Dr. John Hoffmire: It’s a pleasure to reconnect with you, Himadri. You have over a decade of experience in risk management and consulting, can you share how your journey in this field began and what motivated you to specialize in enterprise risk management?
Himadri Gangwar: Thank you for this opportunity, John. My journey in risk management began during my tenure at Deloitte, where I had the opportunity to manage numerous engagements across various sectors, including financial services, technology, healthcare, etc. I was drawn to enterprise risk management because of its pivotal role in helping organizations navigate uncertainties and achieve their objectives. The ability to create frameworks that not only mitigate risks but also drive business improvement truly resonated with my passion for creating meaningful impact.
John: You have played a pivotal role in designing and implementing the Risk Management Framework at DSP Asset Managers. Can you elaborate on the challenges you faced during this process and how you overcame them?
Himadri: Developing and implementing the Risk Management Framework at DSP Asset Managers was a complex and rewarding undertaking. A key challenge was ensuring alignment and buy-in across business units with varying perspectives and risk appetites. To address this, I fostered open communication and collaboration, demonstrating how a unified risk approach could safeguard the firm’s interests and support its objectives. Balancing regulatory compliance with business goals required strategic integration and adaptability to evolving risks. I also prioritized automation, implementing tools to track risk metrics, assessments, and incidents, which provided real-time insights and enabled data-driven decision-making. Adopting a phased implementation approach ensured seamless integration, minimized disruptions and fostered a strong risk-aware culture. These efforts solidified my expertise and highlighted the strategic importance of proactive risk management.
John: Now, as Chief Risk Officer at DSP Pension Fund, you are responsible for establishing the organization’s risk framework and policies. What are your primary goals in this role, and what impact do you envision robust risk management practices will have on the organization?
Himadri: In my current role, my primary goal is to develop a comprehensive risk framework that integrates with DSP Pension Fund’s strategic objectives. I want to ensure that risk management policies foster accountability, transparency, and proactive risk mitigation across the organization. Effective risk management is not just about protection—it’s about supporting informed decision-making, driving business performance, and enhancing stakeholder confidence. I’m particularly focused on leveraging data analytics and technology to strengthen our risk processes and keep pace with emerging risks in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
John: In addition to your professional role, you have been involved in social initiatives with IIM Women for Social Action. How did you balance your career with your passion for social impact, and what motivated you in this area?
Himadri: Balancing a demanding career with social initiatives comes with its challenges, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. My involvement with IIM Women for Social Action reflects my belief in leveraging my skills and resources to drive meaningful change. Whether it’s supporting marginalized communities, promoting education for girls, or helping migrant workers return home with dignity during the pandemic, these projects provided a profound sense of purpose beyond professional achievements. These initiatives not only created tangible impact but also kept me grounded and connected to the broader community, reinforcing my commitment to social responsibility and inspiring me to do even more.
John: You and I share that same drive to empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty and I appreciate the work you are doing in that regard. My final question asks about your time as a Chevening Gurukul Fellow at the University of Oxford. Please share some of the key lessons you took away from that experience and how are you applying those lessons in your current role?
Himadri: The Chevening Gurukul Fellowship at Oxford was an incredibly transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. Over 11 weeks, I immersed myself in Oxford’s vibrant academic environment, delving into global governance, leadership, and policy. The program’s interdisciplinary approach broadened my perspective, enabling me to connect global challenges with local realities and equipping me with practical leadership insights that I apply in my work every day. It also reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in addressing complex problems—a lesson that remains a guiding principle in my professional journey.
One of the most impactful aspects of the fellowship was collaborating with a diverse cohort of accomplished professionals and learning from world-class experts across academia, government, and industry. Peer learning was as enriching as the formal sessions, constantly challenging me to step out of my comfort zone. Highlights included mentoring sessions, group projects, field visits, and an unforgettable trip to Scotland. My project on empowering women through financial education was especially rewarding, enriched by the guidance of a dedicated mentor and access to Oxford’s exceptional resources.
On a personal level, the fellowship provided a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and embrace student life again. Walking to campus everyday with flatmates, taking solo trips, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, and connecting with inspiring individuals from around the world created memories I’ll cherish forever. The experience deepened my understanding of geopolitics and public policy while reaffirming my commitment to fostering leadership, innovation, and accountability in my work.
Above all, the relationships I built have left an indelible mark. From forming lifelong friendships within my cohort, to staying engaged in Chevening initiatives, (the global network I’ve become a part of) continues to inspire and support me. This fellowship was more than just a program —it was a life-changing journey that I’ll always treasure.
John: Himadri, it was pleasure to have you in the Gurukul programme and to be your professor for a time. I wish you the very best. Please take care.
Himadri Gangwar is the Chief Risk Officer at DSP Pension Fund Managers Private Limited and a Chevening Gurukul Fellow 2023.
John Hoffmire is a Research Associate at the Oxford Centre for Mutual and Co-owned Business
