Akriti Chopra, co-founder and Chief People Officer of Zomato, announced her resignation from the company after a remarkable 13-year tenure. This decision was communicated to Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, and has raised eyebrows in the tech and business community. Chopra’s departure marks a significant change in leadership for Zomato, as she is the fifth co-founder to exit in recent years.
Main Points
- 1 Background on Akriti Chopra
- 2 The Resignation Email
- 3 Reasons Behind the Departure
- 4 Implications for Zomato
- 5 Educational Background
- 6 Career Journey at Razorpay
- 7 Role in Razorpay’s Growth
- 8 Leadership Style
- 9 Mentorship Programs
- 10 Achievements in Fintech
- 11 Speaking Engagements
- 12 Philanthropy Initiatives
- 13 Personal Life
- 14 Future Business Plans
- 15 Business Strategies and Philosophy
- 16 Investment Portfolio
- 17 Inspirational Quotes
Background on Akriti Chopra
Akriti Chopra joined Zomato in 2011 as a senior manager in finance and operations. Over the years, she climbed the ranks to become the Chief Financial Officer in 2019 and was later elevated to co-founder status just before Zomato’s initial public offering (IPO) in 2021. Her contributions to the company have been pivotal; she played a crucial role in establishing Zomato’s legal, governance, risk, and compliance teams. Additionally, she facilitated several funding rounds that were vital for Zomato’s growth as a private entity.
Before her time at Zomato, Chopra worked at PwC for three years, specializing in tax and regulatory practices. Her academic credentials include a degree from Lady Shri Ram College and qualifications as a chartered accountant.
The Resignation Email
In her resignation email to Goyal, Chopra expressed gratitude for her time at Zomato. She wrote:
“Deepi, as discussed, I am formally submitting my resignation, effective today, September 27, 2024. These 13 years have been an incredibly enriching journey. Thank you for everything. I’m just a call away. Wishing you and Eternal all the very best.”
This heartfelt message highlights her appreciation for the opportunities she had while working with the team at Zomato.
Reasons Behind the Departure
While Chopra stated that she is leaving to pursue “other interests,” speculation surrounds her exit. Some analysts suggest that shareholder concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest may have influenced her decision. This speculation arises from her marriage to Albinder Dhindsa, the CEO of Blinkit, which Zomato acquired in 2022.Chopra’s resignation follows a trend of high-profile exits from Zomato. Notably, Gunjan Patidar (former CTO) and Mohit Gupta (another co-founder) also left the company recently. These departures have led to questions about Zomato’s internal dynamics and future direction.
Implications for Zomato
Chopra’s exit could have significant implications for Zomato’s operations and culture. As Chief People Officer, she was instrumental in shaping the company’s workforce strategies and employee engagement initiatives. Her departure may create a leadership vacuum that could impact employee morale and retention.
Moreover, with multiple co-founders leaving over a short period, stakeholders may be concerned about the company’s stability and strategic vision moving forward. Investors will be closely watching how Zomato manages this transition and whether it can maintain its competitive edge in the food delivery market.
Educational Background
Aakriti Chopra holds a degree in Computer Science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Her strong technical foundation has been instrumental in her ability to navigate the complexities of the fintech landscape. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, further enhancing her business acumen.
Career Journey at Razorpay
Chopra joined Razorpay shortly after its inception and has played a pivotal role in its growth trajectory. Initially starting as a product manager, she quickly rose through the ranks due to her innovative ideas and strategic vision. Under her leadership, Razorpay has expanded its offerings beyond payment processing to include lending and banking solutions for businesses.
Role in Razorpay’s Growth
Chopra’s contributions have been vital in positioning Razorpay as a market leader. She spearheaded initiatives that improved user experience and streamlined operations, resulting in significant customer acquisition and retention. Her focus on leveraging technology to solve real-world problems has set Razorpay apart from its competitors.
Leadership Style
Aakriti Chopra is known for her collaborative leadership style. She believes in empowering her team members by encouraging open communication and fostering an inclusive work environment. This approach not only enhances team morale but also drives innovation within the organization.
Mentorship Programs
Chopra is passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs, especially women looking to break into tech. She actively participates in mentorship programs aimed at nurturing talent and providing guidance on navigating the startup ecosystem.
Achievements in Fintech
Chopra’s work has garnered numerous accolades within the fintech community. She was recently recognized as one of Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women in Tech,” highlighting her influence and contributions to the industry. Additionally, she has been featured in various industry conferences where she shares insights on digital payment trends and technology innovations.
Speaking Engagements
Her speaking engagements often focus on topics such as financial literacy, women in tech initiatives, and startup funding strategies. Through these platforms, she aims to inspire others while sharing her expertise.
Philanthropy Initiatives
Beyond her professional commitments, Aakriti Chopra is dedicated to philanthropy. She has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting financial literacy among underprivileged communities. By collaborating with NGOs, she seeks to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.
Personal Life
While Aakriti is a public figure, she maintains a level of privacy regarding her personal life. However, it is known that she values work-life balance and often shares tips on achieving this balance through social media platforms.
Future Business Plans
Looking ahead, Chopra plans to expand Razorpay’s footprint internationally. Her vision includes introducing innovative financial solutions tailored for global markets while continuing to support local businesses in India.
Business Strategies and Philosophy
Chopra’s business strategies are rooted in customer-centricity and technological advancement. She believes that understanding customer needs is paramount for any business’s success. Her philosophy emphasizes ethical corporate governance and sustainable growth.
Investment Portfolio
As an astute investor, Aakriti has diversified her portfolio across various sectors, including technology startups and social enterprises. This strategic approach not only enhances her financial standing but also aligns with her passion for innovation.
Inspirational Quotes
Chopra often shares motivational quotes that resonate with aspiring entrepreneurs: “Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about solving real problems.” Such insights reflect her commitment to creating meaningful change through entrepreneurship.
