Ajay Kela

Biography

Dr. Ajay Kela serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Wadhwani Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to advancing economic growth in developing countries. The Foundation focuses on promoting job creation through initiatives in entrepreneurship, innovation, small business growth, and 21^st century skill development.

Prior to his stint at the Wadhwani Foundation in 2009, Dr. Kela demonstrated his proficiency in scaling startups and mid-phase companies, changing them into billion-dollar organizations. Driven by his passion to make a positive social impact, he reinvented his career following a successful three decades in the technology sector in Silicon Valley. He played a significant role in framing a sustainable strategy to achieve impact at the national level.  

Ajay has a remarkable track record of expanding the Foundation's initiatives, spanning 20 countries, and facilitating over $100 million in government investments over the past eight years. His entrepreneurial prowess is evident in successfully scaling startup Symphony Services to $175 million, culminating in a lucrative exit at $780 million. During his decade-long tenure at Autodesk, he played a pivotal role in growing the AutoCAD business from $170 million to an impressive $850 million. His academic journey includes a B-Tech from IIT Bombay, India, and a Ph.D. from the University of Rochester, USA. Notably, his Ph.D. research in computer graphics has translated into the development of multi-million-dollar products at both GE and Autodesk, showcasing his expertise and impact in the field.