Palo Alto, CA/ Kanpur, April 20, 2026: The IIT Kanpur Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Deepak Raj as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. A distinguished alumnus awardee of the institute and seasoned financial leader, Mr. Raj succeeds to the role in a period of significant growth for the Foundation and will lead its strategic efforts to further the global mission of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK).

Mr. Raj brings over four decades of expertise in global finance and philanthropy to the role. As the founder of Raj Associates and the former director of Global Equity Research at Merrill Lynch, his leadership comes at a pivotal time as the Foundation seeks to scale its endowment and research support initiatives.

On this occasion, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Ranjan, President of IIT Kanpur Foundation, said, “His deep roots in global finance, paired with his transformative leadership in the philanthropic sector - where he has scaled mission-driven organizations like Pratham USA, The/Nudge Foundation, and Indian-American Impact - provides the Foundation with a rare caliber of governance. Through his work with the India Philanthropy Alliance, Deepak has proven his ability to unify diverse stakeholders toward a collective vision of progress. This unique combination of strategic acumen and a proven record of high-impact service is exactly what we need to accelerate our mission and drive the Foundation’s next chapter of growth."

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, “Mr. Deepak Raj has been a steadfast supporter of our institute for decades. His journey from our classrooms to the top positions of global finance and public service serves as an inspiration to our students. Also, a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, Mr. Raj demonstrates a profound understanding of IIT Kanpur’s core values. We are confident that under his chairmanship, the Foundation will achieve new milestones in advancing the Institute’s growth.”

Speaking on this occasion, as the Incoming Chair of the IIT Kanpur Foundation, Mr. Deepak Raj said, “IIT Kanpur provided the foundation for my professional life, and it is a privilege to give back in this capacity. My goal is to bridge our global alumni community with the institute’s ambitious future. Whether through supporting cutting-edge research or ensuring the next generation of engineers has the resources to succeed, I am committed to making the Foundation a world-class vehicle for impact. I look forward to working with Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Ranjan, and the entire board to strengthen our beloved alma mater.”

Mr. Deepak Raj is the Founder and Managing Director of Raj Associates, a New Jersey-based private investment firm. Throughout a 24-year career at Merrill Lynch (1979-2003), he held several senior leadership roles, including head of Global Equity Research. Since 2019, he has served as the elected chairman of the New Jersey State Investment Council, which supervises the $80 billion New Jersey Pension Fund.

Beyond finance, Mr. Raj is a prominent figure in South Asian philanthropy. He has served as chairman of the India Philanthropy Alliance and of Pratham USA, and is a board member of The/Nudge Foundation, which supports livelihood solutions for the underprivileged. In 2015, he and his wife, Smt. Neera established the Deepak and Neera Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies at Columbia University. Mr. Raj holds a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur and an MBA from Northeastern University.

About IIT Kanpur Foundation

The IIT Kanpur Foundation is a US-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. The Foundation facilitates alumni engagement, manages endowment funds, and funds critical projects ranging from infrastructure development to faculty research and student scholarships.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialized schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in.