DESAI & ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Aashir is an expert in project management, research, and strategic initiatives. He has played key strategic roles at Noora Health, Indian School of Business, and Grameen Foundation India. He is a PGDM in Development Studies alum of Gujarat Technological University and is dedicated to impactful project management and social change.
Job Titles:
- Manager - Innovative Finance
Aayushi is an expert in fundraising, partnerships and program management. She has led impactful initiatives at LLF, secured INR 50M grant and managed key donor relations. A Former TFI Fellow, she holds an Economics (Honors) degree from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University and is passionate about holistic education.
Jared's journey is rich with diverse experiences. Notable roles at Paper Castles and Anar App demonstrate expertise in content curation, social media, and outreach. His academic achievements include a Masters in Communication from Madras Christian College and Bachelors in History from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University.
Job Titles:
- Associate - Innovative Finance
Jonathan is a versatile professional excelling across roles. He has made notable contributions at CMC & Hospital, World Vision India, International Justice Mission, and Centre for Economic Research. He has completed the PG Program in Development Management at ISDM and a BA in Political Science and Economics from St. Stephen's College.
Kartik Desai, Founder & CEO of Desai & Associates, is considered a pioneer of social finance in India, with leadership roles at four leading impact investing institutions, advising investors, donors, corporates, policymakers and academics and demonstrating a track record of successful impact investments and exits in the last 15 years.
Kartik Desai, Founder & CEO of Desai & Associates, is a prominent figure in social finance within India. With almost two decades of experience spanning investment banking, private equity, venture capital, social entrepreneurship, and economic policy, he has become a leading voice in the field. Desai has held key roles in four impactful impact investing organizations, advising various stakeholders including investors, donors, corporates, policymakers, and academics. Over the past 15 years, he has demonstrated a consistent record of successful impact investments and exits. Recognized as a thought leader, Desai actively writes and speaks, serving as Visiting Faculty at institutions such as Ashoka University, Ambedkar University, ISDM, and the Naropa Fellowship. He has lectured internationally, including at prestigious universities like Oxford University and New York University. His recent role as a Partner at KOIS, a global innovative finance firm focusing on impact investment and blended finance, saw him leading the advisory business across Asia. Prior to this, he founded and led Asha Impact, a prominent multi-family office and think tank focusing on impact investment and policy advisory in India. His career includes impactful roles at Lok Capital and Aavishkaar, influential funds shaping the impact investment landscape in India. Throughout his career, he has actively contributed to the growth of impact enterprises, serving on numerous boards and mentoring NGOs across various sectors. He has been recognized by the Government of India for his contributions and is a sought-after speaker and participant in professional seminars, educational forums, and government consultations on development finance. Kartik holds a BSc in Economics (Finance and Management) from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (2002) and a Masters in International Affairs (International Finance & Business) from SIPA, Columbia University (2004). He is currently based in New Delhi, India, continuing to shape the landscape of social finance with innovative approaches and leadership.\\r\\n
Kusum Sharma brings 13 years of experience in education, specializing in finance, operations, and HR. She has excelled in administrative roles and managed a successful coaching center. Kusum has organized major events like BEHES and WSC, fostering international collaborations.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Advisory Board
- Indian Economist
Nitin Desai is an Indian economist and international civil servant. He was Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations from 1992 to 2003 and Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India from 1987-1990. He is widely credited as one of initiators of the concept of 'Sustainable Development' in the landmark report 'Our Common Future' and through his substantive work at the UN from the Rio to Johannesburg Summits. Since his retirement from the United Nations, Mr. Desai has been active on a number of causes and served in various senior leadership posts including as the UN Secretary General's Special Representative on Internet Governance, member of the Indian PM's Council on Climate Change and National Security Advisory Board, co- chair of the Indo-UK Roundtable, Chairman of Board of Trustees of Oxfam International and Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics. He remains active in global climate governance and research with leadership roles at institutions such as the Foundation for Ecological Security, The Energy and Resources Institute, Shakti Foundation and writes a column for Business Standard. Mr. Desai completed his Bachelors from the University of Bombay in 1962 and earned a Masters in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1965.
Pallavi Balakrishnan is an MPA candidate at Columbia University SIPA, graduating in May 2025. Specializing in Social Policy and Leadership, she blends law and policy expertise with global perspectives. Her career spans roles in law, policy research, teaching, and tech governance.
Job Titles:
- Manager - Climate Finance
Viyona is a program management expert with a strong background in public policy. She has led initiatives at the Centre for Pastoralism, engaged with governments, and contributed to the Public Affairs Index. She is an MPPG from Azim Premji University, Pune, and is passionate about environmental policy, water sustainability, energy, and forests.