Rajiv leads with a rare blend of vision, humility, and heart. As Managing Director and President of the Microsoft India Development Center (IDC) and Corporate Vice President of the Experiences and Devices (E+D) India Group, he has shaped IDC into one of Microsoft’s largest and most vibrant development hubs in the world.

For over three decades at Microsoft—spanning the US and India—Rajiv has been at the heart of innovation across iconic products such as Visual Basic Compiler, SharePoint, Microsoft Office, and now Copilot. A founding member of BizTalk and Kaizala, and the creative force behind mobile innovations like Sprightly (a precursor to Designer), his work has touched billions of users and transformed how the world connects and creates. 

But beyond technology, Rajiv is deeply passionate about purpose — building teams that dream boldly, nurture inclusion, and use AI and the cloud to tackle some of society’s most meaningful challenges. He envisions IDC as a hub for innovation that strengthens India’s role in the global AI story, while staying true to Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.  

A graduate of IIT Roorkee and the University of Texas at Austin, Rajiv holds over 25 patents and was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Excellence in Engineering Innovation by IIT Roorkee.  

Outside of work, he finds balance in yoga, meditation, and cycling, and cherishes time with his wife Rekha — also an IIT Roorkee alumna — and their two daughters, Eshita, a software engineer, and Sneha, a doctor.  

Those who know him describe him as grounded and inspiring — someone who leads not just with intellect, but with empathy. As he often says, “Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about caring for those you are responsible for and inspiring them to achieve their full potential.”  

Ms. Nidhi Bansal, Outstanding Scientist & Director, TDF

Smt Nidhi Bansal is a graduate of Aerospace Engg. From Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh and has won Gold medals for standing first in the University academics and for the best Research Project “ Design of a Multi Role Fighter Aircraft- Astej”. She has earned her Master’s in Engg. From Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. 

She joined DRDO in 1991. Throughout her time at various laboratories in the premier R&D organisation of the country, she worked on a variety of sonar and laser systems for defence forces.

Smt. Nidhi Bansal has been steering Technology Development Fund Scheme at DRDO HQ since March 2020. TDF provides support to Indian startups and MSMEs for Defence R&D projects. As Director TDF, she has been working towards the rapid growth of the scheme in line with the vision of “Atmanirbharta” of the Govt of India, nurturing the R&D culture in the private industries and has been instrumental in its transformation.