Mumbai, India: After more than two decades of leading AGR Knowledge Services, Rishikesh Deshpande is stepping down as CEO, with Raja Amarjeet Bunet taking over as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Raj Nair, Chairman of AGR Knowledge Services said, “The leadership transition at AGR comes at an important stage in AGR’s growth when huge changes are occurring in the world of business due to new technologies being available. Over the last 20 years, the company has worked with organisations across industries and markets, helping them make better business decisions through research, insights and advisory services. I acknowledge the many contributions of the outgoing CEO, to the overall success of AGR. Under Raja’s leadership, AGR plans to further strengthen its capabilities in AI and automation to disrupt existing ways to serve the changing needs of customers. We celebrate the ongoing advances in AI and are already building intellectual property to serve our customers smartly. Under Raja, this journey will get expedited.”
Speaking about his new role, Raja said the opportunity is about building on what AGR has created so far while taking the company into its next phase of growth. “Some roles ask you to step in. Others ask you to build something. The opportunity now is to think bigger, accelerate profitable growth, deepen client partnerships, sharpen our differentiation, and use technology and AI with purpose. Above all, it is about building an organisation where great people can do their best work.”
Raja thanked Raj Nair and the board for their confidence in him. He also acknowledged Rishikesh’s contribution to building AGR from its early years into the established organisation it is today.
Rishikesh said, “20 years ago, I set out, along with a core team, to build something meaningful with AGR, and today I am handing it over stronger than ever. I think this is the right time for a new leader to take it further and I will be cheering from the sidelines as an advisor. I am incredibly proud of what the team has built and confident that the company’s best days are still ahead.”
Raja further added, “AGR has a strong foundation, great people, valuable client relationships, deep expertise and significant potential for growth. My focus will be on building on these strengths and creating greater value for our clients, our people and our stakeholders.”
The leadership transition comes at an important stage in AGR’s growth. Over the last 20 years, the company has worked with organisations across industries and markets, helping them make better business decisions through research, insights and advisory services. Under Raja’s leadership, AGR plans to further strengthen its capabilities in AI and automation.
About Raja Amarjeet Bunet
Raja brings nearly two decades of experience across market research and consumer insights. Before joining AGR, he served as COO at Ipsos India. He has also held senior leadership roles including Executive Director & Head of Customer Loyalty and Executive Director Mobile First and New Initiatives.
His experience spans multiple sectors and research disciplines, including setting up the B2B and Industrial research practice, giving him a broad understanding of how data, research and insights can support business decision-making.
About AGR Knowledge Services
AGR Knowledge Services is a B2B market research, analytics and management services firm founded in 2007 with headquarters in Mumbai, India. A team of 300 analysts and advisors work with organisations across industries and international markets to identify growth opportunities, partnerships and productivity improvement through customised research and knowledge solutions. Over the years, AGR has worked in 105 countries across all continents barring Antarctica.
Over the last three years, AGR has expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of ValueNotes Strategic Intelligence in Pune and the integration of Germin8’s service division, adding new expertise and service offerings to its portfolio.
