One97 Communications Limited’s Paytm business has appointed Amitabh Kumar Singhal as an Additional Director, in the role of Non-Executive Non-Independent Director, effective July 20, 2026. The board approved the move at its meeting, with Singhal set to hold office until the ensuing Annual General Meeting and then be eligible for appointment as a director liable to retirement by rotation, subject to shareholder approval at the AGM. This marks a deliberate step in reinforcing governance with seasoned leadership from the technology sector.
Singhal arrives with a storied background in computer science and technology leadership. He is an IIT Roorkee alumnus (B.Tech), holds an MS from the University of Minnesota, and a Ph.D. from Cornell University, where he studied Information Retrieval under Gerard Salton. He is the founder of the Sitare Foundation and Sitare University, and made his mark as a former Senior Vice President of Google Search, a tenure that positioned him at the forefront of one of the world’s most influential tech platforms.
As a non-executive director, Singhal’s appointment signals Paytm’s intent to infuse governance with high-caliber technology insight while preserving the board’s non-executive stance. His experience in search and data-driven innovation could offer valuable perspectives as Paytm continues to broaden its ecosystem across payments, financial services, and merchant and consumer engagement.
The appointment comes on the back of a nomination from Paytm’s Nomination & Remuneration Committee, underscoring a governance-driven approach to strengthening the leadership slate. Singhal’s addition aligns with the company’s broader emphasis on long-term value creation through strategic thinking and technological leadership.