Dr. Giri Ketharaj
Chief Advisor
Dr. Giri Ketharaj is a distinguished policy advisor, management consultant, and former senior government official with over three decades of extensive experience across key ministries of the Government of India. With deep expertise in public policy, governance, international trade, and strategic management, he brings a unique combination of academic excellence and practical administrative insight. He began his professional journey in the private sector as a Manager handling exports, imports, and international marketing with leading export houses, where he developed a strong foundation in global trade and international market dynamics. Through his unwavering hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence, he steadily distinguished himself as a committed and results-driven professional. His ability to deliver with precision, coupled with a deep understanding of policy and international business, paved the way for his transition into public service.
Over the years, his perseverance and integrity enabled him to take on increasingly significant responsibilities as e served as Director at ICAI under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India for nearly two decades, where he contributed significantly helping Members of Parliament in framing
policies etc, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement. For more than three decades he worked as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) holding key roles in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Law and Justice, and Ministry of External Affairs. These roles reflect his deep engagement with national governance, legislative processes, international relations, and socio-economic policy frameworks to various union ministers.
Dr. Giri Ketharaj possesses an exceptional and multidisciplinary academic background that complements his professional achievements. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration with specialization in internationalisation, export behaviour, international marketing strategy, and export performance in small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, he has sudied an MBA in Marketing from Savitribai Phule Pune University, a Master of Foreign Trade from Pondicherry University, a Master’s degree M.A. in International Relations from Annamalai University, a Master of Commerce in International Marketing from Acharya Nagarjuna University, A.P., LLB from Choudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, U.P. and a Master of Legal Laws in Merchant Laws from Annamalai University, T.N.. This diverse academic foundation enables him to bring a holistic perspective to policy, governance, and business strategy.
Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Giri Ketharaj is actively engaged in several prominent professional and cultural institutions. He serves as the Vice President of the Delhi Telugu Academy and is a member of the All India Management Association, the Delhi Management Association, the Press Club of
India, India Islamic Cultural Centre and Indian Habitat Centre. His continued involvement in these organizations reflects his commitment to intellectual exchange, cultural engagement, and professional development.
As Chief Advisor at Hetch Foundation, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic vision and guiding its long-term growth. His leadership is central to driving sustainable and high-impact initiatives, strengthening governance and institutional capacity, and fostering meaningful partnerships. Leveraging his extensive experience in public policy and international affairs, he contributes to enhancing the Foundation’s reach, credibility, and influence at both national and global levels.