Jayant Krishna is a distinguished policy expert and institution builder currently serving as a Senior Fellow (Non-resident) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he contributes to global thought leadership on economic policy, workforce development, and international business collaboration. With a career that seamlessly bridges corporate leadership, public policy, and global advisory roles, he is widely recognized for his pivotal role in shaping India’s modern skilling and human capital ecosystem.

Krishna is best known for his transformational leadership at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), where he served as chief executive officer, executive director, and chief operating officer. During his tenure, he led key initiatives under the Government of India’s Skill India mission, working closely with policymakers, industry, and training partners to scale vocational education and create sustainable pathways for employability. He was instrumental in advancing apprenticeship reforms, contributing to the Apprentices (Amendment) Act of 2014, and played a key role in strengthening the national skilling framework, including sector skill councils and qualification standards.

Prior to his public sector leadership, Krishna spent over two decades with Tata Consultancy Services, where he held several global leadership roles across Europe and India, including regional director and global delivery head. His corporate experience provided him with deep insights into global business operations, technology-led transformation, and workforce capability development.

He has also served as Group CEO of the UK India Business Council, strengthening bilateral economic ties between India and the United Kingdom, and held leadership roles at organizations such as the Wadhwani Foundation and FAST India, further reinforcing his impact across policy, innovation, and international collaboration.

A British Chevening Scholar and a recognized thought leader, Krishna has been actively engaged in advisory roles across government and industry forums, contributing to economic reforms, skilling strategies, and global trade dialogue. Through his current role at CSIS and his extensive leadership journey, he continues to influence the future of workforce development and economic growth, with a strong focus on building inclusive, future-ready talent ecosystems aligned with global opportunities.