBFCs. He also was responsible for the selection of Chairmen and EDs of Public Sector Banks, MD of SIDBI,
Chairman of NABARD, Deputy Governor of RBI, Chairman and MDs of SBI, and Chairman of SEBI.
During this tenure, he spearheaded the introduction of “Swavalamban” – an insurance scheme for the unorganized sector and “Swabhiman” – a scheme for financial inclusion into the banking system
through the business correspondent model.

Mr. Gopalan represented India in the negotiations in WTO with specific responsibility for agriculture, services, and intellectual property rights.